Techstars is a global platform that provides investment and innovation. Through the Techstars Worldwide Entrepreneur Network, founders and their teams connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporate partners who will help their companies grow. Techstars operates four divisions: Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Program supercharges success and Techstars Startup Programs inspire, educate, and connect entrepreneurs. Techstars Venture Capital Fund invests in innovative and disruptive companies. Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships help brands create products and services. Techstars' accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,000 companies with a market cap of $8.1 billion.

Techstars

We invest in Seed through Series B companies around the world. Our focus is to invest in companies where we can add material value through our deep relationships in UAE government as well as decades of developing successful enterprise software implementations. We invest directly and through our partners at Techstars and Human Ventures.

GINCO Investments

Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III invests in Michigan tech startups to help commercialize innovative technologies.  We are proud to partner with Michigan’s best and brightest tech entrepreneurs and further economic development in the Mitten State.  The Pre-Seed Fund III is administered by the Michigan State University Research Foundation through Michigan Rise which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Foundation.  Michigan Rise supports entrepreneurs and technology startups across Michigan through capital support, coaching, assistance with grant funding and more. The Michigan State University Research Foundation was formed in 1973 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is charged with helping Michigan State University achieve its land grant mission related to economic development through the commercialization of new intellectual property. The Foundation oversees several entities involved in this activity including Red Cedar Ventures and Spartan Innovations.  Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III is made possible with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State University Research Foundation. To apply for funding, please submit a brief application here: https://www.michiganrise.com/application

Michigan Rise

Paspalis is a leading venture capital investor in Northern Australia. We invest in innovative companies, both locally and globally, looking to do business in the Northern Territory.

Paspalis

Blueflite

Blueflite previously Flugauto is a B2B tech company developing a world-class platform for aerial delivery of industrial cargo for the energy industry. For businesses that want to transport cargo, we offer the benefits of a helicopter, speed, and access to remote locations, but at the cost of ground transportation. We do this by leveraging our proprietary UAS technology which we provide as a Platform-as-a-Service. This helps companies streamline their material management, reduce costs and carbon emissions associated with logistics, warehousing, and unplanned maintenance, as well as reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.

Blueflite is a drone technology company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones for logistics and delivery applications. The company's patented drone design features a unique tilt-mechanism, internal payload bay, and compact wing design, allowing for vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and high-speed, energy-efficient flight. Blueflite's drones are built to meet rigorous commercial operation demands, offering protection for cargo from elements like wind and rain. The company's platform handles all aspects of logistics drone operations, providing a comprehensive solution for cargo delivery challenges globally. Blueflite's technology aims to revolutionize logistics by offering faster and more cost-effective deliveries compared to traditional methods. The company's drone system includes proprietary software components such as blueDigital, a cloud-based productivity tool, blueControl for mission planning and vehicle monitoring, and bluePilot, an onboard autopilot system featuring machine learning capabilities.

Blueflite® and DroneUp Partner to Bring Advanced Commercial Drone Capabilities to Ensure Fast, Safe and Reliable Delivery

Michigan SBDC

How Blueflite is Using Drones to Create a City of the Future, Today

Blueflite and DroneUp partner for advanced commercial drone capabilities

The Top Drone Companies to Watch in 2024

blueflite

USPTO Issues Patent for Advanced Logistics Drone Platform

Automation and robotics are finally creating solutions for the complexities of doorstep deliveries.

Last-mile Delivery Automation

Blueflite and DroneUp Partner to Bring Advanced Commercial Drone Capabilities to Ensure Fast, Safe and Reliable ...

Blueflite is a drone technology company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones for logistics and delivery applications. The company's patented drone design features a unique tilt-mechanism, internal payload bay, and compact wing design, allowing for vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and high-speed, energy-efficient flight. Blueflite's drones are built to meet rigorous commercial operation demands, offering protection for cargo from elements like wind and rain. The company's platform handles all aspects of logistics drone operations, providing a comprehensive solution for cargo delivery challenges globally. Blueflite's technology aims to revolutionize logistics by offering faster and more cost-effective deliveries compared to traditional methods. The company's drone system includes proprietary software components such as blueDigital, a cloud-based productivity tool, blueControl for mission planning and vehicle monitoring, and bluePilot, an onboard autopilot system featuring machine learning capabilities.
Key customers and partnerships
In April 2024, Blueflite announced a strategic partnership with DroneUp, a leading autonomous drone delivery company in America. This collaboration aims to integrate Blueflite's advanced drone capabilities into DroneUp's innovative Drone Autonomous Ecosystem, ensuring quick, safe, and reliable deliveries within a 15-mile radius of partnered vendors. In November 2023, Blueflite secured a partnership agreement and fleet orders with Spright, a major medical logistics company. The company also established a partnership with Acadian Ambulance for life-saving drone applications. Additionally, Blueflite collaborated with Wonder Robotics for delivery drone flight testing and with AVSS for the application of parachute safety technology. The company also partnered with NEWLAB and Michigan Central for a pilot project focused on pedestrian safety.

