Key Takeaways

  • Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.
  • The event will address the balance between privacy and public safety in the AI era.
  • Flock Safety has faced both investment success and public backlash.
  • TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is scheduled for October 13-15 in San Francisco.

Flock Safety’s Role in the Surveillance Debate

The conversation around privacy versus public safety has intensified with advancements in AI technology. Flock Safety, a company that has attracted significant investment while facing criticism, is at the forefront of this discussion. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Garrett Langley, the company’s founder and CEO, will address these pressing issues.

Disrupt has a history of hosting impactful dialogues, and Langley’s insights on AI, surveillance, and public safety are expected to be a highlight of this year’s event, taking place from October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Langley’s Journey to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Garrett Langley is no stranger to the startup world. Before founding Flock Safety in 2017, he worked with Clutch, a car subscription service, and the platform Experience, where he led teams in engineering and design. Experience was sold to Cox Enterprises for $200 million in 2014.

Flock Safety emerged from Y Combinator and quickly gained traction by selling surveillance technology to businesses and law enforcement. While the company is often associated with license plate recognition, it has expanded its offerings to include general surveillance cameras and drone technology following the acquisition of Aerodome.

Last year, Flock raised $275 million, boosting its valuation to $7.5 billion, a significant rise from the previous year’s $4.8 billion. In total, the company has secured $950 million in funding since its inception.

Despite its financial success, Flock has faced backlash from privacy advocates, including the ACLU, and members of the public. Some individuals have even vandalized Flock’s surveillance cameras. The company has also faced setbacks, such as Amazon’s Ring ending its partnership and the LAPD allowing its contract with Flock to expire.

Langley’s discussion will shed light on Flock’s approach to the increasingly intertwined realms of AI and surveillance, offering insights that will be valuable to both supporters and critics of the company.

Attendees can expect to join over 10,000 founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 for a range of workshops, speaker sessions, and networking opportunities. Early ticket prices are available for those looking to participate in this significant event.