The drone plot thickens as software-focused DroneDeploy gets $2M

DroneDeploy, a startup that’s been cooking up software to manage several drones from one central place, said today that it’s secured a seed round totaling $2 million.

And as of today, any company can now buy the startup’s software, according to a statement. The software can control cameras affixed to unmanned aerial vehicles, access their photo and video feeds, and prevent collisions, all across LTE connections.

The San Francisco startup began work on its software after observing the proliferation in low-cost drone hardware. While that trend has played out, large technology companies like Google and Amazon have revealed prototypes for delivering items with drones.

But the software for smaller companies to use when working with multiple drones has been a less crowded airspace. Even so, DroneDeploy’s nine-person team is initially targeting farming, construction, and surveying.

SoftTech VC led the round. AngelPad, Data Collective, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Redpoint Ventures also participated.