Blueflite is a drone technology company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones for logistics and delivery applications. The company's patented drone design features a unique tilt-mechanism, internal payload bay, and compact wing design, allowing for vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and high-speed, energy-efficient flight. Blueflite's drones are built to meet rigorous commercial operation demands, offering protection for cargo from elements like wind and rain. The company's platform handles all aspects of logistics drone operations, providing a comprehensive solution for cargo delivery challenges globally. Blueflite's technology aims to revolutionize logistics by offering faster and more cost-effective deliveries compared to traditional methods. The company's drone system includes proprietary software components such as blueDigital, a cloud-based productivity tool, blueControl for mission planning and vehicle monitoring, and bluePilot, an onboard autopilot system featuring machine learning capabilities.Key customers and partnershipsIn April 2024, Blueflite announced a strategic partnership with DroneUp, a leading autonomous drone delivery company in America. This collaboration aims to integrate Blueflite's advanced drone capabilities into DroneUp's innovative Drone Autonomous Ecosystem, ensuring quick, safe, and reliable deliveries within a 15-mile radius of partnered vendors. In November 2023, Blueflite secured a partnership agreement and fleet orders with Spright, a major medical logistics company. The company also established a partnership with Acadian Ambulance for life-saving drone applications. Additionally, Blueflite collaborated with Wonder Robotics for delivery drone flight testing and with AVSS for the application of parachute safety technology. The company also partnered with NEWLAB and Michigan Central for a pilot project focused on pedestrian safety.

Zing Drone Solutions offers an end-to-end drone delivery platform, which includes autonomous flight software and plug-and-play hardware. Drone pilots can team up with Zing to make deliveries with their own drones, while Zing undertakes the licensing and insuring of pilots. The company also sells two models of FAA-approved broadcast modules to pilots.As of March 2024, the company had operations in a test site in Sarasota, Florida, to demonstrate drone-based deliveries. It was mainly generating revenue through the sale of broadcast modules to pilots.Key customers and partnershipsZing Drone Solutions has product partnerships with companies including 1) software company Airspace Link to integrate airspace awareness technology (December 2021); 2) air traffic navigation service provider Skyway Technologies to install route planning and air navigation solutions for operations in Florida and beyond (January 2022; conducted first flights in Montverde, Florida <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10175">in May 2022);</a> and 3) Arrive (formerly DroneDek; June 2020) and Valqari (August 2021) to obtain hardware and infrastructure.Funding and financialsZing Drone Solutions generated revenue of USD 40,847 and incurred a loss of USD 160,287 in 2023.

Zing Drone Solutions

DroneUp is a drone startup offering&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18602">drone-based last-mile delivery services</a> primarily pitched toward retail, food, and medical deliveries. The company's&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34605">technology package</a> includes a proprietary software solution, an innovative winch system, and custom battery packs. The company has operations in the US (including Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Utah, and North Carolina) and potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11637">Europe.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36763">In December 2024,</a> it obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Part 135 Certification to conduct commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries.DroneUp’s complementary acquisitions in the space include AeroVista Innovations to provide full-service drone training to organizations (April 2020); Web Teks, a UAS software developer that had been a contractor for DroneUp&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/103">(March 2021)</a>; and AirMap, an airspace management software provider for drones&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/7177">(December 2021).</a>&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsDroneUp has conducted drone-based deliveries in partnership with organizations including <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10658">Walmart,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/161">NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance) and SUNY Upstate Medical University,</a> the City of Ontario and the real estate company <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4266">Brookfield Properties,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17938">Riverside Health System,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19264">Carilion Clinic,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23954">Chick-fil-A</a>.DroneUp also has product partnerships with companies including1) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/865380">A2Z Drone Delivery</a> to integrate the latter’s tethered freefall drone delivery technology into DroneUp’s drones <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/105">(March 2021)</a>2) South Korean company Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) to test drones using hydrogen fuel cell technology <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17671">(April 2023)</a>3) Irsi Automation to integrate airspace awareness tech into its drones <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18258">(May 2023)</a>4) Wonder Robotics to integrate precision technology for drone-based deliveries <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18344">(May 2023)</a>5) Blueflite, a drone technology company, to leverage Blueflite’s drones for DroneUp's autonomous ecosystem <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28155">(April 2024)</a>6) Elsight to obtain drone connectivity solutions <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33137">(September 2024)</a>

DroneUp

Agility Robotics develops a human-sized, bi-pedal robot called “Digit” designed for logistics applications primarily for warehouse automation, with plans to introduce the unit for last-mile delivery applications. It is the only company in the market with a product designed to look and move like a human, using two upper limbs to carry an item while moving around on two legs. The robot uses a head-mounted LiDAR system for its primary navigation and is able to navigate semi-autonomously, carrying weight up to 35 lbs. The robots can charge autonomously by connecting themselves to docking stations when needed and can be deployed without additional retrofitting.The company unveiled the second generation of Digit <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17182">in March 2023,</a> with plans to begin shipping to early customers in 2024 and a wider rollout in 2025 (price not disclosed). The company has a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21927">manufacturing facility in Oregon</a> with the capacity to produce more than 10,000 robots per year.&nbsp;The company also offers <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27444">“Agility Arc,"</a> which is a cloud automation platform for deploying and managing Digit fleets. This is offered on a SaaS basis.Funding and financials<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9899">In April 2022,</a> Agility Robotics raised USD 150 million in a Series B funding round led by DCVC and Playground Global to fast-track R&amp;D, ramp up production and delivery of its next-generation robot, and expand the team. In April 2022, Agility Robotics also received an undisclosed amount of funds from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund.&nbsp;Key competitors: None comparable (Agility Robotics is the only startup developing a humanoid robot for parcel delivery)

