33. Dedrone

Founders: Joerg Lamprecht, Ingo Seebach, Rene Seeber
CEO: Aaditya Devarakonda
Launched: 2014
Headquarters: Sterling, Virginia
Funding: $127 million
Valuation: N/A
Key technologies: Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, cloud computing, deep neural networks/deep learning, digital twins, edge computing, Internet of Things, machine learning, software-defined security
Industry: Defense
Previous appearances on Disruptor 50 List: 1 (No. 23 in 2023)

Spurred on by the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran's attack on Israel and geopolitical tensions in Asia, demand for weapons that can intercept drones and bolster defenses has become mission critical.

Enter Dedrone, a Sterling, Va.-based defense tech company and inventor of technology with advancements to protect against escalating drone warfare. Recognized for innovations in smart airspace security, Dedrone technology is used by the military, government, and commercial customers including airports, stadiums and high-profile events such as Formula One Grand Prix to detect, track and reduce threats. Additionally, Dedrone systems are at work in Ukraine.

Flying high this past year, Dedrone technology was singled out for an award as the only counter-drone approved for use in anti-terrorism by the Department of Homeland Security. 

Deepening its relations with the U.S. government, last year the Washington, D.C.-based company established a defense advisory board with four-star General Richard D. Clarke (US Army, retired) as an inaugural member. Dedrone also expanded its partnership with the FAA for more testing of its technology at airports.

The drone defense specialist, founded in 2014, more than doubled the number of customers last year and is aiming to achieve profitability within two years. In addition, Dedrone tripled revenue and closed 16 new government contracts. This growth resulted in Dedrone, venture funded with $127 million, to be acquired last week by one of its investors, public safety technology company Axon.

Led by CEO Aaditya Devarakonda, a former technology investment banker, Dedrone increasingly relies on AI and machine learning software for intelligence gathering and data insights to stay current with rapidly changing conflict dynamics — a contrast with the Department of Defense's legacy systems. To accelerate such advances, Dedrone recently opened an office in Denmark for real-time development and testing of sensors under simulated threats. 

Competing with Australia's publicly listed company Drone Shield, Dedrone greenlighted several technological innovations last year. It introduced a first responder drone being field-tested by police departments, and debuted DedroneTactical, a plug-and-play, transportable set-up radar with AI-driven detection equipment. 

Chief among its new products is DedroneCityWide, recognized by Time as a best invention of 2023 in AI for its ability to act like an air traffic control system for drones. Customers include Con Edison, police forces and airports, and the city-wide drone can cover New York, Los Angeles and Chicago metro areas.

Disclosure: Dedrone was selected for the 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50 list before its acquisition by Axon was announced on May 6. Companies do not lose their eligibility for Disruptor 50 list inclusion until an acquisition officially closes, which is not expected to occur until the second half of the year.