- Published on
Watch Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley discuss the future of surveillance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley is set to discuss the intersection of AI, surveillance, and public safety at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place October 13-15 at San Francisco's Moscone Center. The company, which has seen both rapid investment growth and intense public backlash, sits at the center of the privacy-versus-safety debate in the AI era. Langley's session is expected to address how Flock navigates these challenges while expanding its technology.
Flock Safety was founded in 2017 by Langley, Matt Feury, and Paige Todd, and it participated in Y Combinator before gaining traction with license plate recognition and general surveillance cameras. The Atlanta-based startup has since expanded into drone first responders through its acquisition of Aerodome. Langley previously worked at the car subscription service Clutch and at Experience, which was sold to Cox Enterprises for $200 million in 2014.
The company's most recent fundraise, a $275 million round last year, valued Flock at $7.5 billion—a sharp increase from the prior year's $4.8 billion valuation. Altogether, Flock has raised $950 million in total funding. Its technology is used by businesses and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Flock's success has drawn significant pushback from privacy advocates, including the ACLU, and members of the public. Some individuals have destroyed Flock's surveillance cameras in protest. Additionally, Amazon's Ring ended a partnership with Flock, and the LAPD allowed its deal with the company to lapse this month, representing notable setbacks.
Langley will likely address these controversies directly during the Disrupt session. The discussion is expected to provide insight into the company's approach to the increasingly interwoven nature of AI and surveillance, appealing to both supporters and critics. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host over 10,000 founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
The future of Flock Safety and similar companies hinges on public and regulatory responses to surveillance technology. Langley's appearance at Disrupt signals the company's willingness to engage in hard-hitting conversations about privacy and ethics. As AI continues to advance, the line between public safety and individual rights will remain a pressing issue.
