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Airware secures key Caterpillar Ventures investment

Airware, a provider of end-to-end solutions that turn aerial data into actionable business intelligence for enterprises, has secured a strategic investment from Caterpillar Ventures. The investment allows Airware to accelerate programs that enable dealers to offer solutions and services within the quarrying, mining and construction industries, and highlights Caterpillar’s commitment in leading the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). “This investment is a continuation of Caterpillar’s commitment to hel
February 3, 2017 Read time: 3 mins

Airware, a provider of end-to-end solutions that turn aerial data into actionable business intelligence for enterprises, has secured a strategic investment from 395 Caterpillar Ventures. The investment allows Airware to accelerate programs that enable dealers to offer solutions and services within the quarrying, mining and construction industries, and highlights Caterpillar’s commitment in leading the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

“This investment is a continuation of Caterpillar’s commitment to help our customers be more productive and make improved business decisions,” said George Taylor, Caterpillar chief marketing officer & vice president of the marketing and digital division. “In collaboration with Airware, we are better positioned to offer drone services through industry-leading technology that helps digitise and optimise operations.”

In September 2016, Airware acquired Redbird, a drone analytics pioneer, to bring to market the most powerful commercial drone solution for mining and aggregates. Today, teams from around the world are using the Airware Redbird solution to monitor day-to-day progress of their sites to improve productivity, worker safety, and operational efficiency.

“Commercial drone technology is becoming a necessity for quarrying, mining and construction organisations looking to increase overall productivity while cutting costs,” said Jonathan Downey, founder & CEO of Airware. “Airware provides customers the combined power of an enterprise-focused workflow and industry-specific data analytics with the compliance and security features needed to scale drone operations.”

Caterpillar dealers will be able to offer their customers drone services and analytics, including a core set of photogrammetry, mapping, and volumetrics tools, and a suite of advanced analysis and reporting modules. Caterpillar dealer Bergerat Monnoyeur to be among the first dealers.

Greg Arranz, general manager, SITECH at Bergerat Monnoyeur added: “We are committed to bringing cutting-edge technology and world-class services to our customers. Airware is an established leader in putting drones to work for mining, construction, and quarrying. They understand the needs of our customers, what it takes to scale operations, and the importance of offering industry-specific analytics to drive better decision making. We’re proud to bring Airware to our customers.”

Caterpillar Ventures assists entrepreneurs around the world to grow and scale their businesses to build today for a better tomorrow by leveraging Caterpillar's industry expertise, supply base and independent dealer network. Caterpillar Ventures' focus areas of investment include robotics, energy, advanced materials, and digital solutions that help our customers be successful. Caterpillar Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar.

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