13 Jan 2017

Dedrone has secured the support of five well-known founders and executives from Silicon Valley, raising a seven-figure amount. Investing in the San Francisco-based start-up are Dominic Orr, CEO of Aruba Networks, Selina Lo, CEO of Ruckus Wireless, Hans Robertson, Co-founder and COO of Meraki, Tom Noonan, Former Chairman, President and CEO of Internet Security Systems, Inc., and Trevor Healy, Former CEO of Jajah and Amobee.

Extensive knowledge of investors

"We are delighted that we have been able to win the support of these successful entrepreneurs," says Jörg Lamprecht, Co-founder and CEO of Dedrone. "Their know-how and access to their networks are even more important than the money."

Dedrone develops DroneTracker, a platform for the detection of civilian drones and defence against their misuse. Protection from drones is a growth market, since the small, unmanned aerial vehicles are not only becoming extremely popular, but also are increasingly being used for crimes such as smuggling, espionage, and terrorist attacks. In May 2016, venture capital firm Menlo Ventures from Menlo Park, CA, invested 10 million dollars in the young company, which now employs around 60 people in San Francisco and Kassel, Germany.

"As the drone market is booming, the call for technologies to manage the associated risks is becoming ever louder"

Protecting critical infrastructure

"Drones are going to revolutionise a number of aspects of business and professional life. However, as the drone market is booming, the call for technologies to manage the associated risks is becoming ever louder," explains investor Dominic Orr. "As a pioneer, Dedrone has both a genuine technological advantage and strong sales force to expand its use. Dedrone also is the only supplier in the market that has numerous user references—and that speaks for itself." Selina Lo, CEO of Ruckus Wireless adds, “Not many start-ups are able to realise their business ideas as quickly and as successfully as Dedrone.

Drone Tracker is used around the world to protect critical infrastructure, stadiums, prisons, and VIPs from illegal or improper intrusion by small drones. Dedrone’s most notable references include the Clinton-Trump televised debates, the Suffolk County prison in New York, the Royal Family of Qatar, and the New York Mets’ stadium. In November of last year, Dedrone was recognised as one of the most promising start-ups in the world as part of the Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge.