Police Drone Startup Raises $75M - Index Ventures Leads Round

The Rise of Brinc Drones in Public Safety

In situations where rapid response is critical, particularly in difficult-to-reach locations, drones are increasingly being deployed before traditional emergency vehicles arrive. A significant portion of these drones are manufactured by Brinc Drones, a Seattle-based company.

Company Origins and Funding

Founded in 2017 by Blake Resnick, who left his college studies to focus on the venture, Brinc has quickly become a key player in the drone industry. The company recently announced a new funding round of $75 million, led by Index Ventures.

This latest investment brings the total funding raised by Brinc to $157.2 million. Resnick confirmed to TechCrunch that this round represents an increase in valuation compared to their previous $55 million Series B funding secured in 2022. Bloomberg previously reported Brinc’s valuation at $300 million in 2023.

Addressing a Growing Market Need

Brinc specializes in providing drone systems to law enforcement and public safety organizations. This growth is occurring alongside a broader trend of U.S. drone companies increasing domestic manufacturing.

This shift is driven by growing restrictions on companies based in China, which currently dominate the commercial drone market. Interestingly, Resnick gained early experience as an intern at DJI, a leading Chinese drone manufacturer, prior to establishing Brinc.

Strategic Partnership with Motorola Solutions

The new funding will facilitate a “strategic alliance” between Brinc and Motorola Solutions, who also participated in this investment round. Motorola Solutions is a major provider of security technology, including the software that powers many 911 call centers.

This collaboration will integrate Brinc drones directly into these 911 systems. Operators will be able to dispatch drones in response to specific emergency calls, following clearance from Motorola’s existing AI-powered system.

Competition in the Drone Sector

Brinc operates within a competitive landscape, facing challenges from other U.S. drone startups such as Flock Safety and Skydio. These companies also offer drone solutions for police departments and have achieved substantial valuations.

Flock Safety’s latest funding round valued the company at $7.5 billion, while Skydio was valued at $2.2 billion in 2023.

Differentiating Factors and Future Growth

Resnick emphasizes that the market has ample opportunity for growth, particularly as it moves away from reliance on Chinese manufacturers. He highlights Brinc’s unique capabilities, including features like window-breaking functionality and the ability to deliver essential medical supplies.

He believes these specialized features, alongside the Motorola Solutions partnership, position Brinc for continued success in the evolving public safety drone market.