Drone tech company Aerologix flying high after closing $4.2 million raise

Sydney-based drone tech company Aerologix is taking its operations to new heights after closing a $4.2 million funding round led by specialist investment manager Ellerston Capital.

The raise – which saw the return of pre-seed investor Lindsay Phillips' Nightingale Partners – will be used to further the company’s staff headcount, global footprint and R&D capabilities.

Aerologix co-founder Tom Caska – a former pilot for Qantas (ASX: QAN) - said he was “excited to expand” the company both “at home” and “in Asia and Europe in the near future.”

“We’re thrilled to be backed by Ellerston Capital and to receive a second round of support from Nightingale,” added Caska, who built the company alongside former tech consultant Rakesh Routhu.

“It's further validation of our vision and commercial viability.”

Founded in 2019, Aerologix has dubbed itself as an “Uber for drones” and works by connecting drone pilots to enterprises or individuals in search of drone imaging via its platform.

From aerial panoramas to video tours, the company aims to improve sustainability and efficiency for clients and provide a seamless flight experience for the pilot.

In the past year, Aerologix has grown its pilot network from 500 to more than 10,000 across Australia as many aviators saw their flying hours reduced due to the pandemic.

Aerologix was also recently onboarded into the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) “digital sky platform”, which allows pilots access to a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) network.

The RPAS allows pilots to view remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) advisories, rules and regulatory information, weather updates and easy-to-use maps showing where they are permitted to fly.

Aerologix is one of the only Australian drone tech companies with both iOS and Android apps approved and integrated with the CASA digital sky platform.

The platform has also received funding from the University of NSW’s 10x Accelerator program.

“Aerologix benefits from being a key technology platform that enables drone pilots to complete complex data captures for organisations that have significant infrastructure.” Ellerston head of private investments, advisory & distribution Stuart Robertson said.

“We are pleased to support Aerologix’s accelerated growth ambitions in Australia and globally.”