Skydio: The Leading American Drone Manufacturer
Skydio, headquartered in San Mateo, California, is a prominent U.S. drone manufacturer. In 2021, the company achieved unicorn status, meaning it was valued at more than $1 billion, making it the first U.S. drone manufacturer to reach this milestone. In 2023, this valuation rose to an impressive $2.2 billion.
History of Skydio Founded in 2014 by three Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) alumni - Adam Bry, Abe Bachrach and Matt Donahoe. They laid the groundwork for a revolutionary drone innovation. Their research focused on autonomous flying techniques, which led to their involvement in Google's Project Wing. In 2014, they decided to launch Skydio, backed by investors such as Andreessen Horowitz.
Skydio's Drone Product Line
- Skydio R1 (2018): The R1, priced at $2,500, was a pioneer with 12 cameras for full visibility and a main camera that could record 4K video.
- Skydio 2 (2019): An upgraded version with 6 navigation cameras, a compact design and a friendly $999 price tag.
- Skydio X2 (2020): Designed for military and business use, this drone features a thermal camera and a new touchscreen controller.
- Skydio X10 (2023)
Skydio in Government Programs Skydio's technology was recognized in 2022 when they won the production agreement for the U.S. Army Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program, a contract worth nearly $100 million over five years.
Recent Funding and Growth Skydio recently announced a Series E funding round of $230 million. The company's growth has been exponential, with a 30x increase in just three years, making it now the largest drone manufacturer in the US.