Richard Branson is already pretty well-versed in the airline industry. Now the business mogul is investing some dough into drones.
Drone startup 3D Robotics announced today that it has received an undisclosed investment from Branson, who also yesterday invested in San Francisco-based transportation company Sidecar.
“I’m really excited about the potential 3DR sees in drones,” Branson said in a statement. “They can do a lot of good in the world, and I hope this affordable technology will give many more people the chance to see our beautiful planet from such a powerful perspective.”
Headquartered in Berkeley, Calif., 3D Robotics was founded in 2009 by former Wired Magazine editor Chris Anderson and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The company, which had raised $35 million prior to Branson’s investment, has nearly 200 employees and more than 28,000 customers around the world.
Anderson will be speaking at our upcoming GeekWire Summit on Oct. 2. The 3D Robotics CEO is an accomplished entrepreneur and writer, and we’re very much looking forward to hearing his perspectives on a variety of topics, discussing everything from the maker movement to drones to what it is like being a GeekDad.
Speaking of drones, we’re also excited to welcome National Geographic contributor Chad Copeland to this year’s lineup. A pioneering photographer and videographer, Copeland uses unmanned aerial vehicles to capture stunning images across the planet. A former U.S. Air Force pilot and air traffic controller, Copeland also will speak about some of the regulatory hurdles facing drone operators, in addition to showcasing some of his amazing work, which you can see here.
