Drones have been long used for military applications dating back to 1917 in World War I. Today, we are just beginning to see the growth of this high-flying industry from a consumer and widespread adoption perspective. This multi-billion-dollar market has experienced explosive demand in the consumer and commercial/civil sectors for high-quality drone footage. Vermeer is the previsualization and drone marketplace app that allows people (many of whom are not familiar with drone technology) to connect with drone operators and create a virtual rendering of the exact aerial image they want before taking flight; eliminating any friction in the pre-sales process. Vermeer’s previsualization technology is supported by its proprietary AR tools and the company, launched in 2018, already has a notable roster of clients including Netflix, Universal, Marvel, and Google. Vermeer is currently participating in the inaugural cohort of the Techstars’ Airforce Accelerator.
AlleyWatch sat down with Vermeer CEO and Founder Brian Streem to learn more about the inspiration behind Vermeer, the company’s software, and future expansion plans.
Tell us about the product or service that Vermeer offers.
For people who need high-quality drone footage, but have difficulty finding and describing what they want to a drone operator — Vermeer provides a previsualization application and marketplace that removes the friction in specifying and buying perfect drone photography.
What inspired the start of Vermeer?
The desire to democratize aerial imagery.
How is Vermeer different?
No one else on the market offers a guarantee of output and a previsualization – this previs offers customers to collaborate and remove friction from the ordering process in a way like no other
What market does Vermeer target and how big is it?
We are going after the entire drone service market projected to be in the billions in a few years.
What is the business model?
We are a marketplace business model: Customers download our app, create their virtual drone shots through our unique AR tool, enter credit card info, and hit “order.” A drone owner gets pinged, shows up to the desired location, uploads the digital assets, and the drone autonomously completes the mission.
Who do you consider to be your primary competitors?
Dronebase; mom & pop drone services.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
We are looking to get a government contract through our Tech Stars Air Force relationships and launch our app in LA and Miami – right now we are only available in three of five NYC boroughs.
What is the one piece of startup advice that you never got?
Listen to fewer people.
If you could be put in touch with anyone in the New York community who would it be and why?
A decision-maker at NBC Universal.
Why did you launch in New York?
I was born in NY and went to NYU.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Golden Diner.
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