Skydio

Skydio is an American drone manufacturer renowned for its advanced autonomous flight technology. Their drones leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to navigate environments seamlessly, avoiding obstacles and tracking subjects without requiring expert pilot control. Skydio's flagship products include the Skydio 2, a consumer drone designed for aerial photography and videography, and the Skydio X2 series, engineered for enterprise, public safety, and defense applications.

Skydio's autonomy engine enables their drones to perceive their surroundings in real-time, allowing them to fly independently while capturing high-quality footage. The drones boast impressive features such as obstacle avoidance, subject tracking, and extended flight times, making them versatile tools for various industries. In addition to their autonomous capabilities, Skydio drones are equipped with powerful cameras, including thermal imaging sensors for night operations.

The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with its customer base expanding to over 1,200 organizations across the US, including every branch of the Department of Defense, state transportation departments, public safety agencies, and energy utilities. Skydio's drones have also been employed in critical missions, such as documenting war crimes in Ukraine and aiding first responders during natural disasters like Hurricane Ian.

In February 2023, Skydio raised USD 230 million in a Series E funding round, valuing the company at over USD 2.2 billion. This investment allowed Skydio to increase its manufacturing capacity tenfold, with a new 36,000-square-foot facility in Hayward, California. The company plans to add over 150 manufacturing jobs to meet the growing demand for its products.

Key customers and partnerships

Skydio has established valuable partnerships and secured numerous high-profile customers across various sectors. The company's drones are trusted by government agencies, including every branch of the US Department of Defense and over 200 public safety agencies in 47 states. Skydio has also secured contracts with the US Army, such as the USD 20.2 million base year contract to supply autonomous drones.

In the private sector, Skydio's drones are utilized by over 60 energy utilities and various construction and transportation companies. The company has partnered with technology leaders like Axon, a prominent public safety solutions provider, to integrate their products and deepen the adoption of autonomous drones in law enforcement.

Furthermore, Skydio has collaborated with organizations such as the US Agency for International Development, providing its drones to document war crimes in Ukraine.