Breezometer Raises $30M Series C to Expand Air Quality Monitoring

The Origins of BreezoMeter: Addressing a Critical Information Gap

Ran Korber, alongside his wife who was expecting and also suffered from asthma, embarked on a home search in Israel. Recognizing that air pollution represents the foremost environmental contributor to premature mortality, and understanding its links to premature birth and respiratory ailments, Korber sought to identify the Israeli city with the lowest pollution levels.

However, he quickly discovered a significant deficiency: this crucial data was simply unavailable. This realization spurred him to develop what would become BreezoMeter, a sophisticated tool capable of forecasting 40 different pollutants across categories including pollen, air pollution, wildfires, and general weather conditions.

Recent Funding and Company Growth

The company recently announced a $30 million Series C funding round, spearheaded by Fortissimo Capital. This investment brings the total funding raised by BreezoMeter to $45 million. Founded in Israel and launched in June 2014, the company’s inception followed approximately two years after Korber’s initial house-hunting experience.

“In numerous nations, individuals lack awareness regarding the air quality surrounding them,” stated Korber, who currently serves as CEO and co-founder of BreezoMeter, in an interview with TechCrunch.

Data Acquisition and Technological Foundation

BreezoMeter leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to collect and interpret data from a vast network of sources. This includes input from over 47,000 sensors globally.

The result is highly precise, street-level air quality data – accurate to within 16.5 feet – alongside detailed information on pollen counts, pollutants, and wildfire activity, spanning more than 100 countries.

Integration with Apple Products and Air Quality Index

Notably, BreezoMeter’s technology is integrated directly into the Apple Weather app on both Apple Watches and iPhones. Users can access air quality measurements powered by BreezoMeter by scrolling down within any city’s weather forecast.

In the United States, the Air Quality Index (AQI) operates on a scale of 0 to 500, with 0 representing the cleanest air. As an example, Miami’s air quality registered at 36 (good) yesterday, while today it is 51 (moderate). Comparatively, New York City’s air quality is currently 34 (good), surpassing that of Miami.

Forecasting Capabilities and Symptom Prediction

Beyond simply measuring current air quality, BreezoMeter also provides forecasts, enabling individuals to proactively prepare based on their specific sensitivities.

“We can predict the onset of pollen season and subsequently forecast how pollen may disperse between different locations,” Korber explained.

Even without knowing specific sensitivities, awareness of local air quality can prompt individuals to monitor for potential symptoms.

“Depending on the specific pollutants present, BreezoMeter can also indicate the possible symptoms an individual might experience upon exposure,” Korber added.

Addressing the Information Gap in Pollution Monitoring

A significant challenge lies in the substantial lack of air quality monitoring infrastructure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that approximately 120 million Americans reside in areas without any pollution monitoring capabilities.

“Prior to BreezoMeter, data was sourced from the same limited set of sensors. Now, we integrate data from those sensors, alongside traffic information, wildfire reports, satellite data, and local sensors, while also factoring in land use for pollen analysis,” Korber stated.

Resilience During Wildfires

Sensors are particularly vulnerable during wildfires. “Sensors can be physically destroyed by fire,” Korber noted. To mitigate this risk, BreezoMeter relies on its extensive network of alternative sensors, including those deployed on satellites.

“Each day, over 300 million people utilize our platform to make informed decisions regarding the avoidance of environmental hazards,” Korber emphasized, noting that usage extends beyond the Apple Weather app.

Partnership with Propeller by ResMed and Health Benefits

Individuals managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma may benefit from BreezoMeter’s integration within Propeller by ResMed. This device provides patients with personalized recommendations based on air quality, such as closing windows or using an inhaler.

BreezoMeter reports that Propeller patients have experienced approximately a 50% reduction in asthma attacks and emergency room visits since incorporating BreezoMeter’s data into their product.

Future Plans and Team Expansion

The company intends to allocate the newly acquired funding towards the development of additional product categories and to expand its team to approximately 120 employees, tripling its current size.