Swiss and US-based company aims to expand global operations and further develop its autonomous drone solutions for public safety.
ZURICH, Switzerland – Fotokite, a leader in actively-tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for firefighting and public safety, has announced the successful closure of its Series B financing round, raising approximately CHF 10 million ($11 million). This significant investment will fuel the company’s growth, bolster research and development, and expand its global footprint.
Carbyne Equity Partners Spearheads Investment
The funding round was led by Carbyne Equity Partners, with participation from existing investors Swisscanto Private Equity Growth I and Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd. Markus Petersen, Managing Partner at Carbyne Equity Partners, praised Fotokite’s innovative technology and experienced leadership team, stating, “Fotokite’s differentiating technology and accomplished management team perfectly align with our investment requirements. We are delighted to accompany the international commercialization and continuous technological development of Fotokite’s products.”
Fotokite’s Impact on Public Safety
Fotokite’s UAV systems are renowned for their reliability and effectiveness in critical public safety scenarios. They provide first responders with improved aerial capabilities, enhancing situational awareness, optimizing search and rescue operations, and ultimately saving lives. The influx of capital will enable Fotokite to expand its customer base, explore new market opportunities, innovate additional product features, and scale its operations. Currently operating on six continents, Fotokite is experiencing significant global expansion.
CEO Bart Slager’s Vision for the Future
Bart Slager, CEO of Fotokite, shared his excitement about the funding milestone, remarking, “This investment reaffirms the confidence in our vision and the value of our autonomous solutions for first responders. With our expanded resources and global reach, we are poised to make an even greater impact in helping emergency response teams save lives and protect communities worldwide.”
Investor Profiles
- Carbyne Equity Partners: A European private equity firm specializing in security technology, agriculture, healthcare, and nutrition sectors, focusing on companies with strong market positions and leadership.
- Swisscanto: Manages assets for the Zürcher Kantonalbank group, offering investment and pension solutions, and supports ICT and healthcare companies through its Private Equity Growth Fund.
- Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd.: A subsidiary of Credit Suisse AG, dedicated to investing in Swiss SMEs and emerging companies, with a portfolio of over 60 Swiss companies since 2010.