Spain’s Alpha Unmanned Systems closes first investment round
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Madrid-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, alpha unmanned system (AUS) has announced the closing of its first seed round of external investment capital. The round was led by Dr. Joseph Menaker, co-founder of UAV Factory, with Tobias Webster, former CEO of UAV Navigation and now director of international business development at Alpha, and his co-founder of Agnitio, now Alpha. CFO Javier Castaño joined. The funds will be used to accelerate Alpha’s product development and improve its sales and marketing efforts.
Alpha co-founder and CEO Eric Freeman said: “Joseph is very knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities in building a fast-growing UAV company. His extensive experience in manufacturing and selling UAVs will be of great help to us. The levels are challenging and complex, and Alpha is dedicated to learning from the best in the industry.”
“Alpha Unmanned Systems is one of the few small independent UAV manufacturers in existence, with superior technology and a strong team of experts ready to expand production and distribution of the device.” said Dr. Menaker. “I am happy to know that my experience in the industry will help Alpha develop further and take it to the next level of quality manufacturing.”
The company has completed direct international sales to institutional (government and military) and private entities, including customers from Spain, Israel, the United States, Greece, Indonesia, Georgia, Turkey, the European Union and others. AUS’s experienced team of professionals and dedication to a particular section of the market place AUS among the global ‘Top 3’ in its sector.
The company’s latest product, the Alpha 900, is a helicopter specifically designed for missions in marine environments. Its powerful combustion engine offers significant autonomy and payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 4 kg of payload for up to 4 hours. The A900 can autonomously take off and land on moving vessels in confined spaces, and its “STANAG Compliant” status makes all critical systems redundant. These factors make the A900 an ideal solution for Navy, Coast Guard, intelligence, surveillance, target approach and maritime reconnaissance.
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and high tech she has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing new technologies.
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