SkySafe: Safer Skies on the Rise

Founded in 2015 by a team of former MIT and Air Force engineers, Alumni Ventures portfolio company SkySafe is the developer of a security system designed to protect airspace from drone attacks or surveillance. Using advanced radio tech, reverse engineering, and deep threat analysis, SkySafe enables clients to maintain airspace security by detecting and controlling malicious and reckless drones. The company also provides tools to safely and effectively operate authorized drones.

Sky-High Opportunity

SkySafe has a compelling business model with excellent growth potential — offering three products for customers in defense agencies, airports, prisons, municipalities, sports stadiums, and more. First, the company’s Compact Forensic Imaging Device (CFID) tool provides users with an analysis of drone forensics via a software license model. Once users access the dataset supplied by the CFID, many convert to the MM2 system. This features a system sale that allows the operator to detect, identify, track, and intercept drones in the airspace. SkySafe has taken this model further and developed a cloud deployment model that will provide potential customers with more extensive data feeds of drone activity.

SkySafe’s model boasts solid competitive moats, maintaining an edge by focusing on data analytics. Its software and hardware systems allow for deep data traction, precision attacks on hostile drones with few false-positive alerts, and robust real-world performance, with a ~20km detection range —  3-4X of the closest competitor. 

What We Liked About SkySafe

Growing Target Market: Relevant markets for SkySafe’s products are expanding rapidly. The counter-unmanned aircraft systems market will reach $4.7 billion by 2027, while the unmanned traffic management market will hit $1.6 billion. 

Significant Momentum: SkySafe has sold over 1500 CFID units across 30+ countries, a market lead which is driving rapid adoption of MM2. The company anticipates that its sales with the Japan Self-Defense Force alone will bring in considerable revenue over the next five years.

Well-Established Investor Syndicate: The investors backing SkySafe contribute a wealth of experience, domain expertise, and relevant industry connections. The company’s most recent round was led by new investor Kingfisher, with participation from existing investor a16z.

Experienced Team and Board: CEO Grant Jordan gained first-hand knowledge of the drone security landscape while an Air Force Research Lab officer. Additionally, Chief Revenue Office Grant Khoury brings vast enterprise data sales experience from DellEMC and IBM, where he led the company’s Big Data and Analytics Program with the U.S. Army. SkySafe’s entire team and board are highly experienced in drone technology, defense, and cloud deployment.

How We Are Involved

Castor Ventures (for the MIT community) led Alumni Ventures’s participation in SkySafe’s $30 million Series B, along with sibling funds Congress Avenue Ventures (for the University of Texas community), Chestnut Street Ventures (for the Penn community), and The Yard Ventures (for the Harvard community). Part of AV’s allocation was also raised via Syndication.