Airspace Link offers an online platform that helps UAV operators obtain FAA permissions by partially automating safety-case workflows and tracking ground-based infrastructure such as radar coverage, nearby flights, and other assets. The company positions itself as state and local infrastructure rather than a pilot-facing app, with municipalities white-labeling the platform and charging convenience fees. It raised $23.1 million in a Series B to accelerate U.S. expansion and pursue a global roll-out as countries seek to build or update drone regulatory systems. Airspace Link is partnering with Thales and ESRI to support localization and airspace-monitoring capabilities for international deployments. The company cites tightening FAA rules — including an upcoming mandate for drones to broadcast location — as a driver of demand and a reason to expand quickly. Airspace Link is hiring rapidly, nearing 50 employees, and plans to grow its global team as it commercializes its infrastructure offering. Airspace Link offers drone operation planning tools and APIs that let developers integrate its geospatial data into third-party platforms. Its system is LAANC-compatible and the company is one of seven FAA-approved providers for low-altitude authorization in controlled airspace. The platform differentiates itself by integrating with municipal mapping tools to surface ground-based risk for communities and operators. Founded in 2018 and based in Detroit, the company employs about 20 full-time staff and says it partners with more than 40 U.S. government agencies and municipalities. Airspace Link plans to use new funding to expand its domestic offering, integrate with additional transportation groups, and grow overseas. The company has signaled specific expansion targets of Australia and Canada. It recently closed a $10 million Series A to support those efforts. Airspace Link builds mapping and authorization tools that help cities and towns manage low-altitude drone traffic by integrating ground-based risk data into flight guidance for operators. The company integrates deeply with ESRI to surface terrestrial critical-asset and population data and to enable municipal advisories and permitting workflows. Its platform components include AirRegistry (opt-in/opt-out for drone deliveries), AirInspect (city/state permitting), AirNetm (FAA-approved air routes) and AirLink (an API that connects operators with local governments and collects registration fees). Airspace Link has received FAA approval for low-altitude authorization and notification capabilities and currently focuses on authorizing flight plans while planning broader rollouts. CEO Michael Healander says the company expects live-tracking of every drone on its platform within about two years. Financially, Airspace Link previously closed a $1.0M pre-seed round in September 2019 at a $6.0M post-money valuation; the company’s current valuation following the new financing is undisclosed.

Total raised

$37M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jun 2022