The company, based in Switzerland and the United States, aims to expand its global operations and further develop autonomous drone solutions for public safety.
Fotokite, a company specializing in active tethered UAVs for firefighting and public safety, announced that it has successfully closed its Series B funding round, securing approximately 10 million Swiss francs ($11 million). The funds are earmarked to accelerate growth, strengthen research and development and expand global operations.
Carbyne Equity Partners led the investment round, joined by existing investors such as Swisscanto Private Equity Growth I and Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd. Markus Petersen, Managing Partner at Carbyne Equity Partners, expressed strong support for Fotokite's continued development and international commercialization. “Fotokite’s differentiated technology and outstanding management team are a perfect fit for our investment needs. We are excited to be part of the international commercialization of Fotokite products and their continued technological development,” said Petersen.
Fotokite's technology has been recognized for its effectiveness and reliability in critical public safety scenarios by providing first responders with enhanced aerial capabilities that can improve situational awareness, streamline search and rescue operations, and save lives. The recent capital infusion allows Fotokite to expand its public safety customer base, meet new market opportunities, develop additional product features, and expand its operations. Fotokite currently operates on six continents, which represents significant global expansion.
Fotokite CEO Bart Slager expressed enthusiasm about the funding milestone. “We are very pleased to announce the successful completion of our latest funding round, which marks a significant milestone for our company. This investment underscores our confidence in our vision and the value of autonomous solutions for first responders,” Slager said. “With our expanded resources and global reach, we are poised to make an even greater impact in helping emergency response teams save lives and protect communities around the world.”
Investor Introduction:
Carbyne Equity Partners is a European private equity firm focused on growing businesses with strong market positions and outstanding leadership in sectors such as security technology, agriculture, healthcare and nutrition.
Swisscanto manages the assets of the Zürcher Kantonalbank group and provides investment and pension solutions. Swisscanto Private Equity Growth Fund supports ICT and healthcare companies in their expansion phase.
Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd., a subsidiary of Credit Suisse AG, invests in Swiss small and emerging companies and has supported more than 60 Swiss companies since its founding in 2010.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE, CEO of JobForDrones, a marketplace for professional drone services, and a keen observer of the emerging drone industry and the drone regulatory environment. Miriam has authored over 3,000 articles focusing on the commercial drone space and she is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience in high-tech sales and new technology marketing.
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