AngleList is a popular website for technology start-ups looking to raise equity or debt financing from accredited investors. An accredited investor meets at least one of two criteria: (1) Assets of greater than $1 Million excluding their primary residence ; or (2) annual income of greater than $200,000 in each of the last two years. Although others have tried to enter the matchmaking space between start-ups and investors, AngelList leads the way with over 36,000 company profiles.
Updated 7/15/14: Rising Tide has changed its name to Skyward and has raised $1.5 million in venture capital.
Of these 36,000, 22 companies are self-categorized as “Drone-Tech.” Today, we profile one of these companies, Rising Tide Innovations.
Rising Tide Innovations is in the drone software/services space providing an online environment for operators to fulfill their customers’ orders. Their software connects UAS operators with regulators and customers, enabling compliant, legal, and profitable flights.
“The advent of UAS (drone) technology makes aerial sensing affordable; spawning commercial applications in agriculture, insurance, energy, real estate, and others. Our software platform helps commercial operators develop customer needs, conduct flights in full regulatory compliance, and return and archive meaningful results … Our platform makes it easy for commercial drone operators to comply with the complex set of aviation regulations around the world. Every company in the world that carries liability insurance and either operates or contracts for drone services will need the features our product offers. Specifically, documentation of certified operators, air-worthy equipment, and GIS mapping of each flight.”
Rising Tide Innovations was founded by Jonathan Evans and Jake Weber last year in Portland, Oregon. Jonathan is a professional pilot, veteran, and three-time start-up founder. Jake is also experienced in the drone space with expertise in multiple platforms including the RQ-7 Shadow, Scan Eagle, Fulmar and various multicopters. With five employees, the Company is raising $150,000 in convertible debt which converts at a 30% discount to any equity round over $750,000 or more. Current investors include: Beau Buck, co-founder of Pricegrabber and Toivo Annus, former heading of engineering at Skype. More about the Company is available in an interview in the Portland Business Journal from last December or take a look at the Company promotional YouTube video:
CEO DroneLife.com, DroneRacingLife.com, and CMO of Jobfordrones.com. Principle at Spalding Barker Strategies. Has enjoyed working with and around the commercial drone industry for the last 10 years. Attendance and speaker at Industry Events such as Commercial UAV, InterGeo, Interdrone and others. Proud father of two. Enjoys karate, Sherlock Holmes, and interesting things. Subscribe to all things drone at DroneLife here. Email is Harry@dronelife.com. Make Sure that you WhiteList us in your email to make sure you get our Newsletter. Editor1@dronelife.com.