Announcing Our Latest Seed Investment in City Detect

Scotty Lefkowitz

City Detect is an AI-powered platform that helps cities identify, manage, and mitigate urban decay and blight by leveraging advanced computer vision and machine learning technology. Municipalities using City Detect can detect, map, and analyze over 100 urban elements, such as code violations, illegal dumping, and graffiti, allowing local leaders to make informed decisions and proactively tackle urban challenges. Based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, City Detect is focused on using data-driven insights and computer vision to help municipalities across North America address urban issues.

Las Olas Venture Capital (LOVC) led City Detect's $2 million seed funding round with participation from Knoll Ventures and Atlanta Seed Company.

Founded by Gavin Baum-Blake, an Army veteran, attorney, and seasoned entrepreneur, and a team with deep experience in urban management and technology developed Dr. Erik Johnson, a pioneering urban economist, City Detect. It integrates data collection and analytics into one comprehensive system, providing cities with actionable insights that optimize resource allocation and enhance urban environments.

"City management is no longer just about reactive solutions; it's about leveraging data to manage and improve urban environments proactively," says Gavin Baum-Blake, CEO and Co-Founder of City Detect. "Our platform is designed to provide municipalities with accurate, real-time data that empowers them to address urban decay before it becomes a crisis." As cities continue to face mounting challenges related to urban decay, City Detect is well-positioned to support any city looking to optimize its urban management strategies and improve community safety and quality of life. "The investment from Las Olas Venture Capital is a key step in accelerating our growth and expanding our impact across more cities in North America," added Baum-Blake. "The confidence and support from LOVC further validate our mission and technology."


This investment will allow City Detect to scale its AI capabilities, enhance its platform's features, and expand its team to meet the growing demand from municipalities looking for innovative solutions to urban challenges.

"City Detect is revolutionizing how municipalities manage urban environments by providing a comprehensive and automated solution for identifying and mitigating urban decay. Their approach addresses existing challenges and offers a proactive model for future urban management, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable cities," said Dean Hatton, Founding Partner at LOVC. "City Detect is a pioneer in urban analytics, and we are excited to support them on their journey to transform city management through data-driven insights."


City Detect serves municipalities across the United States, including early adopters like Birmingham, Atlanta, and Stockton, demonstrating the platform's value and scalability in diverse urban settings. City Detect is a pioneering AI-powered platform designed to help cities proactively identify, manage, and mitigate urban decay and blight. Using advanced computer vision and machine learning, City Detect empowers municipalities with real-time data and actionable insights to improve urban environments. 

Learn more about City Detect, explore open roles, and follow their growth at their website and follow them on LinkedIn.

For informational purposes only. Not an offer to sell securities. Past investments shown are not indicative of future performance. LOVC Management, LLC (d.b.a Las Olas Venture Capital) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill. See Form ADV for additional information.


Certain information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable as of the date listed; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Other content reflects the views and opinions of LOVC as of the date presented and is subject to change without notice

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