Final week, police surveillance startup Flock Security introduced that it had purchased drone startup Aerodome. The acquisition value was over $300 million, in accordance with sources within the enterprise world. The quantity has not been beforehand reported.
Each Flock Security and Aerodome are backed by Andreessen Horowitz and have raised over $680 million and $28 million, respectively, in accordance with PitchBook. Rahul Sidhu, a former police officer, based Aerodome simply 17 months in the past, declaring it an “American Dynamism speed-run,” in reference to the title of a16z’s protection tech-focused initiative.
Sidhu additionally mentioned the deal was “one among largest tech acquisitions” in public security historical past. “Our acquisition isn’t the tip of Aerodome, however the starting of a golden period in public security tech development,” he wrote.
Aerodome created know-how that powers drones as first responders. Proper now, many police drone packages require a human to pilot the drone, however drone corporations like Skydio, Brinc Drones, and Aerodome are all making an attempt to excellent an autonomous service. For instance, when the police obtain a 911 name, a drone may take off by itself and scope out the scene, informing police if the realm is protected to enter.
Flock Security has additionally zeroed in on legislation enforcement as a buyer, constructing out cameras that may establish license plates and sensors that detect gunshots.
The acquisition accelerates Flock Security’s aggressive enlargement into police drones. Flock Security introduced it is going to be releasing its personal drones over the following 12 months and, in accordance with Sidhu’s submit, will likely be hiring an extra 100 engineers for the corporate’s aviation crew.
The drone enlargement plan places the corporate in direct competitors with drone producer Skydio, which is yet one more a16z portfolio firm.
Garrett Langley, founder and CEO of Flock Security, mentioned the enlargement into drones is a no brainer. “Anybody who’s seen a drone-as-first-responder program in motion is aware of that this know-how will play a central function in the way forward for public security,” he mentioned in an organization weblog submit. “No different know-how helps legislation enforcement officers get eyes on the scene quicker than a drone.”
