Month: March 2022

Evolv Technology Awarded U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation for Evolv Express®

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This distinction qualifies Evolv Technology to receive the SAFETY Act’s benefits for selected Anti-Terrorism Technologies

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV, “Evolv”), the global leader in weapons detection security screening, today announced that Evolv Express®, its artificial intelligence (AI)-based weapons detection system, has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT).

Technologies that are awarded the SAFETY Act Designation have undergone rigorous use and review to meet and/or exceed the DHS’ performance standards that include examination of test results for weapons detection, operational use and effectiveness, manufacturing and quality assurance practices, and customer feedback.

The Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) was introduced by Congress in 2002 to incentivize the creation of technologies to combat terrorism in the wake of 9/11. The SAFETY Act is intended to ensure that the threat of liability caused by a terrorist event does not deter manufacturers or sellers of effective anti-terrorism technologies from developing, commercializing and deploying technologies that could potentially save lives. The Acting Under Secretary for Science and Technology is the deciding official for current SAFETY Act applications.

This Designation demonstrates Evolv’s belief that the security industry demands a new standard for security screening that can adequately address threats to crowds where people gather without impacting their experience. The pinpointed accuracy of threats detected, insightful analytics that help improve security operations, and the continual improvements through machine learning are features that set Evolv apart from existing standards. Evolv Express is the only high-throughput weapons detection screening system to achieve SAFETY Act Designation.

“Visitors today demand a free-flowing contactless experience, but for decades the industry has developed technology to meet outdated detection standards without any regard for these new demands,” said Mike Ellenbogen, founder and head of advanced technology, Evolv Technology. “I’m proud of the way our team has recognized the need for and established technology to address the evolving threat landscape, in a way that satisfies the demands placed on all locations where people gather. We no longer need to sacrifice safety for experience.”

“We’re honored to receive the SAFETY Act Designation which we believe further supports the effectiveness of our technology, and ultimately, our ability to help keep people safe,” said Peter George, Evolv Technology President and CEO. “Not only does the DHS’s SAFETY Act Designation further validate our AI-based technology to the physical security market, but we believe it will also provide our customers and their visitors with increased assurance that Evolv helps to provide the safest possible venue entry, without the traditional metal detector experience.”

Screening 3,600 people per hour – 10 times faster than metal detectors – Evolv Express combines powerful sensor technology with proven AI, security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to provide safer, more accurate threat detection at an unprecedented speed and volume. To learn more about Express, please visit: https://www.evolvtechnology.com/products/evolv-express.

About Evolv Technology

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 200 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 3, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 that we filed with the SEC on March 28, 2022. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Evolv Technology Helps Mercedes-Benz Stadium Fans Stay Safe

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Nine out of 10 fans say that security screening is not a point of contention for them, as stadium leverages Evolv to improve guest experience and rate in top quarter of NFL Stadiums

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV, “Evolv”), the leader in weapons detection security screening, today announced results from its partnership with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to provide a more enjoyable, frictionless, and safe experience for fans. The stadium uses the company’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based system, Evolv Express®, to screen fans as they arrive at the stadium for games and other events, without requiring them to stop or remove items from their pockets or policy-compliant bags.

Prior to installing Evolv Express, seven out of ten fans cited their arrival at the stadium as an area of frustration and dissatisfaction. Since implementing Evolv Express, nine out of ten fans say that security screening is not a point of contention for them. The stadium has also dramatically reduced the percentage of guests flagged for a security re-check and increased the speed of entry for fans.

The stadium, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United, hosts an average of 40-50 major events and more than 200 private events each calendar year including the SEC Football Championship, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and countless concerts by world-renowned artists.

“Our objective is to make attending events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium feel like you’re walking into a friend’s house — to a place you belong or even own,” said Karl Pierburg, Chief Technology Officer, AMB Sports and Entertainment, parent company of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “It was critically important to us to find a way to allow secure entry without degrading the guest experience at all. Evolv has transformed the entry experience for us and contributes to the high marks we get in general when it comes to entry experience, where we rate in the top quarter of all NFL stadiums.”

