Tech M&A deals: Transom Capital, Pearson, Motorola Solutions

LA City Council delayed a pilot program to place ALPR cameras on streetlights, citing privacy concerns. The program, part of a $235M contract with Axon Enterprise, was referred to a committee for further review. Axon's contract includes patrol-car cameras, body-worn cameras, and AI features for report drafting. The LAPD updated its ALPR policies to strengthen privacy protections.

The Los Angeles City Council will review a 10-year, $235M contract with Axon Enterprise for ALPR technology and related services, approved by the Board of Police Commissioners. The deal includes patrol-car cameras, body-worn cameras, Tasers, and AI features for police reports. Council members seek further discussion on privacy and data-sharing concerns. Axon's stock may be affected by the outcome.

Motorola Solutions (MSI) acquired DeepNeuronic, a Portuguese AI video analytics firm, for undisclosed terms. DeepNeuronic's 17-person team will join MSI and remain in Covilhã. The acquisition will integrate DeepNeuronic's technology into MSI's Avigilon video security platform. Young America Capital advised DeepNeuronic on the sale.

Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and Verkada declined to testify before a Senate subcommittee on mass surveillance. Sen. Hawley criticized their absence, while Democrats suggested they had something to hide. The panel heard from a woman wrongly jailed due to Flock's system. Axon has a $235M contract with LAPD for license plate readers. Critics raise privacy concerns about AI-powered surveillance networks.

Motorola Solutions CEO Greg Brown discussed the company's transformation in a long-form interview. He highlighted the necessity of splitting from the mobile phone business to avoid bankruptcy, focusing on public safety and defense technology. Brown mentioned over 60 acquisitions, including Silvus Technologies for up to $5B, and plans to acquire a counter-drone company.

Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, and Motorola Solutions CEOs declined to testify before a Senate subcommittee investigating their camera technology over mass surveillance concerns. The hearing featured civil liberties experts and a wrongfully accused individual. The subcommittee expressed bipartisan concerns about privacy and potential Fourth Amendment violations. Axon has a $235M contract with LAPD for license plate readers.