# Iris Automation

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/iris-automation

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Reno, US
- Website: www.irisonboard.com
- Total disclosed funding: $23M
- Latest round: Series B (Dec 15, 2020)
- Investors on record: 10

## About

Iris Automation Inc., based in the US, develops advanced drone collision avoidance systems, enhancing operational safety through innovative technology designed for diverse drone applications.Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Reno, US, Iris Automation Inc. specializes in drone safety technology. The company has raised a total of USD 13.00 mn through its Series B funding round, led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Its latest deal occurred on October 24, 2023, indicating active investor engagement. The founders include Alexander Harmsen and James Howard, and the company is currently led by CEO Jon Damush.Iris Automation specializes in advanced drone collision avoidance systems, primarily through its flagship product, Casia. This system provides onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities across a 360° field of regard, enhancing safety in drone operations by alerting operators to potential intruder aircraft. The technology is compatible with various airframe types, including multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL designs. Iris Automation addresses multiple use cases such as inspections of power lines and pipelines, emergency response operations, aerial mapping, and package delivery. The company's products have received regulatory approvals in key markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa, reflecting a commitment to safety and compliance.Iris Automation operates a revenue model centered on partnerships and B2B transactions. Clients engage the company to integrate the Casia collision avoidance system into their operations, often through agreements that include subscription-based services for ongoing support and software updates. The financial structure typically involves upfront costs for installation followed by recurring fees for maintenance and upgrades. Its client base includes commercial enterprises, regulatory bodies, and urban air mobility developers focused on enhancing operational safety protocols.In October 2023, Iris Automation was acquired by uAvionix Corporation, which will leverage its technologies to enhance commercial offerings. The acquisition is expected to support Iris Automation's strategy for developing upcoming products in the drone technology space and expanding into new geographic markets. Specific plans for future growth include targeting additional international regions and sectors that require advanced drone capabilities.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Dec 15, 2020, $13M — OCA Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Bee Partners, Verizon Ventures, Sony Innovation Fund
- Series A, Jan 18, 2018, $8M — Bessemer Venture Partners, Bee Partners
- Series A, Jan 18, 2017, $1.5M — Granite Asia, Social Capital, Bee Partners, Liquid 2 Ventures
- Seed, Aug 31, 2016 — Y Combinator, XG Ventures, Bee Partners, Liquid 2 Ventures
- Angel, Mar 6, 2015, $0.5M — Y Combinator, Bee Partners

## Investors

- Y Combinator (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/y-combinator) — Angel, Seed
- Bee Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/bee-partners) — Angel, Seed, Series A, Series B
- XG Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/xg-ventures) — Seed
- Liquid 2 Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/liquid-2-ventures) — Seed, Series A
- Granite Asia (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/granite-asia) — Series A
- Social Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/social-capital) — Series A
- Bessemer Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/bessemer-venture-partners) — Series A, Series B
- OCA Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/oca-ventures) — Series B
- Verizon Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/verizon-ventures) — Series B
- Sony Innovation Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sony-innovation-fund) — Series B