Evolv Express uses powerful sensor technology with proven AI to provide safer, more accurate threat detection at unprecedented volumes and speed of entry. With Evolv Insights, security staff can use historical screening data to make predictions about throughput, with the goal of improving the fan experience while making the stadium more secure.

“Venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium are recognizing that fans should not have to sacrifice experience for safety,” said Peter George, CEO of Evolv Technology. “Finally, fans are able to gather back together after almost two years of capacity limitations, isolation, and health concerns – and they should be able to enjoy these gatherings safely, from the moment they arrive at the stadium until the game clock ticks down.”

Evolv’s innovative security screening technology has been used to enhance safety at a number of major sporting events, including the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and it is part of the state-of-the-art fan experience at Lower.com Field, the brand-new home of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

About Evolv Technology

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 200 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

 

Forward-looking Statements  

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our proxy statement/prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 28, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2021, that was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2022. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Transparency in Physical Security: Q&A with John Pistole and Mike Ellenbogen

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The need to provide transparency without helping potential attackers is a fundamental paradox of the security industry. In their long and distinguished careers, former TSA Administrator John Pistole and Evolv founder Mike Ellenbogen have spent decades thinking about these issues and successfully finding the right balance.  That’s why we consulted with John, Mike, and other advisors to develop the Evolv Transparency Statement. The following Q&A is excerpted from recent conversations with John and Mike to provide additional insight into how we approach transparency. 

How has transparency featured in your career? 

John Pistole 

In 31 years in the government, mainly in the FBI and as the TSA Administrator, I found that transparency is one of those key issues that help define the trust and reputation of agencies, of the U.S. government overall, and of companies that provide security technologies. Each company or agency must be as transparent as possible while maintaining the core mission of keeping the public safe. 

 Mike Ellenbogen 

I grew up in aviation security technology where there is a very well-recognized and understood policy around transparency. In essence, at least regarding public release of technical details, there is no transparency. The specifications are classified by the TSA in the US and the ECAC in the EU. That specific information is called sensitive security information, and it’s very closely-held for what I believe are all the right reasons. 

The systems are tested by security professionals who have a legitimate need to know and hold the appropriate security clearances. These are independent professionals with a great deal of experience and resources to test in ways that most people cannot. These professionals have great credibility in the industry, so certification from a group like TSA is universally recognized as an indicator that the technology is fit for purpose.  

In aviation the people who know all the details don’t share them publicly. In fact, it’s illegal for them to do that, and that is well understood within that community. Outside of the aviation community, there are more questions because the standards aren’t as clearly defined. But it doesn’t change the basic requirement to keep detailed sensitive security information away from anybody who might use the information to exploit or attempt to penetrate a physical security system. That’s the goal at the end of the day. 

What kinds of information about weapons screening systems is most sensitive? 

Mike Ellenbogen 

I think it’s about granular specificity. The specific type and configuration of threats that are tested, the performance against those threats, and the specific weaknesses associated with those tests are the most sensitive. That information should be closely held. For example, it doesn’t make people safer if you publicly share that an attacker can defeat weapons screening by disassembling a particular handgun and placing one piece in their shoe and another piece under their hat. Sharing that kind of information only helps the bad guys. 

I do think that we can talk broadly about different categories of capabilities in a way that doesn’t disclose specific weaknesses that could be exploited by a bad actor. However, giving untrusted people a specific report that identifies known weaknesses just makes it more attractive for the bad guys to attempt to penetrate the facility and makes it easier for them to succeed. 

Are bad actors actively looking for sensitive information? 

John Pistole 

We saw this in the real world on Christmas day 2009, when Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula sent Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from Brussels to Detroit with a non-metallic IED hidden in his underwear. They knew in advance that there was no detection for non-metallic bombs in most airport security protocols and regimens in use at the time. We know that they discovered this vulnerability through extensive online research. We also know that they conducted multiple scouting missions to probe and test for vulnerabilities at specific facilities using specific screening methods. It was a sophisticated intelligence gathering operation.  

