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Sydney-based drone technology startup Aerologix, backed by a $2 million capital raise, has stepped up its plans for global expansion with the acquisition of Brazilian mapping software company Mappa.
Aerologix, which is described as ‘Uber for drones’, launched in New Zealand earlier this year and now targeting the Americas following the Mappa deal which has been described as the missing link in the company’s plans to create a ‘comprehensive global drone ecosystem’.
Founded in 2019, by former airline pilot Tom Caska and former technology consultant Rakesh Routhu, Aerologix matches drone operators with clients that need aerial imaging. The company says it has signed up more than 29,000 drone pilots since foundation – up from the 23,000 reported by the company earlier this year.
Aerologix’s growth plans have been fuelled by a $2 million capital raise backed by Lindsay Phillips' Nightingale Partners which is doubling down on previous seed raises. The company is also backed by Ellerston Capital.
Mappa brings to Aerologix a cutting-edge mapping technology company that turns drone data into high resolution maps.
Mappa has a strong presence in South America and, under Aerologix’s management, will maintain operations servicing about 185 customers, while its technology will also be incorporated into Aerologix’s new offering, AerologixMaps, which launches globally today.
The new offering is aimed at seamlessly integrating into the Aerologix Drone Ecosystem, complementing thecompany’s existing AerologixFly app which provides access to its patented Aeropath software that assists drone pilots take on challenging tasks such as vertical asset-structure inspections.
Routhu, the Aerologix COO, says Mappa’s technology is highly complementary to the Aerologix systems.
“Mappa was the missing piece in our plan to build a comprehensive global drone ecosystem,” Routhu says.
“This acquisition not only supercharges our growth in South and North America but also provides a platform for a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, along with additional revenue streams derived from monetising our extensive drone pilot network.”
Caska, the Aerologix CEO, says AerologixMaps has generated ‘enormous’ interest from within the company’s growing network of users.
“A simple, affordable way of making maps is a real value-add for our customers and we already have more than 175 pilots on the waitlist,” Caska says.
“AerologixMaps also allows us to establish drone pilot networks abroad without having to set up offices in every country.
“When and if we do set up our platform of drone pilot networks in international markets, we will have the correct data to do so. Once again, this gives us a strategic advantage over competitors.”
Aerologix's technology supports 135 different drone types, catering to diverse industries including renewable energy, construction, real estate and infrastructure.
The company is one of a handful of drone companies onboarded into the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) digital sky platform, meaning both its Aerologix iOS and android apps ingest CASA weather updates, location-based information and maps that show where pilots can and can’t fly.
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