Reveal Technology Secures $11M to Enhance DOD Decision-Making Tools

Enhancing Battlefield Awareness with Rapid 3D Mapping

Personnel in military operations frequently require swift, informed decision-making within demanding scenarios. However, they are often hampered by technologies incapable of delivering precise situational awareness. Leaders within the armed forces have emphasized the importance of achieving “decision dominance” for deployed personnel, yet the practical implementation of new technologies and their distribution to end-users presents significant hurdles.

Reveal Technology: A Leading Innovator

Reveal Technology has emerged as a key player in addressing this challenge. Established six years ago, this startup has collaborated with various branches of the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its core software solution to operational teams. Known as Farsight, this software swiftly transforms drone footage into interactive 3D maps accessible directly on smartphones.

The company is currently engaged in production phases with the Army, Special Operations Command, the Marine Corps, and several international military organizations.

Farsight's Advantages Over Traditional Mapping

Farsight presents substantial improvements compared to conventional methods, which typically rely on smartphones loaded with two-dimensional maps. These traditional maps are often based on outdated satellite imagery, failing to accurately represent the dynamic conditions of a modern battlefield, as explained by Reveal co-founder and CEO Garrett Smith.

“Changes in the operational environment, such as blocked roadways or newly constructed defensive positions, will not be reflected on these older maps,” Smith stated. “Farsight overcomes this limitation by providing a current, high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the surroundings, enabling measurement, analysis, informed decision-making, and a comprehensive understanding of the environment.”

The Founder's Perspective: A Veteran's Insight

Smith’s insights are rooted in his own experiences as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, with deployments spanning Afghanistan, South Asia, and South America. He transitioned from active duty approximately twelve years ago, remaining engaged through reserve service. He noted that his military service, while valuable, also highlighted a significant gap in the U.S. Department of Defense’s technological capabilities.

“Recognizing this technological lag while operating in potentially dangerous situations was a striking realization,” he commented. Technologies widely adopted by commercial enterprises, such as cloud computing, were still in the early stages of implementation within the defense sector.

From Drone Operations to Startup Innovation

Following his departure from active service, Smith pursued studies at Stanford University and subsequently ventured into the startup landscape. He leveraged his prior experience with military drone operations to collaborate with companies within the commercial drone industry. He observed the increasing affordability of commercial drones coupled with the growing capabilities of consumer smartphones.

“This convergence presented an opportunity to create substantial software value,” he explained.

The Genesis of Reveal Technology and Farsight

In December 2018, Smith and three colleagues founded Reveal Technology with the goal of developing the software that would become Farsight. Beyond map generation, the software offers functionalities such as adversary field-of-view simulation, route planning, height and distance calculations, and a range of analytical tools.

“Our aim is to minimize the cognitive load on operators, enabling them to make quicker and more effective decisions by processing the vast and increasing volume of visual information gathered in these environments,” Smith said.

Expanding Capabilities with Identifi

The company further expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of DFL Technology and its product, Identifi – a smartphone-based system for biometric data collection and human identity verification. Both Reveal products contribute to the overarching goal of decision dominance, delivering critical information at the tactical edge and in mobile settings. Smith clarified that while Farsight focuses on the physical terrain, “Identifi concentrates on understanding the human landscape.”

Securing Investment for Growth

Investors have recognized the company’s potential, as evidenced by a recently completed $11.2 million Series A funding round led by Next Frontier Capital, with participation from defy.vc and 8VC. These funds will be used to expand the team and enhance the product portfolio, ultimately striving, as Smith articulated, “to become the dominant force in the mobile and edge computing space.”