Density

High-Level Overview

Density is a San Francisco-based technology company that builds an occupancy analytics platform using proprietary sensors and software to anonymously track how people use physical spaces.[1][2][3] It serves enterprises across sectors like technology, financial services, retail, higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and essential businesses, solving the problem of underutilized real estate and inefficient space management by providing actionable insights on utilization, foot traffic, and occupancy patterns.[1][2][3][4] Customers, who manage over 1 billion square feet globally (with some sources citing 100 million square feet of corporate real estate), use Density to optimize space planning, cut costs on leases and operations, enhance employee experiences, and improve security—demonstrating strong growth with $279M in total funding, including a $125M recent round, $45.2M revenue, and 51-200 employees (up to 200+ per some reports).[1][2][4][5]

Origin Story

Density was founded in 2013 or 2014 (sources vary slightly) by a team with expertise in technology, finance, marketing, and revenue operations, headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in New York City and a factory in Syracuse, New York.[1][2][3][4][5] Key founders and leaders include CEO/Founder Andrew Farah, CFO Ori Franco, CMO Eva Rijser, CTO Zach Brand, and CRO Kirt Thomson.[1] The idea emerged to create fully anonymous people-counting technology using infrared lasers and machine learning, addressing the need for precise, privacy-focused workplace analytics in smart buildings—early traction came from deploying sensors that scan depth data for accurate occupancy without cameras or personal identification.[1][3][4] Pivotal moments include scaling to ship hundreds of thousands of units annually to 32 countries, securing major funding, and recent innovations like cost-cutting radar sensors (Open Area LR/SR) that reduce expenses by up to 51% and introduce coverage-based pricing.[2][4]

Core Differentiators

Density stands out in workplace analytics through these key strengths:

• Anonymous and Accurate Hardware: Uses infrared laser-based depth sensors (e.g., DPU, Waffle) that capture thousands of readings per second via machine learning, outperforming pixel-based cameras in precision without invading privacy or requiring badges.[3][4][6]
• Seamless Software Platform: Delivers real-time analytics at space, floor, building, or portfolio levels, with automatic firmware updates, health monitoring, and integrations for IT networks—enabling notifications, predictions, and optimizations.[3][4]
• Cost Efficiency and Scalability: New sensors cut hardware/installation costs by 51% and total ownership by 27%, with self-installable options like Waffle; supports massive deployments across 1B+ sq ft.[2][4][6]
• Enterprise-Grade Security: Built with industry-standard protections, logging, and U.S.-based manufacturing for reliability in high-stakes environments.[3][4]
• Proven Impact: Saves millions in leases, CAPEX, and ops costs while improving workplace design and security for Fortune 500s and startups.[1][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Density rides the wave of smart buildings and hybrid work trends, where post-pandemic shifts demand data-driven space optimization amid rising real estate costs and return-to-office mandates.[1][3] Timing is ideal as enterprises manage vast portfolios (1B+ sq ft) amid economic pressures to eliminate waste, with market forces like IoT growth, AI analytics, and sustainability pushing for efficient, contactless tech.[2][4] It influences the ecosystem by setting standards for privacy-first occupancy tools, partnering across industries to enable better resource allocation, employee engagement, and even emergency response—positioning it as a leader in PropTech and workplace tech.[1][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Density is poised to expand with innovations like self-installable sensors and coverage pricing, targeting further cost reductions and global scaling to more of the trillions in untapped real estate analytics.[2][6] Trends like AI-enhanced predictions, deeper integrations with building management systems, and rising demand for hybrid workspaces will fuel growth, potentially evolving its influence toward comprehensive "connected spaces" platforms. As the pioneer in anonymous, precise people-counting, Density will continue maximizing every square foot, turning space data into a core enterprise asset.[3][4]