Sky-Futures provides drone-based inspection services to global industrial markets, serving oil & gas, renewables, utilities, telecoms, bridges and construction. Its offerings include training packages, services and software solutions, notably Hangar — an interactive, cloud-based drone-driven data collection and management system launched in 2016. The company is expanding commercial reach through a strategic partnership and a $4m investment from Mitsui aimed at deploying its technology across Mitsui’s energy, marine and infrastructure clients. Sky-Futures is backed by MMC Ventures and Bristow Group and reports a presence with 35 clients globally, operating in over 10 countries across five regions. Leadership includes CEO James Harrison and COO Chris Blackford, and the company maintains offices in Houston, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi and Aberdeen. Sky-Futures conducts UAV inspections for the oil and gas sector using HD video, still and thermal imagery, and delivers analyzed data through its technology platform. The company inspects live flare stacks, splash zones, decommissioning sites, general topside work and under-deck areas. Formed in 2009 and based in London, it currently operates in 16 countries and works with more than 30 major oil and gas companies. Sky-Futures also maintains offices in Houston, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi and Aberdeen. The company intends to use the new funding to expand the operational delivery of drone-based inspection services in the global oil and gas market. The business pairs operational UAV expertise with data capture, analysis technology and training capabilities. Sky-Futures operates drones that inspect oil rigs and gas pipelines, collecting HD video, stills and thermal imagery which the company analyses and delivers to clients. The startup has worked with over 30 of the largest oil and gas companies and operates across the North Sea, the Middle East, South East Asia and North Africa, with an office in Houston to serve Gulf of Mexico clients. Founded in 2009 by James Harrison, Chris Blackford and Nick Rogers, the company was an early recipient of FAA regulatory approval to operate in the U.S. Sky-Futures plans to scale up its inspection services following new funding and its co-founder has urged UK government support in regulation and tax incentives for drone innovation. Financially, the company has completed two significant seed rounds with prominent angels and has now closed a Series A to accelerate growth.

Total raised

$14M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Aug 2017