Mike Ellenbogen 

I think bad actors are always looking for ways to circumvent the security processes in place. We see it in loss prevention all the time: people know that if you have a foil-lined bag, you can walk out with stolen goods without being detected by loss prevention technology. So that information has gotten out and it is being exploited on a regular basis. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse. 

What are the tradeoffs between transparency and security? 

John Pistole 

There’s a dynamic tension between how much information can be disclosed to the public and information that provides a roadmap to the bad guys. When I was at TSA, some original equipment manufacturers were disclosing information about their detection capabilities that, given my FBI background, I did not want to have out there. We had some good discussions with the manufacturers, and they agreed that on future iterations of their products they would not publish as much information publicly. Of course, they also agreed that they would provide that detailed information to us in a closed setting, which is necessary to know that their equipment can detect capably. 

How do government Inspector General Offices provide appropriate transparency without undermining security? 

John Pistole 

It’s usually a conversation between the Office of the Inspector General and the agency. Of course, the attorneys get involved to make sure that they are doing their job. There’s usually the unclassified document and then a classified annex that is not available to the public. But members of Congress and others can view the classified annex to have a better assurance of what the findings were and then what steps the agency is taking to address any issues. This helps provide appropriate accountability and oversight without compromising the safety of the public. 

Who needs access to sensitive security information about the capabilities and limitations of weapons detection technology? 

John Pistole 

The people who need to know are those who have been determined to be trustworthy to have that information. The more people who know, the greater likelihood that something will be shared inappropriately and/or inadvertently. In the US government the people with a need to know are people who have a security clearance at the secret or top-secret level, and then compartment segments after that, depending on how sensitive the information is. In the private sector, there may not be such a formal classification system in place, but it’s still compartmented information. Not everybody in the company needs to know everything about the businesses.  

Mike Ellenbogen 

In the private sector, the people with the most significant need to know are usually the security professionals who are responsible for protecting the organization from threats. They need to understand what the capabilities of the technologies that they’re deploying are, and where the potential limitations might be so that they can mitigate them. These professionals usually think in terms of layered defense, so they need to know what every individual component or layer is capable of. Those individuals need to know what specific technologies can and cannot do. 

It’s also important to realize that bad actors are looking at the people and processes just as much as they are looking at the technology. We talk about security systems as a combination of people, processes, and technology. Security professionals are rightfully concerned about the actions of any individual that creates an opening for a threat. It could be giving up passwords. It could be employees allowing unauthorized people to piggyback through turnstiles or secured doors. Bad actors know that well-intentioned people will hold a door open. They’re taking advantage of known weaknesses that originate with people and processes. 

Some people say that the most secure approach is full public disclosure for everybody. What’s your view? 

John Pistole 

I disagree with that view strongly. People who say that absolute transparency is best simply don’t understand the security business. They apparently don’t have an informed perspective or insight into just how determined the terrorists, spies, competitors, and other bad actors are in their efforts to harm individuals, countries, and companies. I get that “give full disclosure for everybody and let everybody make informed decisions” sounds great, but when you provide that carte blanche to everybody, that necessarily includes people with bad motives who are out to cause you harm. If there was no TSA security in the past 21 years, I can’t imagine we would have been able to avoid having more 9/11-type attacks. It just begs the imagination to think full transparency is the best outcome. 

Conclusion 

As John and Mike noted, providing appropriate transparency without assisting adversaries is an ongoing challenge faced by security vendors and practitioners alike. The Evolv Transparency Statement is our attempt to describe the principles that guide our approach to transparency. We will continue to consult with our customers, partners, advisors, and industry professionals to update our approach over time. As always, our mission to keep people safe will be our primary guide. 

