Invested in: Marinus Analytics

Led by Carnegie Mellon University alumna Emily Kennedy, start-up Marinus Analytics is focused on becoming a sustainable company with a huge social impact.

The company is helping law enforcement respond to technology changes and stay ahead of criminals to fight human trafficking through investigative, machine learning software and big data technology – and its efforts are already having an impact. In a 2015 user survey, Marinus Analytics found that more than 300 victims of sex trafficking were identified with its software, Traffic Jam, and an average of 4.5 hours were saved on investigations per week. Reduced hours mean saved costs, safer children and fewer criminals on the internet.

In 2015, Marinus Analytics was recognized by UpPrize judges as one of the top three companies in the $1 million social innovation challenge and was awarded $150,000 in investments, plus a $50,000 grant. UpPrize was a unique collaboration between BNY Mellon, the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and The Forbes Funds. Its mission is to encourage impact investing in southwestern Pennsylvania, linking the private sector with regional nonprofits to identify and champion breakthrough innovations that address critical needs and also produce meaningful and measurable financial benefits.

Watch the video to hear from Emily how Marinus is using technology to empower law enforcement and how UpPrize has helped Marinus further its mission to change the way law enforcement conducts sex trafficking investigations to rescue more victims.

Learn more about social finance – investment activities that generate financial returns and positive social or environmental impact – at BNY Mellon.