Autonomous Drone Developer Percepto Raises $15 Million

Autonomous drone developer Percepto, incorporated as Vision Cortex Ltd., has raised $15 million in a series A round, the company announced Wednesday. U.S. Venture Partners (USVP) led the round, with participation by existing investors NHN, Emerge, and Spider Capital. The round brings Percepto's total funding to date to $27.5 million.

Founded in 2014 by CEO Dor Abuhasira, Raviv Raz, and Sagi Blonder, Percepto develops computer vision and automation software for on-site drone systems. The company’s drone launches from a charging box and operates autonomously, performing a number of security, safety, and inspection tasks essential for large industrial sites. It also collects aerial video and snapshots, transmitting data to personnel on the ground in real-time.

The company's clients include mainly energy and electricity companies, gas companies, and companies in heavy industries such as mining. Strategic partners include London-headquartered security company G4S PLC and industrial company Johnson Controls International PLC.

Based in central Israel with additional offices in the U.S. and Australia, Percepto employs 60 people. The company intends to use the funding to accelerate its growth, Abuhasira said in a statement.