About John Pistole 

John Pistole is the former administrator of the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and a former deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is currently the president of Anderson University. In his role as Administrator of the TSA starting in 2010, Pistole led a 60,000-strong workforce, the security operations of more than 450 airports throughout the United States, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and shared security for highways, railroads, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines. Under his leadership, the TSA worked to transform as a risk-based, intelligence-driven counterterrorism agency dedicated to protecting the nation’s transportation systems. Prior to his leadership with the TSA, Pistole served as a 26-year veteran of the FBI with extensive national security and counterterrorism experience. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, John was placed in charge of the FBI’s counterterrorism program, eventually becoming the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for national security. In 2004, Pistole was named Deputy Director for the FBI and contributed to the formation of terrorism policies during both the Bush and Obama administrations. John earned his bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 1978. He went on to earn a juris doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. 

About Mike Ellenbogen 

Mike is Founder and Head of Advanced Technology at Evolv Technology. Mike has spent more than 20 years shaping the explosives detection industry including as co-founder and CEO/President of Reveal Imaging Technologies, Inc., as Vice President of Product and Business Development of PerkinElmer Detection Systems where he was responsible for Research and Development, Engineering and Marketing, and as Director of Marketing of Vivid Technologies, where he was instrumental in the transition following Vivid’s acquisition by PerkinElmer. At both Vivid and PerkinElmer, Mike was responsible for market research, definition and development of new products and product enhancements. He has been issued 16 patents in the field of X-ray inspection and automated detection technology and has been broadly published within the security industry. Mike holds a Physics degree from Colgate University. 

Evolv Express® Receives Top Honor In Security Industry Association Awards

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Weapons Detection System Lauded For Its Speed, Reporting, And Enhanced Management Of Processes

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV, “Evolv”), the global leader in weapons detection security screening, received the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category for Evolv Express®, its artificial intelligence (AI) based weapons detection system. The announcement was made earlier today at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC) West, the largest security industry trade show in the U.S.

Evolv Express combines cameras, sensors, AI, and advanced video analytics with cloud connectivity to distinguish weapons from other commonly carried items. Evolv Express also has the capability to communicate an identified potential threat item to other security technologies used by the customer, automatically initiating a  security protocols and supporting a coordinated security response at the customer site.

 “This recognition is particularly meaningful to Evolv because it underscores our dedication to assisting professionals on the frontlines of protecting the public. We believe it also validates that our technology provides the highest degree of weapons detection accuracy,” said Peter George, Evolv Technology CEO. “To be recognized by such an esteemed organization in the security industry is a tremendous honor, and an incredible way to cap off our presence at this year’s event.”

Formerly the New Product Showcase Awards, the NPS Awards is the SIA’s flagship awards program recognizing the best and most innovative security products, services and solutions available. Entrants are reviewed by a panel of more than 30 independent judges with extensive industry experience who dedicate significant time and provide careful evaluation to ultimately select honorees. Entrants in this year’s program made face-to-face presentations to the judges during ISC West, which was held at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To learn more about Express, please visit: https://www.evolvtechnology.com/products/evolv-express.

About Evolv Technology

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 200 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 3, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 that we intend to file with the SEC on March 25, 2022. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Evolv Technology Announces Release of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security Operational Exercise Report 

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Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV, “Evolv”), the global leader in weapons detection security screening, today announced the results of a rigorous exercise of its Evolv Express® artificial intelligence (AI) based weapons detection system conducted by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).  

Criteria and focus areas for this exercise were developed in cooperation with the NCS4.  Marketed capabilities, industry best practices, and security standards were used as the basis for determining exercise requirements. The exercise evaluation team consisted of professional sports, major events, and public assembly site representatives. The NCS4 exercise program follows principles espoused by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) validation programs meant to assist with objective and quantitative reviews of available commercial systems and solutions. 

Evolv Express was exercised in October 2021 in a real-world environment at Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus, Ohio-based Columbus Crew major league soccer team. Operational capabilities were demonstrated by functional areas including: weapons vs personal items, walkthrough speed and crowd volume, operational performance and the analytics used to improve security and the crowd experience. 

 Evolv Express Identifies Critical Security Threats 

 NCS4 scores solutions on a scale of 0 to 3 based on the following criteria:  

  • 3.0: Solution meets requirements and there are no recommendations for improvement.  
  • 2.0: Solution meets requirements yet there are some recommendations for improvement.  
  • 1.0: Solution partially meets requirements. 
  • 0.0: Solutions fails to meet requirements. 

