Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The latest drone news
The Drone Racing League (DRL) just lately introduced that they raised a whopping $20 million in a Series B funding spherical.
Wow. That is a lot of cash, and says a ton in regards to the confidence buyers really feel in the way forward for FPV racing.
At a time when many consumer-focused corporations like Parrot, Autel, GoPro and others have confronted main layoffs, resulting in huge pivots in their focus—resembling Parrot’s launch of their prosumer line—it speaks volumes that the DRL is seeing a lot fundraising success, and particularly after solely two years in enterprise.
We’ve written rather a lot just lately about how development is the following huge wave of the drone trade, however it seems like FPV racing can even be an enormous contender relating to the place we go subsequent.
Who Are the Investors?
The $20 million financing spherical was led by Sky, Liberty Media Corporation (proprietor of Formula 1) and Lux Capital, becoming a member of present companions together with Hearst Ventures and Miami Dolphin’s proprietor Stephen Ross’s venture-capital agency RSE Ventures, which participated in an $eight million spherical in 2016.
In addition to Liberty Media Corporation, DRL added new buyers Allianz (its world Title Sponsor of the race circuit) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Other companions that joined Sky and Lux in the spherical embody Lerer Hippeau Ventures, and Courtside Ventures. DRL has additionally added CRCM Ventures, supporting DRL’s enlargement into China. LionTree Advisors acted as a monetary advisor for the corporate and Morrison Foerster was the corporate’s authorized advisor.
“We’re incredibly proud to announce new partners and investors aligning with DRL to solidify drone racing as the sport of the future.”
– Nicholas Horbaczewski, CEO and Founder of DRL
DRL on Monday additionally introduced a partnership with the Amazon Prime Video sequence “The Grand Tour.” Videos from the race shall be launched in August and September, forward of “The Grand Tour” Season 2 later this yr.
The DRL 2017 season begins on June 20 on ESPN, and shall be broadcast in greater than 75 nations with broadcast companions together with Sky Sports, ProSiebenSat.1, Disney XD, and OSN.
Watch the video beneath to study extra about FPV racing and the Drone Racing League’s 2017 season, which is nearly to kick off.
About the Drone Racing League
The Drone Racing League launched in January 2016 as the one world skilled drone racing group, internet hosting 5 skilled races in its inaugural season.
DRL’s ‘16 season reached greater than 75 million followers world wide (which is insane!), with greater than 30 million broadcast viewers and greater than 45 million views of its digital content material.
How Can You Get into FPV Drone Racing?
FPV Racing is a brand new and quickly rising sport that’s getting commercialized by organizations just like the Drone Racing League, U.S. Drone Racing Association, MultiGP, and occasions just like the World Drone Racing Championships. If you’re already an FPV hobbyist you possibly can study extra about the way to get into precise races, or learn on to search out out about FPV racing itself.
The first time we flew FPV was on the Drone Racing League’s free simulator.
The software program is free to obtain, however we purchased the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2.4GHz Telemetry Radio & Aluminum Case Mode 2 Transmitter to have the ability to fly with actual joysticks. It was simple to arrange and got here with a rugged silver case (which made us really feel particular 🙂 ).
If you’re seeking to get into FPV drone racing, we undoubtedly advocate Force1’s racing equipment. We’ve had nice luck with their directions and assist workforce on a number of merchandise of theirs over the past few years.
Check out our evaluate of the Force1 equipment to see if it’s a superb match for you. If you do find yourself shopping for it, be sure that to make use of the code DYSCOACH to get 20% off once you purchase it on Amazon.
Also, if you happen to’re enthusiastic about moving into FPV racing be sure that to take a look at our full information to FPV methods for extra info on how one can get began, and suggestions for what to purchase to get you up and working.
Want to purchase the Force1 equipment? Remember to make use of the code DYSCOACH to get 20% off the Force 1 DYS Drone once you buy it on Amazon.
Zacc Dukowitz
Director of Marketing
Zacc Dukowitz is the Director of Marketing for UAV Coach. A author with skilled expertise in schooling expertise and digital advertising, Zacc is obsessed with reporting on the drone trade at a time when UAVs can assist us dwell higher lives. Zacc additionally holds the rank of nidan in Aikido, a Japanese martial artwork, and is a extensively revealed fiction author. Zacc has an MFA from the University of Florida and a BA from St. John’s College. Follow @zaccdukowitz or take a look at zaccdukowitz.com to learn his work.
