PerVista CEO on Using AI to Prevent Gun Violence, Encourage Inclusion

Many organizations struggle to balance accessibility to firearms with public safety, especially in vulnerable spaces like schools and hospitals. They grapple with finding a solution that effectively addresses this concern, especially in light of growing threats of gun violence.

That’s the problem AI software ISV PerVista is determined to solve.

In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso speaks with Vennard Wright, CEO and founder of PerVista, to explore how his company is using AI to enhance security and create safer environments in public spaces. Wright also emphasizes his broader vision of expanding opportunities within the IT sector and increasing access to technology for underrepresented groups.

The genesis of PerVista

As Wright explains, PerVista was born out of a critical need for improved public safety. Reflecting on a violent incident that took place in May 2023 in Prince George’s County, Wright shares how the tragic event catalyzed the formation of his company. “Three teenagers ran onto a school bus and attempted to shoot another teen. Thankfully, the gun jammed,” he recalls. This close call prompted a call to action by the local state’s attorney, who asked Wright and his team, “What can technology do to stop this from happening again?”

The answer came in the form of an AI-driven surveillance system capable of analyzing real-time video streams to detect firearms. “We developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence to analyze real-time video streams from surveillance cameras to detect firearms. When we detect a firearm, we notify police in real-time, and the goal is to cut down on active shooter events in schools, hospitals, and other public places,” says Wright.

Wright emphasizes that their solution doesn’t just stop at detection; it’s about offering peace of mind and enhancing public safety.

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Targeting a broad spectrum of clients

Bavoso then shifts the focus to PerVista’s clientele, asking Wright to elaborate on the verticals they serve.

Expanding on PerVista’s client base, Wright explains that the company services a wide range of sectors. “We work with nonprofits, small and medium-sized businesses, universities, governments, and even sports teams,” he explains. Notably, the National School Boards Association and the Nuclear Innovation Alliance are among their clients, showing the platform’s versatility.

This diversity in clients shows that innovation and security needs aren’t limited to a single industry. As Wright puts it, “Technology tends to be the same across the board. We learn from different verticals and apply solutions that work well in other places.” This cross-industry learning benefits both PerVista and its clients, as the company can adapt its AI-powered solutions based on insights from various sectors. 

AI as a preventive tool, not invasive surveillance

One of Wright’s most critical distinctions is between AI as a protective tool and AI as an invasive technology. Bavoso underscores this point, asking, “How do you ensure this isn’t just another form of facial recognition?” Wright quickly clarifies, “We’re not detecting faces; we’re detecting weapons.” This distinction is crucial, especially in sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy regulations such as HIPAA come into play.

Privacy matters, and companies must ensure their technology serves its purpose without crossing ethical boundaries. PerVista’s system only alerts authorities when a firearm is detected, and the technology is precise enough to differentiate between different types of weapons.

As Wright points out, “When we detect that there is a firearm, we make a match against our dataset of firearms. So in that case, we’re not just saying, okay, it’s a firearm, but we’re also saying that we’re about 95% sure that it’s not just a firearm, but a long gun, because the response for an AR 15 is going to be different from our response for a nine millimeter.”

Continuous improvement: Beyond “set it and forget it”

Wright explains that one key aspect of their service is the ongoing optimization of the technology after installation. “It’s not a set it and forget it,” he says, stressing that the system improves over time through fine-tuning and updates.

He points out that security cameras and detection systems require regular adjustments to ensure their effectiveness. “We optimize over time,” Wright notes, emphasizing that the system isn’t a one-time setup. For example, cameras may need to be repositioned, or lenses may become foggy, reducing detection capabilities. “Sometimes it’s necessary to replace the cameras; sometimes it’s necessary to move them,” he adds.

Wright’s approach reflects that even the most advanced solutions need constant refinement. It’s not enough to install a system and walk away. Businesses that are proactive about optimizing their solutions will maintain customer satisfaction and also stay ahead of potential challenges.

Addressing IT talent shortages

One of the most significant issues in the tech industry today is the shortage of qualified talent, and Bavoso probes Wright for his solution. Wright responds, “We work with entry-level IT talent. So lots of young people are very interested in getting into it. But the reality is they just don’t have the hands-on experience in terms of breaking into those careers. So what we do is bring them in for apprenticeships; we give them the experience they need, and the ones that emerge as the top-level talent end up getting a full-time job.”

This model fills the talent gap and offers opportunities to young people who otherwise might not have a way into the industry.

For businesses, this approach serves as a double win. By investing in young talent, PerVista addresses the growing shortage of IT professionals while keeping labor costs manageable. Companies facing similar staffing shortages can learn from this model—creating a talent pipeline supports community development and ensures access to affordable, skilled workers.

Conscious capitalism: Balancing profit and purpose

When asked about their operating philosophy, Wright introduces the concept of “conscious capitalism.” “For us, conscious capitalism is not just focusing on profits,” he says. While the company is certainly focused on profit, Wright stresses that it also looks at other forms of capital: human, social, and environmental. “We do look at human capital, which is people, social capital, which is networks, and the natural capital, which is the environment,” Wright notes.

PerVista actively measures its impact on all these areas, ensuring its business model contributes positively beyond financial returns. This broader view of capitalism resonates with modern businesses seeking to align profitability with purpose.

Businesses can enhance their brand and strengthen their long-term sustainability by investing in people and communities.

Be sure to catch the video or podcast above to glean insights from Katie Bavoso and Vennard Wright, founder and CEO of AI software ISV PerVista. Engage with us by liking and subscribing for updates on upcoming interviews, special episodes, and exclusive opportunities.

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