San Antonio-based tech startup Darkhive has secured a $21 million investment to expand its drone manufacturing business. This latest funding round, led by cybersecurity-focused investment firm Ten Eleven Ventures, aims to support the company’s growth, fulfill Defense Department contracts, and seek new business opportunities. The investment will also accelerate the delivery of drone systems to teams already in the field.

A Boost for Drone Technology

Darkhive, a veteran-owned company, specializes in building reconnaissance drones for military and public safety uses. CEO John Goodson emphasizes that their autonomous drones are more secure, adaptable, and cost-effective than competitors, including those from China, reports the San Antonio Express News.

“The current landscape is full of hurdles that leave users in the field at an extreme disadvantage,” Goodson said. “Chinese offerings are intuitive to use and affordable but have known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. While American-made products are secure, they’re expensive and difficult to use effectively.”

Goodson aims to bridge this gap by offering drones that are reliable, secure, and user-friendly.

Innovative Drone Products

Darkhive’s product lineup includes several innovative drones and software platforms:

Yellowjacket: An 8-inch square drone designed for indoor and outdoor use.
Broodbox: A mobile application to operate the Yellowjacket drone.
Obelisk: A larger drone that extends to nearly 4 feet wide.
Redqueen: A mobile application allowing operators to control drones using voice commands.
Fleetforge: A software platform for managing drone fleets.

Investment and Growth

Mark Hatfield, General Partner at Ten Eleven Ventures, highlighted the firm’s commitment to cybersecurity-focused companies working on national security issues.

“We believe Darkhive’s platform offers the most compelling way to integrate vital secure code delivery and asset management for UAS fleets,” Hatfield said.

Since its launch in 2021, Darkhive has won over $100 million in DoD small business contracts. The company recently moved from a garage workshop to a 10,000-square-foot facility in the Lone Star neighborhood south of downtown San Antonio. It has also tripled its workforce to 36 employees in the past year.

DroneXL’s Take

Darkhive’s latest investment underscores the growing importance of drone technology in national security and public safety. As we reported in January, Darkhive’s federal contract with AFWERX Autonomy Prime was boosted to $100 million, highlighting the government’s trust in their capabilities. This investment will likely propel Darkhive to new heights, making drone technology more accessible and secure.

For more on drone technology and its impact, check out our recent articles on Drone Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

What are your thoughts on Darkhive’s latest investment and the future of drone technology? Leave your comments below!

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