Jacksonville-based Urban SDK, a technology company that creates software for governments, announced Feb. 5 that it received a $65 million investment from Riverwood Capital.
Urban SDK says its geospatial AI tools help deploy resources to address everyday concerns like citizen complaints and traffic enforcement, and assist in emergency operations.
The company says it has enabled over 300 local government customers in 40 states to transform their operations and manage their cities more effectively.
“Our mission has always been to equip the government teams serving our communities with the intelligence they need to protect lives and steward public resources responsibly,” said Drew Messer, co-founder and CEO of Urban SDK, in a media release. “Today, hundreds of cities use Urban SDK to prevent traffic accidents and fatalities and to make smarter decisions, at roughly ten cents on the dollar versus traditional approaches. Riverwood Capital’s partnership allows us to scale our AI system of action for these governments and civil leaders, accelerating our ability to help communities build safer, more resilient cities.”
“With this raise, we’re excited to continue expanding the full capabilities of our AI platform as we grow across existing and new markets,” Justin Dennis, co-founder and COO of Urban SDK, said in the release. “As we engage with more cities, agencies, and partners in 2026, we believe our technology will continue shaping the future of smart cities across the US.”
Menlo Park, California-based Riverwood Capital says it has invested in and supported more 90 companies since it launched in 2008.
“We were impressed by how intuitively powerful Urban SDK’s platform is, and how quickly it delivers real-world impact for cities and public servants,” said Francisco Alvarez-Demalde, co-founder and managing partner of Riverwood Capital, said in the release. “Drew, Justin, and the entire team have built technology that makes advanced geospatial AI immediately accessible to the people making decisions and serving their constituencies on the ground, which is why adoption across hundreds of cities has been such a clear and compelling validation.”
Riverwood said it also supports the company’s growth plans, including its principal Eric Ma joining the Urban SDK board.
Messer’s uncle is Daniel Davis, president and CEO of the JAX Chamber.
At the JaxChamber 2026 Small Business Leader of the Year awards, on Jan. 29, Davis interviewed Messer at the start of the event.
Messer said Jacksonville needs to commit to exploring AI technology or risk being left behind.
“If we can create better AI, become a tech hub center, this can become a very special place,” he said. “You are seeing that in Miami. Miami is just exploding. It is starting to feel like the next Silicon Valley.”