Bitesize InsurTech: Dronebase

November 19, 2016 Chris Sandilands

DroneBase is a marketplace for B2B drone services.

DroneBase was founded in 2014 by a former US marine (extending our run of startups founded by ex-military personnel to two after Enswarm last week). The business offers a platform connecting businesses with DroneBase’s network of pilots, who fly drones to provide aerial imagery and video of a selected location.  Pilots earn commission on successful missions.

Dronebase started in Los Angeles but the pilot network has grown rapidly to offer services across all 50 states and several locations internationally. The model is largely focused on the construction and real estate industries. Users submit an online request and a local drone pilot (or at least their drone) should quickly arrive to do the rest (here’s an example).

Regulatory restrictions on drone usage aside, we see great potential for the insurance industry to use services like DroneBase. This is a quick, low cost but high impact service that has applications in both risk and claim assessment. (Indeed a number of major US players are applying for Federal Aviation Authority approval to begin testing their own drone programmes.) This is, if you like, Google Earth 2.0.

DroneBase’s growth has been rapid. To drive the supply side, they recently launched their “Pilot Programme” which allows recreational pilots with the right permissions to fly commercial missions. Google Earth 2.0 meets gig economy 2.0.  This is a great service.