Skydio is the leading U.S. manufacturer of autonomous drones, specializing in AI-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for public safety, utilities, national security, and industrial inspection. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, Skydio’s mission is to make dangerous work safer, smarter, and faster through remote autonomous flight. The company’s drones are designed for rapid deployment and real-time intelligence gathering, supporting applications such as Drone as First Responder (DFR), automated inspection, site security, and battlefield situational awareness. Skydio’s technology is trusted by major enterprises, public agencies, and military organizations worldwide, with a focus on U.S.-based design, assembly, and supply chain security.
Leadership
Founders:
Adam Bry (CEO): Co-founder and CEO, with a background in autonomous systems and robotics from MIT. Previously worked on Google’s Project Wing.
Abe Bachrach (Co-founder): Co-founder, robotics and autonomy expert, also with an MIT background and prior experience at Google.
Matt Donahoe (Co-founder): Co-founder with expertise in hardware and software integration for robotics.
The founding team combines deep expertise in AI, robotics, and aerospace engineering, with early experience in the MIT Robust Robotics Group and Google’s drone initiatives.
Core Technologies
Autonomous Flight AI: Advanced onboard AI enables drones to fly complex missions with minimal human intervention, including obstacle avoidance, low- and high-altitude navigation, and real-time situational awareness—even in GPS- or communications-denied environments.
Skydio X10 Drone: Flagship platform featuring best-in-class sensors, advanced AI guidance, and robust data collection capabilities for demanding missions.
Dock for X10: Automated docking station that enables remote, autonomous drone launches, landings, and recharging, supporting persistent operations and “hive” deployments for continuous coverage.
3D Reconstruction Software: Enables detailed mapping and inspection, used for infrastructure assessment and forensic documentation.
Secure, U.S.-based Manufacturing: All design, assembly, and support are conducted in the U.S., ensuring high standards for supply chain and data security.
Key Capabilities
Drone as First Responder (DFR): Provides instant situational awareness for emergency services, with drones on scene in under two minutes to support coordinated responses and improve outcomes.
Automated Inspection: Reduces downtime and accelerates restoration for utilities and industrial operators, leveraging AI for precise, repeatable inspections.
National Security & Defense: Delivers survivable, autonomous sUAS for battlefield awareness, reconnaissance, and tactical support, with proven deployments in conflict zones and by allied militaries.
Persistent Coverage: “Hive” model allows multiple drones to rotate through docks, ensuring uninterrupted aerial monitoring for major incidents or critical infrastructure.
Real-Time Data & Analytics: Advanced sensors and AI-driven analytics provide actionable intelligence for decision-makers in diverse operational scenarios.
Investors
Total Funding: Over $400 million, including a $230 million Series E (February 2023) and a $170 million extension round (November 2024).
Key Investors: Linse Capital (owns over 21%), Andreessen Horowitz, Next47, IVP, DoCoMo, Nvidia, Lockheed Martin, Walton Family Foundation, UP.Partners, Hercules Capital, Axon, and Japanese telecom operator KDDI.
Valuation: Surpassed $1 billion (“unicorn” status) as of March 2021.
Company Type: Private.
Notable Clients
U.S. Department of Defense: Drones used across all branches, with up to 22,000 units reported in service as of late 2024.
Allied Militaries: UK Ministry of Defence, Israel Defense Forces, Indian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Navy, and Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Public Safety Agencies: Over 200 U.S. public safety agencies in 47 states, including Miami Beach PD for DFR programs.
State Departments of Transportation: Used by over half of all U.S. state DOTs.
Enterprise Clients: NTT DOCOMO, NTT West, Japan Infra Waymark, FLIGHTS in Japan.
Utilities and Infrastructure Operators: Broad adoption in utility inspection and critical infrastructure monitoring.