Overall, Evolv Express earned a score of 2.84. This score reflects that, on average, Evolv Express met the criteria established for this exercise. Additional key findings from NCS4’s exercise of Evolv Express include: 

“The NCS4 Operational Exercise Report for Evolv Express provides third party support of what hundreds of customers and over 200 million visitors already know from their personal experience: that Evolv Express offers an unmatched combination of high-performance weapons detection, low false alarm rates, high throughput, and unique operational insights that both keep visitors from our customers safe and improve their experience.  Together with our operational expertise and training, Evolv Express exemplifies a new standard in security screening,” said Peter George, CEO, Evolv Technology. 

To download the NCS⁴ report, please visit this link.  

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 200 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.  

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. 

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

Forward-looking Statements  

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 3, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 that we intend to file with the SEC on or before March 30, 2022. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

 

Contacts 

Media Contact: 

Fitzgerald Barth 

fbarth@evolvtechnology.com  

 

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris  
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com   

  

NCS⁴ and Evolv Express®

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I’ve really enjoyed working with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) on the recently released Operational Exercise for Evolv Express®. In this post I’d like to summarize the results and offer some additional perspective that should help put the results in the proper context.

Key Findings:

The operational exercise incorporated forty-one functional areas, with Express earning an overall composite score of 2.84. This score reflects that, on average, Express met the criteria established for this exercise. In fact, overall, Express performed very well. Scores in the categories evaluated during the exercise are presented below. It’s important to note that, as a practice, Evolv does not publicly share any details that could compromise our customer’s security process. Therefore, specific details such as actual weapon makes and models, images, etc. are not included here, but we do share this sensitive information with our customers privately in a responsible manner.

Real-World Environment:

One of the great things about the NCS⁴ Operational Exercise process is that they strive to evaluate products in real world environments. In the case of Express, the evaluation happened during entrance screening for a Columbus Crew match at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. It was a cold night. The systems were outside. Express was the only system in place, covering weapons screening at all entrances. The security staff were the same people who would staff any other event. There was no special briefing, training or system tweaks in effect.

The fact is, technology, environmental conditions, architectural structures, conops, and staff training are all important factors that affect screening effectiveness. It’s possible to eliminate many or all of the problematic factors in a controlled environment. It’s not possible to do that in a real-world environment, and that’s why I’m so proud of these Express results from NCS⁴.

Authentic Evaluators:

Although NCS⁴ is part of the University of Southern Mississippi, their approach is anything but academic. NCS⁴ recruits third party evaluators who are seasoned security professionals and have been personally accountable for security screening. NCS⁴ selects new evaluators for each operational exercise, so they have a fresh perspective and are looking at each solution in the context of the venue where it is being tested.

In the case of the Express exercise, the evaluators were a retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge, a Security Representative for an organization that produces live events, and a Security Representative for professional baseball, soccer, and hockey. Evolv didn’t get to pick these evaluators.

I truly believe that the Express evaluators are solid proxies for the typical Express buyer. They had the same questions and “show me” attitude that we love to see in our customers. I learned a lot from them and appreciated their suggestions for ways we can both improve our product and better train our customers to get the best possible results. We’re always learning and working to improve.

Beyond Sports:

While it’s true that NCS⁴ is focused on the security needs of the sports industry, I believe that security professionals in other industries can also gain important insights from these results. While it is true that the conops are different at every facility, the fact that Express performed so well in the high-volume, high-pressure sports environment should be a good sign. I’m not saying that Express is a perfect fit for every facility. But if it can work at a major stadium, it is definitely worth having the conversation about smaller facilities.

Summary:

We at Evolv Technology feel confident that these NCS⁴ results provide third party validation of what hundreds of customers and over 200 million visitors already know from their personal experience: that Express offers an unmatched combination of high-performance weapons detection, low false alarm rates, high throughput, unique operational insight, and an awesome visitor experience.

