A Summer of Drone Delivery: The Buzz Around Verity
It seems we’re in the midst of "drone-delivery summer." In recent weeks, several startups have made significant announcements in the field. Gather AI acquired competitor Ware after an executive shake-up, San Jose-based B Garage brought in a $20 million Series A, and Swiss startup Verity announced it’s adding $11 million in funding. This latest round is an extension of a $32 million Series B announced back in March, bringing the total raise up to $43 million.
A Partnership with Ikea: Bringing Drones to European Warehouses
Verity notes that its drones have been deployed in 13 countries thus far, but the company hasn’t offered many specifics on deployment metrics. However, an Ikea partnership has brought 100 of Verity’s drones to 16 of the furniture giant’s European warehouses. This partnership is a significant milestone for Verity and highlights the growing interest in drone delivery solutions.
The Addressable Market: A Huge Opportunity
When you factor in third-party logistics firms, retailers, and manufacturers, you’ve got countless shelves that need to be inventoried. The addressable market is huge, and companies like Simbe and Bossa Nova have focused on front-of-store shelf scanning. However, the size, scope, and height of warehouse shelves present a unique set of challenges.
Dexory: A Unique Solution for Warehouse Inventory
London-based Dexory offers a fairly unique solution to these challenges. The wheeled robot sports an extending scaffolding system to hit those hard-to-reach shelves. In many ways, drones are uniquely qualified for the job. They’re small, nimble, and can reach even the highest shelves.
The Secret Sauce: Limited Connectivity Systems
The secret sauce behind successful drone delivery solutions is systems with limited connectivity that allow drones to fly indoors and avoid collisions. Verity’s latest round was led by A.P. Moller Holding and notably features Qualcomm Ventures.
Qualcomm Ventures on the Future of Supply Chains
"The supply chain of the future is autonomous and automated," says Qualcomm Ventures’ Boaz Peer. "Verity’s self-flying drone technology and advanced warehouse inventory analytics are helping transform supply chains by enabling end-to-end, real-time visibility. We’re excited to invest in Verity as it scales its operations internationally."
Labor Shortages and Automation: A Perfect Storm
Qualcomm has a personal interest in the world of supply chains and logistics, which have been clouded by uncertainty for the last several years. Labor shortages have fueled interest in automation across the industry, and few aspects of that world are a better candidate to be automated than inventory.
Scaling Challenges in the Drone Inventory World
A number of startups in the drone inventory world suggest that scaling has been an issue, with a backlog of potential clients. Verity says this round will go toward scaling and going-to-market for its solution.
The Future of Supply Chains: Autonomous and Automated
As we look to the future, it’s clear that autonomous drones will play a significant role in transforming supply chains. With the ability to fly indoors and avoid collisions, these systems have the potential to revolutionize inventory management.
Verity’s Solution: A Game-Changer for Warehouse Inventory
Verity’s solution is a game-changer for warehouse inventory. Its self-flying drone technology and advanced analytics provide end-to-end, real-time visibility into inventory levels. This allows companies to optimize their supply chains and make data-driven decisions.
Qualcomm Ventures’ Investment: A Vote of Confidence
The investment from Qualcomm Ventures is a vote of confidence in Verity’s solution. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that companies like Verity will play a leading role in shaping the future of supply chains.
Dexory’s Solution: A Unique Approach
Dexory’s solution is a unique approach to warehouse inventory management. Its wheeled robot with an extending scaffolding system allows for efficient and accurate inventory tracking.
A Growing Interest in Drone Delivery Solutions
As we look around, it’s clear that there’s a growing interest in drone delivery solutions. With the potential to transform supply chains and revolutionize inventory management, it’s no wonder that companies are investing heavily in this space.
The Future of Supply Chains: Autonomous and Automated
As we move forward, it’s clear that autonomous drones will play a significant role in transforming supply chains. With the ability to fly indoors and avoid collisions, these systems have the potential to revolutionize inventory management and make data-driven decisions a reality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Verity’s $43 million funding round is a significant milestone for the company and highlights the growing interest in drone delivery solutions. As we look to the future, it’s clear that autonomous drones will play a leading role in transforming supply chains and revolutionizing inventory management.
