Berkeley-based drone company, 3D Robotics, announced an expansion of their Series C round on April 23. The company reported an additional $14 million dollars, bringing their Series C from $50 million to $64 million. New investors include WestSummit Capital, with additional global investors from Asia, Europe and the U.S. participating, including SanDisk Ventures and Atlantic Bridge Ventures, according to a statement on the company’s website.
3D Robotics sprang from DIY Drones and an international developer community and raised a considerable amount from Richard Branson last year. We told you about the beginning of their Series C round this year with $50 million in investment led by Qualcomm Ventures, with Foundry Group, True Ventures, OATV, Mayfield, Shea Ventures.
The company, which manufactures consumer based drones for mapping and photography, as well as drone parts, is about to roll out its new consumer drone, Solo. The company touts Solo’s exceptional computer-assisted flight capabilities and advanced camera control. The company’s website claims that Solo’s onboard intelligence delivers the best aerial flight and filmmaking experience imaginable and hopes to “usher in a new era for drone photography.” Check out their Arthur C. Clarke inspired video here (so easy, a monkey could fly one.)
The company plans to use the new funding and the expertise inherent in such a broad base of international investors to leverage their position on a global scale in the rapidly expanding UAV market.
“3DR’s roots are in a worldwide, open developer community, so creating an equally expansive global organization is a key part of company strategy,” Chris Anderson, CEO of 3DR, said in a statement. “China is emerging as a world leader in drone technology and production, and many of the innovative companies there are already using 3DR platforms. We see tremendous opportunity to work with investors and experts in these markets to extend that lead and work more closely with innovative young companies.”
3D Robotics is the largest drone company in North America.
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Photo Courtesy 3D Robotics.