I am really looking forward to working with our customers to sort through what the NCS⁴ evaluation findings could mean for their facilities. I also can’t wait to see how our future products perform in the NCS⁴ process. Having a trusted, fully independent third party available to stress test our product in real-world environment is an incredibly valuable asset. It will push us to always be doing more to make people safe, and that’s something I can always get excited about.

To access the NCS⁴ Executive Summary click here, and please request the full report, here.

GiveEvolv Selects Fayette County Schools as Inaugural Grant Recipient of Evolv Weapons Screening Systems 

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National Program Provides West Virginia School District Evolv Screening Systems to Help Ensure Student and Staff Safety 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leader in weapons detection security screening, today announced Fayette County Schools in Fayetteville, West Virginia is the first recipient of the GiveEvolv grant program. Fayette County Schools will receive three Evolv Express® weapons screening systems that will be installed at Oak Hill High School, Oak Hill Middle School, and Fayetteville PK-8. 

“Throughout all Fayette County Schools, we are committed to fostering a learning environment where everybody feels included, safe and respected. We proactively pursued the GiveEvolv program so that our students, staff, their families, and everybody who enters our buildings comes into a safe environment focused on the education and development of our next generation,” said Gary Hough, associate superintendent, Fayette County Schools. 

GiveEvolv was established in September 2021 to further accelerate Evolv’s mission in making the world a safer place to work, learn and play. The program was created to donate Evolv Express at no cost to public schools. GiveEvolv’s goal is to help keep students and educators across the country safe and focused on teaching and learning.  

GiveEvolv is led by Chairman, Kevin Charlton, a member of Evolv’s Board of Directors, and CEO of NewHold Investment Corp., and the organization receives advice and guidance from a diverse and well-respected Advisory Board. The Advisory Board reviews and votes on submissions from potential donees, with priority given to schools that are most affected by the threat of weapons violence. Several times each year, GiveEvolv will donate a number of Evolv Express systems to a school or district in need. Initial funding for GiveEvolv was provided by NewHold Investment Corp. 

”Evolv is committed to making the world a safer place – this mission particularly extends to our public schools, where gun violence is an all-too-common tragedy,” said Kevin Charlton, Chairman, GiveEvolv and CEO of NewHold Investment Corp. “GiveEvolv was created to accelerate this mission to schools in need. We are proud to be making our first gift to the Fayette County Schools, to help keep students and staff safer and focused on learning and teaching.”

Today, a press conference will be held at 12:00 ET at Oak Hill High School to introduce the Evolv Express to parents, students, staff, local law enforcement, and the community at large. At the demonstration, media will be able, to experience the system, talk with school administrators, parents, students, local law enforcement, GiveEvolv Advisory Board members and Evolv executives about the technology and its deployment at schools throughout the County.  

To learn more about GiveEvolv and the grant application process, please visit GiveEvolv on the Evolv website.. 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 200 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.  

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. 

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

Forward-looking Statements  

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission(the “SEC”) on September 3, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 that we intend to file with the SEC on March 25, 2022. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

Q&A: Security Expert Jin Kim

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We sat down with advisory board member Jin Kim to discuss the role technology will play in security and how workplaces should plan for the new risk environment in 2022 and beyond. What we learned: we should anticipate – and plan for – a continuation of (or even a rise in) the high levels of violence we’ve been seeing across the country.

For a bit of background, Jin is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in active shooter and targeted violence attacks. He retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018 and is a twenty-three-year veteran of the FBI’S New York Division. He served as the Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit and was the leading authority directing active shooter & workplace violence preparedness, resiliency, and training, for the FBI and its corporate and private sector partnerships.

Today, he provides consultation, substantive training, and expert witness services to leading corporations and businesses, financial and banking institutions, K-12 schools and higher education universities, hospitals/healthcare facilities, professional sports teams & sporting venues, hotels, non-profit organizations, and public safety departments.

Jin is the Founder & Principal of the PerSec Academy, LLC, specializing in Active Shooter and Workplace Violence Resiliency Training and Management.

