“Creating a world where the safe integration of drones fuels human progress, advancing social equity, the environment, and the economy” is the mission of Airspace Link, a Detroit-based startup founded in 2018 that builds safer, scalable drone solutions. Airspace Link has so far raised $37M in total funding after completing their Series B round of $23M in June 2022 led by Avanta Ventures. David Li, principal at Avanta Ventures, explained “Our investment in Airspace Link aligns with our deep focus on mobility innovation, safety, and risk management”. With this funding, Airspace Link is looking to continue to build out support for the safe scaling of drone usage. Airspace Link also recently received the Up-and-Coming Company of the Year Award from the Michigan Venture Capital Association to recognize their groundbreaking solutions in the drone industry.
One of Airspace’s primary products is AirHub, a free web application for drone pilots, both certified and recreational, to plan their operations on digital airspace maps and apply for authorization when flying in controlled airspace. AirHub Launch helps pilots understand limits on flight altitude, identify flight risks, and become aware of other advisories that could impact flight planning.
Airspace also builds solutions for state and local governments through their AirHub product. The platform provides the digital infrastructure needed for local and state governments to make informed decisions about and safely manage drone operations. Governments are increasingly using drones for operations like delivery to reduce CO2 emissions or safely deliver medical supplies and food to citizens. Airspace Link has even received funding from MMFP, the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, to deploy drones to complete last-mile deliveries to reduce on-road miles, emissions, traffic, vehicular accidents, and noise pollution.
Airspace Link is one of many up-and-coming startups in Detroit, a city that was recently recognized by Startup Genome as the top emerging startup ecosystem by their Global Startup Ecosystem Report. This growth in Detroit has helped grow the Michigan investment ecosystem generally, with Michigan recently having been ranked the fastest growing state for VC investment. According to the 2021 Annual Research Report from the Michigan Venture Capital Association, there are currently 165 venture-backed startup companies in Michigan, a 17% increase over the last five years. In addition, five Michigan startups – Duo Security, Llamasoft, Onestream Software, Rivian, and StockX have reached unicorn status.