Redbird, a France-based drone-captured data analytics company, has gained a €2m ($2.15m) investment from GDF Suez New Ventures, the corporate venture subsidiary of electric utility company GDF Suez.
The partnership between the two companies will allow GDF Suez to work with Redbird to reduce the monitoring costs of its natural gas infrastructure. It will also allow Redbird to develop its services for industrial clients such as enhancing security at public events and providing thermography and topography reports to industry clients.
In May 2014, Redbird received an undisclosed investment from Groupe Monnoyeur, the exclusive retailer of CAT machinery in France.
Redbird will use the funding form this latest round to accelerate its growth and develop new products.
Emmanuel de Maistre, president of Redbird, said: “We are very pleased to have with us a leading industrial player such as GDF Suez. Since 2013, we have been deeply convinced of the value of civilian drones for infrastructure networks, and this choice has been proven today to have been relevant.
“Despite technical and regulatory complexities, it is one of the most promising sectors. This exceptional support will enable us to develop ever more powerful drone solutions and grow internationally.”