Description

This working capital loan for Brave Technology Co-op (Brave) will support the implementation of overdose detection and response technologies including Brave Buttons, and Brave Sensors.  

Each year, overdoses claim more than 100,000 lives, cost over $1 trillion,  and cause immeasurable heartbreak in North America.

Now, imagine being able to help people in life-threatening situations whenever and wherever that may be. Brave has stepped up to make this a reality, with a mission to end the overdose crisis and save lives.

Brave creates overdose detection tools that trigger life-saving community responses during the critical five-minute window when an overdose can be detected and intervention is possible. The Brave App, Brave Buttons, and Brave Sensors are designed to keep people who use drugs alone safer, having detected and reversed over 150 overdoses to date. These tools provide real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities, ensuring immediate assistance for individuals experiencing an overdose. For example, Brave Sensors can be installed in public bathrooms, a common hotspot for overdoses, to monitor for inactivity and trigger an alert if an overdose is suspected.

The raised funds, totaling $50,000, will be used as working capital to manufacture and build the sensors and hardware necessary for their subscription-based model. These sensors, once produced, generate monthly revenue through their usage.

Supporting this project means saving lives and making our communities safer. Investing in Brave is about committing to a meaningful fight against the overdose crisis. By being Brave in this crucial mission to save lives, you can bring hope to those in need.

The Impact

In 2022, approx. 115,000 people died from overdoses in North America.

Brave Technology Co-op is on a mission to end overdose fatalities by developing overdose detection tools that activate community responses.

The effectiveness of Brave's tools is the key measurement of their impact. The Brave App, Brave Buttons, and Brave Sensors have facilitated over 10,000 connections to care, created 650+ safer spaces, and detected and reversed more than 300 overdoses.

Direct Impact

• Production of Detection Devices: The $50,000 working capital loan will support Brave’s operations to manufacture and build more detection devices, including the Brave App, Brave Buttons, and Brave Sensors.
• Expansion of Service Reach: Making Brave’s life-saving technology available to more high-risk communities across Canada.
• Faster Access to Life-Saving Technology: Bringing overdose detection tools directly to people faster, providing timely and effective overdose interventions. 

Indirect Impact

• Reduction in Overdose Fatalities: Brave's technology provides real-time monitoring and immediate response, significantly decreasing the likelihood of fatal overdoses.
• Empowerment of Community Responders: Brave’s technology equips community responders with the tools they need to effectively intervene during overdose incidents, enhancing their ability to save lives.
• Community Safety: Enhances community safety by reducing the overall risk associated with opioid use and creating a more secure environment.

Contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Financial viability

Brave has been consistently increasing revenues in the past 3 years, with a total turnover of $744,500 in 2023, and expecting to double this amount in 2024. They have also obtained for the first time a profit in 2023, in the amount of $116,300. They have a relevant financial autonomy (60.4% in 2023), and a very low level of financial debt. Their current and projected EBITDA can comfortably support the debt service arising from this new loan.

The Borrower

About Brave Technology Coop

Brave Technology Co-op designs and implements advanced overdose detection tools to address the overdose crises across local communities. Founded on harm reduction principles, Brave collaborates with service providers, public health organizations, and community groups to deploy effective overdose response solutions. Flagship products, including the Brave App and Brave Overdose Detection System, provide 24/7 monitoring and emergency support, significantly reducing the risk of fatal overdoses. With over 10,000 uses and more than 100 lives saved, Brave is committed to expanding its reach and impact. The team, comprising individuals with lived experience and technical expertise, is dedicated to creating safer, more resilient communities.  

The team

Darrick Gunawan

Developer

Elana Wood

Developer

Gordon Casey

Founder & CEO

Gwynne Cunningham

CPO

Micah Baker

Software Student

Oona Krieg

COO

Richard Hoberman

Mobile Development

Shawna Blomskog

Pilot Manager

Shelley Schroeder

Project Orchestrator

Business Model

Updates