Biography of Bailey Farren: CEO and co-founder of Perimeter -Entrepreneur
Biography of Bailey Farren:
From Personal Experience to a Mission-Driven Venture
Bailey Farren, CEO and co-founder of Perimeter, has built a
platform that revolutionizes disaster response by enabling seamless
communication between emergency managers and residents. Her journey is deeply
personal, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of two first responders and
her own experience as a five-time wildfire evacuee. These experiences inspired
her to create a solution that bridges the gap in real-time information sharing
during emergencies.
Growing Up in a First Responder Household
Bailey’s upbringing immersed her in the challenges faced by
first responders. Conversations about disaster response were common at home,
where her father, a firefighter, shared stories about the field. These early
insights helped her understand the complexities of public safety and the
glaring need for better tools to protect lives.
A Life-Changing Realization During Wildfires
The Tubbs Fire in 2017 was a pivotal moment for Bailey. Her
family had no clear guidance on what actions to take or where to go as the fire
raged on. This lack of information sparked the idea for Perimeter. Bailey
initially believed that first responders already had access to critical data,
but she quickly discovered that even they lacked the necessary tools for
effective communication and coordination.
Founding Perimeter to Solve an Urgent Problem
Determined to address this issue, Bailey co-founded
Perimeter in 2019. The platform provides a unified mapping system that allows
emergency personnel to share incident updates, evacuation plans, and other
vital information directly with the public. The goal is to empower communities
and save lives by improving the flow of real-time data during natural
disasters.
Biography of Bailey Farren: CEO and co-founder of Perimeter -Entrepreneur#real-time emergency communication#startup#Perimeter story#Bailey Farren
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a female founder working in the tech and public safety
sectors, Bailey faced significant challenges. Investors were initially
skeptical, often dismissing climate change-related disasters as rare events.
However, her determination and ability to articulate the increasing frequency
and severity of these disasters helped her gain traction over time.
Learning from First Responders
Bailey’s close connection to first responders shaped
Perimeter’s development. She collaborated closely with professionals in the
field to ensure the platform addressed their unique needs. Her father often
marveled at the fact that while people could track a burrito to their door,
firefighters like him couldn’t be tracked during emergencies. This insight
further fueled her commitment to solving the problem.
Joining the Alchemist Accelerator
Bailey’s vision for Perimeter received a boost when she
participated in the Alchemist Accelerator in 2019. This opportunity provided
mentorship, resources, and a network to help refine her business model and
scale the platform.
Academic Foundations and Leadership Roles
Bailey’s academic journey began at Santa Rosa Junior
College, where she studied Fine and Studio Arts and honed her leadership skills
as President of the Art Club. She later transferred to UC Berkeley, earning a
degree in Cognitive Science and Rhetoric. While at Berkeley, she contributed as
a course developer and student coordinator, focusing on data-driven business
models.
Balancing Passion with High Performance
Building Perimeter has been a challenging but rewarding
journey for Bailey. To maintain high performance and prevent burnout, she
developed habits and tools for self-care. Today, she shares her experiences
through workshops, helping others transform their relationships with work and
themselves.
Tackling Climate Change Through Innovation
Bailey has become a passionate advocate for addressing the
growing impact of climate change. Perimeter is not just a response to current
disasters but also a forward-looking solution to future challenges. By raising
awareness and driving innovation, Bailey hopes to mitigate the devastating
effects of climate-related emergencies.
Recognizing the Value of Community Input
One of Perimeter’s strengths lies in its collaborative
approach. The platform was developed hand-in-hand with first responders,
incorporating their feedback at every stage. This partnership ensures that the
solution is practical, effective, and tailored to real-world needs.
Breaking Through Investor Resistance
Initially, many investors underestimated the urgency of
Perimeter’s mission. Bailey encountered resistance from those who viewed
natural disasters as anomalies rather than the consequence of a changing
climate. Over time, her persistence and the increasing visibility of
climate-related crises have helped shift perceptions.
A Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree
Bailey’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She was
recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her innovative
contributions to public safety and disaster response. This recognition
highlights her impact as a trailblazer in her field.
A Vision for a Safer Future
Today, Bailey continues to lead Perimeter with a clear
vision: to make real-time information accessible during emergencies and save
lives. Her journey, marked by personal challenges, professional growth, and
unwavering determination, serves as an inspiration for aspiring founders and
advocates for climate resilience.
Timeline for story
2017: Inspired by the Tubbs Fire to address gaps in disaster
response communication.
2019: Co-founded Perimeter to improve real-time emergency
communication.
2019: Joined the Alchemist Accelerator to scale Perimeter's
platform.
2020: Developed Perimeter's mapping system in collaboration
with first responders.
2023: Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for contributions to
public safety.