University of Auckland’s commercialisation arm is among the latest backers for drone technology developer Dotterel, which raised approximately $500,000 last year.
Dotterel Technologies, a New Zealand-based developer of drone noise cancellation technology, has received NZ$1m ($670,000) in a round featuring UniServices, the commercialisation arm of University of Auckland, New Zealand Herald has reported.
Angel investment platform Jelix Ventures led the round and took an 11.5% equity stake, while government-owned New Zealand Venture Investment Fund, investment firm K1W1 and Techstars Australian Defence Accelerator also took part.
Founded in 2015, Dotterel Technologies is developing noise cancellation products for the blades of unmanned aerial drones that enable them to operate more quietly for use in practices such as cinematography and security.
The company’s design includes special propellers offering reduced noise, with the blades wrapped within an acoustic shroud for further insulation. It is also working on an active audio recording device that exploits the drone’s low noise profile to pick up external sounds.
Dotterel Technologies previously attracted $380,000 in a November 2017 round featuring the university’s Inventors Fund as well as lighting and camera technology maker ESV, Techstars and Opal Ventures. It also secured $120,000 in July 2017 for participating in the Techstars Adelaide accelerator.