Q. What can we expect the next 12 months to bring?

A.  Based on the unprecedented risk landscape we’re all facing today, sadly the up-tempo and increase public violence will continue. The underlying factors and ramifications of COVID has brought a whole new realm and spectrum of risk in our society, which has been driven by a shift in how people have been affected and ultimately what pushes some people past their breaking point, and towards violence. What’s behind that shift? I think all the uncertainty and challenges brought on by the past two years – the economy and loss of jobs/income, isolation and mental health/social wellness, increased anxiety are common stressors that are manifesting towards alarming violence.

As a result of our modern complexities in which we find ourselves, the threats and risks themselves will become more complex.

Q. How are organizations shifting how they think about risk?

A. Let’s first look at this through the lens of the education industry. We are seeing a dramatic rise in people exhibiting inappropriate and threatening behavior in and around schools. From remote learning and mask mandates to critical race theory, schools have become battle grounds for the tensions that have boiled over within the country. Now, schools and school districts have to continuously think about that individual(s) – who probably didn’t care about the school board two years ago – who might now pose as a safety risk to school personnel.

Not only are we witnessing a sharp rise in the number of threats, but they are coming from people and places where previously they would not, such as social media disruption campaigns. How do you plan and manage for threats that are indirect and vague? That’s the challenge education is facing right now. They are forced to think about and plan for the risks they might not even be able to identify, which is extremely challenging and complex.

Q. Why are we seeing so much violence now?

A. I think people forget how significant it’s been in the US over the past 55 years; some of our most tragic incidents were well before Columbine in 1999. One significant change since Columbine is that we have a news cycle that never stops. No matter what time of day or night it is, you can turn on the radio, TV or go online and you will be able to find daily reporting about the latest shooting or gun violence attack.

One thing this post-Columbine period has ushered in is an era where at-risk or potential actors are inspired and validated by each other. There is an unfortunate volume of past incidents from which they can learn and study. I think collectively we vastly underestimate offenders and the segment of our population that are at-risk and become prone to the pathway to violence. Until we can understand and accept that they are among us in our everyday routine and intervene prior to the violent act, this problem will never go away.

Q: Do you think we’ll see adoption of security protocols and procedures where there previously was hesitance?

A. Absolutely. There is a sense of urgency based on this new spectrum of risk. Organizations and businesses across industries are, in a sense, prioritizing measures that mitigate the risk of an active shooter incident. This awareness and acceptance that no institution or industry is exempt from this modern-day threat has accelerated a contemporary view of safety and security measures, from entrance screening to active shooter training.

Q: Is there an industry that stands out as needing to rethink its security posture?

A: I think retail is poised to make some drastic changes and upgrades to how they address the safety and security within their stores. For them, I think it will start from a place of understanding what modern-day threat is – leveraging data and technology to establish and maintain a macro landscape of where and how threats enter their space. Understand the volume and frequency of firearms being introduced into retail space can certainly help design and implement modern-day safety strategies that addresses their unique environment.

Q: What do businesses need to be thinking about? 

A: There are two types of threats: insider and outsider. Many organizations try to prevent outsiders from coming in, when the reality is, most of the incidents are conducted by insiders, such as a current or former employee or student. In many of these cases, the offender has no exit strategy after the attack. They are consumed and propelled to the attack and not concerned with the consequences of their actions, and go in with the goal of leaving as much damage and destruction in their wake as possible.

Being aware of the outsider vs. insider threat and the factors that may lead to violence, management and human resources (HR) has a critical role in de-escalating conflict and intervening in the workplace. The risks workplaces face today are becoming more complex for and require enterprise-wide synergy and collaboration. Having only traditional access control security measures without proactively managing internal conflict between employees, for example, creates a risk vulnerability which a disgruntled individual can leverage.

I anticipate – and am already seeing in my consulting work and active shooter expert witness services – executives of businesses of all sizes and industries very concerned with the safety of their offices, employees, vendors and customers, as they plan to return to the office and physical environment. And employees are driving this concern. Where it used to be (if at all) a line item in the budget, it is now becoming a regular operational priority amongst executives to make every effort to proactively manage the evolving and modern-day risk landscape.

