Startup companies will be connected to investors looking to tap into growing unmanned systems and robotics sector


ARLINGTON, Va. — Startups, investors, channel partners and OEMs will come together for the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International's Startup Connection on Monday, July 18 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel. The event will combine demonstrations, presentations, and networking to match the latest in unmanned systems and robotics technology with those looking to discover new companies and ideas. 

  

The unmanned systems and robotics sector is increasingly attractive for venture capital funding. According to investment research firm CB Insights, funding for unmanned aircraft systems reached over $450 million in 2015, an all-time high. In addition, funding last year for robotics, excluding UAS, was up by 115 percent over 2014. 

  

AUVSI's Startup Connection's Matchmaker Speed Networking will provide valuable pre-arranged, 10-minute meetings between entrepreneurs and those seeking new partnerships. The program will also feature presentations tailored for both investors and startups, such as "Navigating the Startup Landscape: Market Opportunities Past, Present, and Future" and an "Investment Insights Panel." 

  

Attendees at AUVSI's Startup Connection will include Virginia-based Vanilla Aircraft, the winner of AUVSI's first-ever Startup Showdown at XPONENTIAL 2016. Vanilla Aircraft's VA001 UAS provides users with up to 10 days of non-stop, unrefueled flight. 

  

Investors represented at AUVSI's Startup Connection include Qualcomm Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Highway1 and The Kerton Group. 

  

For more information about AUVSI's Startup Connection, and to register to participate in the event, visit startup.auvsi.org. 

  

Complimentary registration is provided to the media to cover the Startup Connection. To register, contact Chloe Svolos at csvolos@auvsi.org or 571.858.4373.