Business Spotlight: Drone Evolution

Based in Caerphilly, Drone Evolution is revolutionising the use of drone technology to improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for both people and organisations. 

Drone Evolution joined GlobalWelsh for Business in 2023. We caught up with co-founder and business development director, Toby Townrow, to delve into Drone Evolution’s journey and its mission to reshape the drone industry…

Can you tell us a bit about the background of Drone Evolution and how the company came about?

Our co-founders, Clayton Earney and John Young, were working together at a facilities management company, and they started using drones for service work. John had some ideas for creating drone products, and I met him whilst running a sales course. We were the only two Welshmen in the room, so we got talking. I recognised an opportunity in the commercial drone space, and together, we formed the company.

We officially launched Drone Evolution in November 2018 after securing initial funding. Thanks to my connections at the Welsh Government’s Accelerated Growth Programme at Welsh ICE, we attracted investors who were excited about our dual approach - developing drone technology whilst also providing commercial drone services.

Six years on, we’re still actively flying. Our work spans telecoms mast inspections, roof surveys, topographical mapping, and 3D building modelling, among other services. It’s been an incredible journey so far and we continue to innovate in the industry.

Tell us more about your current product offering...

We have two sides to our business: services and products. On the services side, we aim to make tasks faster, cheaper, and safer. For instance, using drones to inspect roofs is far more efficient than traditional methods. Rather than relying on costly and hazardous scaffolding or ladders, a drone can quickly assess a roof's condition, whether for routine maintenance or to check for a leak. Our goal is to normalise drone use in these practical applications, much like hiring a plumber or roofer.

On the product side, we specialise in security and defence solutions. Our technology goes beyond standard drones - we offer tethered drones that can stay airborne for hours, capable of carrying more than just cameras. These drones can be fitted with radios or other specialised equipment, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Our mission is to improve safety and efficiency through innovative drone technology, helping organisations work smarter while keeping people safe.

What has been your biggest achievement as a company so far?

We've reached several key milestones in our journey so far. One of the first was securing our initial funding. Within just ten months of starting, we went from a blank slate to having premises and launching operations. 

Another standout achievement was winning a competitive tender with Caerphilly Council to map educational buildings using 3D modelling. This project played a crucial role in digitising assets, improving maintenance efficiency, and preventing costly damage. It also reinforced how drones can become an integral part of everyday infrastructure management. Each milestone has been a step forward in driving innovation and expanding our impact in the industry. More recently, we secured a major investment through the British Business Bank!

Tell us more about this recent investment. How did this come about, and how will it benefit the company?

Drone Evolution recently secured £850,000 in funding, which came through a connection we made when we pitched at the GlobalWelsh Connect to London event in September 2023. The fund manager we met there was actively seeking investment opportunities in Wales. With prior experience in the drone sector, they saw the potential of our business and chose to invest.

This funding round enabled us to move into a larger office in Caerphilly, expand our team, and streamline our operations by separating our products and services divisions. Additionally, it has allowed us to establish an R&D centre dedicated to developing and testing drone technology. Ultimately, this investment is driving the commercialisation of our products and helping us scale up operations for future growth.

Why did you join GlobalWelsh, and how are we supporting your journey?

I first became aware of GlobalWelsh during my consulting days at Welsh ICE. Now, as we focus on scaling our business, we recognise the immense value of support from the GlobalWelsh diaspora network. Expanding our client base internationally and services is a key priority, and we believe GlobalWelsh can help us connect with the right opportunities. We are particularly interested in expanding into Europe and the Middle-East.

We’re actively seeking connections with Welsh-based businesses and those across the UK (with a focus on London and the M4 corridor), particularly companies with multiple assets (e.g. buildings, telecoms masts, land) that require regular inspections, where drones offer a quicker, cheaper, and safer alternative.

On the product side, we’re also keen to connect with individuals who have experience in the defence industry, whether in the UK or internationally. This is where the global reach of GlobalWelsh can be especially valuable, helping us tap into new markets and partnerships that will drive our growth.

What does the future look like for Drone Evolution?

Over the next five years, our ambitions are centred on significant growth, both in revenue and industry impact. We have ambitious sales targets for the next financial year, aiming to more than triple our current turnover from around £600,000 to approximately £2 million. 

Achieving this will require expanding both our products and services while capitalising on the growing awareness of drone technology’s potential to save time and money across various industries.

As the drone sector continues to evolve, we want to position ourselves at the forefront of this expansion. The defence and security sectors, in particular, are becoming increasingly important due to global geopolitical shifts. With the rising demand for smaller drones, especially in defence applications, we see a major opportunity to contribute to this market. 

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