 

To read more about Jin, visit his LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter.

Whitepaper: World’s First AI-enabled Integrated Weapons Detection and Screening System for Healthcare Organizations

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Challenges

Healthcare organizations experience workplace violence more than any other industry. Hospital and other healthcare-related settings experience elevated stress levels for patients, their families, and friends, which is exacerbated by issues such as substance abuse, mental health disorders, homelessness, and violent crimes and traumatic incidents tied to sexual abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, gunshots, and stabbings.

“The Percentage of registered nurses who experienced on-the-job violence spiked 55% in six months in 2021”

Failings of Traditional Weapons Detection and Screening Approaches

Putting aside poor adoption rates, these walk-through metal detectors and handheld wands are intrusive and fraught with inefficiencies. They are based on decades-old technologies that require significant time and resources to manage, deliver poor experiences for patients, visitors, and staff, and create security risks.

Healthcare weapons screening solutions must balance the need to protect patients, staff, visitors, and assets against providing a welcoming environment and ensuring rapid delivery of quality medical care.

Fill out the form to download this whitepaper and learn about the Evolv weapons detection solution enables healthcare organizations to accelerate physical security screening while maintaining the highest degree of weapons detection accuracy.

Spartanburg’s School Safety Strategy Strengthened by Evolv Technology; Seamlessly Helps Protect Over 12,000 Students and Staff from Risk of Shootings

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Demand for Evolv Express®, Artificial Intelligence and Insights Growing Across Elementary, Middle and High Schools in the U.S.   

As gun violence continues to rise, with more school shootings in 2021 than any other year in U.S. history, schools across the country are relying on Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) and its Evolv Express® security screening solution to proactively defuse the threat of active shooters.  

As the leader in weapons detection security screening, Evolv has expanded the use of Evolv Express, its sensor- and artificial intelligence-based screening solution, in the Spartanburg, South Carolina County School District 6. It initially announced that it had partnered with the school district in early 2020. Evolv Express detects weapons 10 times faster than metal detectors and streamlines entry into buildings by scanning 3,600 people per hour, helping to keep the more than 12,000 Spartanburg students and staff safe from gun violence.  

Since students in the Spartanburg district come and go all day throughout three main campuses, as well as the nearby Technology Center, the district’s security requirements included support for constant throughput of foot traffic and the ability to adjust sensitivity settings based on threat levels. Evolv Express exceeded these requirements and streamlined the bag check process without compromising safety. The combination of Evolv Express and the district’s security staff provides Spartanburg with an additional line of defense against potential threats. 

Spartanburg’s Dr. Mark Smith, director of student services and safety, led the district’s proactive approach to instituting new security measures. “We’ve all witnessed the tragedy of school shootings over the years, and we want to proactively prevent it from happening in the first place,” Smith said. “In evaluating options, we considered metal detectors, but they typically flag everything as a potential threat, causing big delays as every person entering and every bag would need to be searched. For us, Evolv’s free-flow weapons detection system was the right choice.” 

Spartanburg relies on Evolv Express,  a weapons detection system that combines powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI) and comprehensive analytics to provide safer, more accurate threat detection at an unprecedented speed and volume. 

“Much like Spartanburg, schools across the nation are taking a proactive stance against the threat of gun violence. We, as a society, can no longer wait for others to enact change that will improve the safety of our schools and streets. Instead, we need to act now, lead by example, and institute policies and technologies that will protect students today and preserve the future for the next generation,” said Peter George, CEO of Evolv Technology.  

 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is a leader in weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies. Its mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer. It gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence. Its security screening has scanned more than 100 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and its technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors.  

Evolv Technology, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights™, and Evolv Cortex AI™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. 

For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

 

Forward-looking Statements  

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 3, 2021, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

 

Contacts 

Media Contact: 

Fitzgerald Barth 

fbarth@evolvtechnology.com  

 

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris  
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com