Obvio is tackling pedestrian safety with new tech. The San Carlos startup is installing cameras at stop signs, aiming to reduce traffic violations without creating a surveillance state.
This comes as pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. are on the rise. Obvio’s founders, Ali Rehan and Dhruv Maheshwari, think they can address this problem without indulging in the overreach seen in other companies like Flock.
The startup just closed a $22 million Series A funding round led by Bain Capital Ventures. Funds will help Obvio expand beyond its current five cities in Maryland. 
Rehan and Maheshwari, former colleagues at Motive, realized that road safety is dire in the U.S. compared to other nations. They found current measures—education, engineering, and enforcement—often too disconnected.
Their solution? A brightly-colored, solar-powered camera pylon that tracks severe driving infractions. If a violation occurs, the system captures a vehicle’s license plate and matches it with DMV data. Only verified violations are sent to law enforcement for citation.
Obvio provides the tech to cities for free and profits from fines. While this raises questions about citation incentives, the founders assert community engagement is key.
"Automated enforcement should be used in conjunction with community advocacy…," Maheshwari stated.
The cameras don’t constantly surveil. They only process footage for 12 hours and delete all but verified violations.
Bain Capital Ventures partner Ajay Agarwal backs this restrictive model.
“Yes, in the short term, you can maximize profits…,” Agarwal stated.
The goal? Build trust with communities while tackling dangerous driving behaviors efficiently.
