Switzerland-based indoor drone technology developer Verity Studios raised $18m in a series A round on Tuesday that featured aerospace company Airbus and consumer electronics producer Sony.
Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft manufacturer Kitty Hawk also took part in the round, which was led by Fontinalis Partners. Airbus and Sony participated through respective investment arms Airbus Ventures and Sony Innovation Fund.
Founded in 2014, Verity Strudios develops autonomous indoor drones for live events. The technology has been used by entertainment providers such as Cirque du Soleil and rock bank Metallica.
The cash will go towards an expansion of the company’s live events business, with a key focus on the US, and an expansion into additional verticals. Chris Cheever, co-founder and partner at Fontinalis, will join Verity’s board of directors.