“As we go global, we do have to customize and deploy and localize the systems to languages and the rules and regulations,” Healander told Crain’s. “But otherwise, we have a template and a blueprint to do that. But doing anything international, it requires extra funding and time and really building out a global team to support that.”
The Detroit startup is one of just a handful of companies approved through the Federal Aviation Administration for a data exchange program known as Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, which the FAA says provides the following:
- Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet.
- Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly.
- Air traffic professionals with visibility into where and when drones are operating.
The latest funding round for Airspace Link was led by Silicon Valley investment fund Avanta Ventures, the venture capital arm of CSAA Insurance Group; and included participation from two other new investors: Morningside Group in Hong Kong, and family office investor the Caprock Group.
“Our investment in Airspace Link aligns with our deep focus on mobility innovation, safety, and risk management,” David Li, principal at Avanta Ventures, said in a news release. “We look forward to working with Airspace Link to accelerate aerial mobility in the safest manner for consumers and communities at scale.”
Existing investors Altos Ventures, Indicator Ventures, 2048 Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and Thales Group also participated, according to the release.