25-Year-Old Police Drone Innovator Secures $75M in Funding Led by Index
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to call 911 from a remote location, there’s a strong possibility that you will hear the buzz of a drone before a police car arrives. This innovative approach to emergency response is made possible by Brinc Drones, a Seattle-based startup founded by 25-year-old Blake Resnick, who left college to pursue his passion for drone technology.
Brinc Drones Secures Major Funding
Founded in 2017, Brinc Drones has recently announced a significant milestone: the company has successfully raised $75 million in new funding. This round was led by Index Ventures, with notable backing from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during its seed stage.
Total Funding and Valuation
With the latest investment, Brinc’s total funding has now reached $157.2 million. Although the company has not disclosed its precise valuation, Resnick mentioned to TechCrunch that this is an “up-round” compared to the $55 million Series B funding it received in 2022. Bloomberg reported that Brinc was valued at approximately $300 million in 2023.
Innovative Drone Solutions for Public Safety
Brinc specializes in providing a range of drone systems tailored for police and public safety agencies. This initiative aligns with a broader movement among U.S. drone startups to manufacture domestically, particularly as restrictions against Chinese companies in the commercial drone sector tighten. Notably, Resnick has previous experience with DJI, the leading Chinese drone manufacturer, before launching Brinc.
Partnership with Motorola Solutions
In conjunction with the new funding, Brinc is forming a strategic alliance with Motorola Solutions, which also participated in the funding round. Motorola is a prominent player in the U.S. security industry and its software supports many 911 call centers. This partnership will enable the integration of Brinc drones into these centers, allowing operators to deploy drones for specific emergency calls once approved by an existing Motorola AI system.
Facing Competition in the Drone Industry
Despite the promising developments, Brinc operates in a highly competitive landscape that includes other U.S. startups such as Flock Safety and Skydio. Both companies also provide drone solutions for law enforcement and have achieved multibillion-dollar valuations, with Flock recently valued at $7.5 billion and Skydio at $2.2 billion in 2023.
Room for Growth
In a conversation with TechCrunch, Resnick expressed optimism about Brinc’s growth potential, emphasizing that there is significant opportunity in a market currently dominated by Chinese firms. Beyond its partnership with Motorola, Brinc is distinguished by unique features, such as the capability to break windows or deliver emergency medical devices.
As the landscape of drone technology continues to evolve, Brinc Drones stands at the forefront, revolutionizing emergency response and public safety.