Agility Robotics

Manna Drone Delivery (Manna) provides drone delivery-as-a-service to restaurant chains, cloud kitchens, and online food delivery platforms. Using custom-developed aerospace-grade drones, it delivers directly from restaurants and centralized kitchens to consumer's homes. Its drones can fly at a speed of 60 mph, delivering within a range of 10 miles. The drones are also equipped with safety systems including a parachute that will automatically deploy and bring the aircraft to the ground in case of an emergency.In May 2021, Manna received the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/62">“Light UAS Operator Certificate” (LUC),</a> available under EU drone regulations and recognized across the EU. With the certification, Manna can self-authorize operations without the need for further approvals. The company also applied for a drone-based delivery services license in the UK <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22174">in September 2023.</a>The services are offered via Manna’s mobile application, where restaurants can partner and list themselves for drone-based deliveries to their customers. As of March 2024, the company had completed 150,000+ deliveries to customers in Ireland (including Moneygall, Co Offaly, Oranmore, Co Galway, and in Blanchardstown and Balbriggan, Co Dublin) and the US <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23388">(Dallas, Texas).</a>Key customers and partnershipsIts notable partners include restaurant operators and retailers such as Flipdish, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/91">Just Eat,</a> Tesco, Camile Thai’s, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/106">Samsung Electronics,</a> Coca-Cola, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23388">Farmhouse Coffee &amp; Treasures, The Touring Chocolatie,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27176">Boojum.</a>Funding and financials<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17122">In March 2023,</a> Manna received an undisclosed amount of funding from Coca-Cola HBC and entered into a strategic partnership with the same to expand its reach to the US market.&nbsp;

Manna Drone Delivery

TwinswHeel is an autonomous delivery droids manufacturer based in France. The company offers six droids under two ranges; 1) “ciTHy” series pitched toward logistics applications for private sites and cities and 2) “facTHory” series pitched toward factories and warehouses. The robots can be configured to either pair up and collaborate with a person and follow them while carrying the loads or to move autonomously in a mapped area. The robots are equipped with LiDAR, six 2D cameras, 3D camera, and sensors for navigation. The ciTHy series comprises the following three sizes that can be used for last-mile delivery applications:1. ciTHy S: Can carry loads of up to 110 lbs, pitched toward personal mobility.2. ciTHy M: Can carry loads of up to 330 lbs; pitched toward technicians and craftsmen to help carry loads.3. ciTHy L: Can carry loads of up to 660 lbs; pitched toward stores in city centers.Key customers and partnershipIn May 2019, the company conducted a trial run in partnership with the French supermarket chain Casino’s Franprix, where shoppers can pair up with the robot, making it follow them while shopping, and even carry items to the customer’s home.The company also manufactures droids on behalf of the autonomous droid operator LMAD (2021).

TwinswHeel

Refers to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that deliver packages. Drones are already in commercial use in many other industries (such as photography, construction, and agriculture). The use of drones for goods delivery has emerged with the gradual advancement of battery and connectivity technologies.

Refers to autonomous vehicles that use pedestrian walkways and travel a little faster than average walking speed (generally 3-6 miles an hour). These vehicles can usually carry up to around 20 lb. and use a camera, radar, and sensors to move autonomously. 

This is a sub-branch of self-driving cars and represents autonomous vehicles that can move along public roads. The technology used is similar to self-driving cars. ADVs have a higher load capacity and travel at a faster speed than vehicles like droids.

Some companies use AI/ML tech for autonomous navigation.  (e.g., Goggo Network, Drone Express, Wayve)"

Autonomous delivery solutions fall under Industry 4.0

The solutions are electric and eco-friendly

All three types of delivery automation facilitate efficient and environmentally friendly solutions

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 DroneUp, a provider of drone-based delivery services, has announced a strategic partnership with drone technology firm Blueflite. The partnership aims to utilize Blueflite's advanced drone technologies for DroneUp's newly unveiled <a href="https://www.blueflite.com/blueflite-and-droneup-partner-to-bring-advanced-commercial-drone-capabilities-to-ensure-fast-safe-and-reliable-delivery/"> autonomous ecosystem </a>.
 As a part of the collaboration, Blueflite will act as the drone design partner for DroneUp's ecosystem. They will offer their speed and storage-enabled drones for executing deliveries within a 15 m radius for partnered vendors.
 DroneUp is planning to roll out the Ecosystem in selected markets by the year 2024.
</div>

blueflite

Sources

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless