Is this Chinese drone maker worth $10 billion?

[cirr]

Is this Chinese drone maker worth $10 billion?

Author: By Charles Riley

Published On: Apr 15 2015 01:22:05 AM EDT Updated On: Apr 15 2015 04:36:04 AM EDT

HONG KONG (CNNMoney) -The world's most innovative drone maker is not based in Silicon Valley. It's in China -- and it could be worth $10 billion.

SZ DJI Technology Co., better known as DJI, is looking to raise money from investors at a $10 billion valuation, according to media reports. A company spokesman confirmed to CNN that DJI is talking to venture capital firms, but declined to comment further.

The upstart Chinese firm is at the forefront of the drone invasion, offering professional quality machines to consumers for around $1,000. Should the funding round come off, the company's $10 billion valuation would catapult it into the ranks of elite tech startups.

DJI's drones are designed with four propellers, and are easy for beginners to control. One of the latest models, the Phantom 3, comes equipped with a camera that shoots in 4K or 1080p, and has a range of 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). The drones are used by enthusiasts, commercial clients and the media (CNN owns a few, for example).

The world got a close look at one of the company's products in January, when a DJI drone crash landed on the White House grounds, sparking worries over security. (DJI has already installed no-fly zones in some models).

Still, it's a remarkable growth story: In 2006, the Shenzhen-based company had only one small office. Now DJI has more than 3,000 workers and offices in the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, among other locations. It is by far the dominant drone manufacturer.

The company's success has also helped undermine the idea that Chinese tech firms aren't as innovative as their foreign competitors.

DJI's CEO, Frank Wang, who founded the company while attending college in Hong Kong, says he is proud of the company's innovation record.

"Many Chinese companies manufacture cheaper versions of advanced foreign products," he told the Wall Street Journal in November. "But we are proud to say that we have been leading the industry since we started -- even now."

"Chinese companies now are getting better; before, they lagged behind," he said. "Now, more and more Chinese companies are doing well worldwide, like Huawei, Tencent and Alibaba."

Is this Chinese drone maker worth $10 billion? | Channel4000.com - Minneapolis-St. Paul

 

[cirr]

Accel Partners, KPCB Invest In Chinese Drone Maker DJI

By Staff Writer | April 15, 2015

Shenzhen-based Chinese consumer drone maker SZ DJI Technology Co. is in the process to raise hundreds of millions U.S. dollars in new funding at a valuation of U$10 billion, making it the most valuable consumer drone manufacturer in the world, according to media reports.

Investors in the round may include Accel Partners and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB).

Sequoia Capital has reportedly invested in DJI, but it's unclear if it is participating in the current round.

Representatives at DJI did not respond to inquires to confirm the news.

Founded by Frank Wang in 2006, DJI's consumer drones are used by filmmaking, agriculture, conservation, search and rescue, energy infrastructure, and other sectors.

The company has grown to a global workforce of over 3,000 in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Beijing and Hong Kong.

China Money Network − Accel Partners, KPCB Invest In Chinese Drone Maker DJI - Tune in for China's Financial Markets and Investment Opportunities

 

[Established_1965]

They do make a good and reliable drone. DJI rocks \m/

 

[cirr]

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use

By ZHAO LEI (China Daily) Updated: 2015-04-14 07:28

A YTO Express mail service staff member puts a package on a drone for delivery to an address in Beijing in this Feb 4, 2015 file photo. [WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY]

Military companies adapt unmanned craft to win share of market as demand increases.

State-owned defense contractors are racing to convert their military drones so they can grab a share of the lucrative civilian market, according to industry insiders.

"Several years ago, we were only a research studio," said Ma Hongzhong, director of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp's Unmanned Aircraft Research Institute. "But the company recently expanded it into an institute in order to use the company's cruise missile experience and expertise in drone research."

Ma's company, one of the country's defense giants, previously focused on missiles and multiple rocket launcher systems.

However, as the potential for civilian unmanned aircraft became clear and other defense companies successfully entered the market, it began to allocate substantial funds and engineering expertise to developing drones, he said.

The institute has developed a full family of unmanned aircraft, ranging from piston-powered, low-speed drones to large, high-endurance turbofan-driven versions.

"Many State-owned defense enterprises have dedicated considerable resources to developing drones, and a large number of private companies have also become involved.

"The industry has a very low entry threshold－a flying model can be called a drone and can perform some simple tasks. My company will concentrate on high-end military and civilian drones that have similar designs and equipment."

The company's products can be employed in aerial mapping, resource surveying and pipeline and grid patrols.

"They can also play a significant role in counter-terrorism, riot control and other emergency response operations," Ma added. "Drones can stay in the air for long periods as they carry out reconnaissance and surveillance operations, and can be used anytime, anywhere."

However, transforming lethal military drones for civilian use is not simply a matter of replacing weapons with nonmilitary equipment.

"You must reduce the production and operational costs to a level that clients can afford," Ma said.

Yang Shaowen, a senior manager at Aviation Industry Corp of China's unmanned aircraft division, said many Chinese-made drones are based on military models with sophisticated functions and cutting-edge equipment that are rarely used in civilian operations.

"The unnecessary functions or equipment lead to high production and operational costs and require complex controls," Yang said. "Sometimes a whole team of professionals is needed to operate a single drone, causing inconvenience for users.

"Manufacturers should design drones specifically for the civilian sector rather than simply refitting military ones."

Aviation Industry Corp is the nation's largest aircraft manufacturer and its products account for the bulk of the People's Liberation Army's drone force.

"Our focus in the unmanned aircraft sector will still be on military products, but we have interfaces for civilian equipment on some military drones," Yang said.

Zhang Feng, secretary-general of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association of China, said the country will need more than 10,000 civilian drones once the industry is fully developed and regulations are in place.

"The market value of developing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining these drones will reach 50 billion yuan ($8.18 billion) a year," said Zhang.

"About 20,000 drones are in use for civilian purposes on the Chinese mainland. Businesses involved in agricultural pest control, environmental monitoring, geographic surveys, forest patrols, resource exploration and maritime operations have benefited greatly from their use."

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use - China - Chinadaily.com.cn

They do make a good and reliable drone. DJI rocks \m/

Now if only the boys and girls at DJI can make a breakthrough in the battery technologies they are working on.

 

[Beast]

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use

By ZHAO LEI (China Daily) Updated: 2015-04-14 07:28

A YTO Express mail service staff member puts a package on a drone for delivery to an address in Beijing in this Feb 4, 2015 file photo. [WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY]

Military companies adapt unmanned craft to win share of market as demand increases.

State-owned defense contractors are racing to convert their military drones so they can grab a share of the lucrative civilian market, according to industry insiders.

"Several years ago, we were only a research studio," said Ma Hongzhong, director of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp's Unmanned Aircraft Research Institute. "But the company recently expanded it into an institute in order to use the company's cruise missile experience and expertise in drone research."

Ma's company, one of the country's defense giants, previously focused on missiles and multiple rocket launcher systems.

However, as the potential for civilian unmanned aircraft became clear and other defense companies successfully entered the market, it began to allocate substantial funds and engineering expertise to developing drones, he said.

The institute has developed a full family of unmanned aircraft, ranging from piston-powered, low-speed drones to large, high-endurance turbofan-driven versions.

"Many State-owned defense enterprises have dedicated considerable resources to developing drones, and a large number of private companies have also become involved.

"The industry has a very low entry threshold－a flying model can be called a drone and can perform some simple tasks. My company will concentrate on high-end military and civilian drones that have similar designs and equipment."

The company's products can be employed in aerial mapping, resource surveying and pipeline and grid patrols.

"They can also play a significant role in counter-terrorism, riot control and other emergency response operations," Ma added. "Drones can stay in the air for long periods as they carry out reconnaissance and surveillance operations, and can be used anytime, anywhere."

However, transforming lethal military drones for civilian use is not simply a matter of replacing weapons with nonmilitary equipment.

"You must reduce the production and operational costs to a level that clients can afford," Ma said.

Yang Shaowen, a senior manager at Aviation Industry Corp of China's unmanned aircraft division, said many Chinese-made drones are based on military models with sophisticated functions and cutting-edge equipment that are rarely used in civilian operations.

"The unnecessary functions or equipment lead to high production and operational costs and require complex controls," Yang said. "Sometimes a whole team of professionals is needed to operate a single drone, causing inconvenience for users.

"Manufacturers should design drones specifically for the civilian sector rather than simply refitting military ones."

Aviation Industry Corp is the nation's largest aircraft manufacturer and its products account for the bulk of the People's Liberation Army's drone force.

"Our focus in the unmanned aircraft sector will still be on military products, but we have interfaces for civilian equipment on some military drones," Yang said.

Zhang Feng, secretary-general of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association of China, said the country will need more than 10,000 civilian drones once the industry is fully developed and regulations are in place.

"The market value of developing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining these drones will reach 50 billion yuan ($8.18 billion) a year," said Zhang.

"About 20,000 drones are in use for civilian purposes on the Chinese mainland. Businesses involved in agricultural pest control, environmental monitoring, geographic surveys, forest patrols, resource exploration and maritime operations have benefited greatly from their use."

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use - China - Chinadaily.com.cn



Now if only the boys and girls at DJI can make a breakthrough in the battery technologies they are working on.

I though BYD is leader in batt technology?aybe they can get their help or buy their batt?

 

[cirr]

I though BYD is leader in batt technology?aybe they can get their help or buy their batt?

They already use the best batteries the world has to offer。They simply need better batteries that allow longer hangtime。

 

[Established_1965]

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use

By ZHAO LEI (China Daily) Updated: 2015-04-14 07:28

A YTO Express mail service staff member puts a package on a drone for delivery to an address in Beijing in this Feb 4, 2015 file photo. [WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY]

Military companies adapt unmanned craft to win share of market as demand increases.

State-owned defense contractors are racing to convert their military drones so they can grab a share of the lucrative civilian market, according to industry insiders.

"Several years ago, we were only a research studio," said Ma Hongzhong, director of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp's Unmanned Aircraft Research Institute. "But the company recently expanded it into an institute in order to use the company's cruise missile experience and expertise in drone research."

Ma's company, one of the country's defense giants, previously focused on missiles and multiple rocket launcher systems.

However, as the potential for civilian unmanned aircraft became clear and other defense companies successfully entered the market, it began to allocate substantial funds and engineering expertise to developing drones, he said.

The institute has developed a full family of unmanned aircraft, ranging from piston-powered, low-speed drones to large, high-endurance turbofan-driven versions.

"Many State-owned defense enterprises have dedicated considerable resources to developing drones, and a large number of private companies have also become involved.

"The industry has a very low entry threshold－a flying model can be called a drone and can perform some simple tasks. My company will concentrate on high-end military and civilian drones that have similar designs and equipment."

The company's products can be employed in aerial mapping, resource surveying and pipeline and grid patrols.

"They can also play a significant role in counter-terrorism, riot control and other emergency response operations," Ma added. "Drones can stay in the air for long periods as they carry out reconnaissance and surveillance operations, and can be used anytime, anywhere."

However, transforming lethal military drones for civilian use is not simply a matter of replacing weapons with nonmilitary equipment.

"You must reduce the production and operational costs to a level that clients can afford," Ma said.

Yang Shaowen, a senior manager at Aviation Industry Corp of China's unmanned aircraft division, said many Chinese-made drones are based on military models with sophisticated functions and cutting-edge equipment that are rarely used in civilian operations.

"The unnecessary functions or equipment lead to high production and operational costs and require complex controls," Yang said. "Sometimes a whole team of professionals is needed to operate a single drone, causing inconvenience for users.

"Manufacturers should design drones specifically for the civilian sector rather than simply refitting military ones."

Aviation Industry Corp is the nation's largest aircraft manufacturer and its products account for the bulk of the People's Liberation Army's drone force.

"Our focus in the unmanned aircraft sector will still be on military products, but we have interfaces for civilian equipment on some military drones," Yang said.

Zhang Feng, secretary-general of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association of China, said the country will need more than 10,000 civilian drones once the industry is fully developed and regulations are in place.

"The market value of developing, manufacturing, operating and maintaining these drones will reach 50 billion yuan ($8.18 billion) a year," said Zhang.

"About 20,000 drones are in use for civilian purposes on the Chinese mainland. Businesses involved in agricultural pest control, environmental monitoring, geographic surveys, forest patrols, resource exploration and maritime operations have benefited greatly from their use."

Makers of drones eye growth in civilian use - China - Chinadaily.com.cn



Now if only the boys and girls at DJI can make a breakthrough in the battery technologies they are working on.

Yeah, battery sucks in most of the civilian drones, max we can get 20 mins of fly time

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

3D Robotics Solo Drone Poses Serious Challenge To DJI Phantom : FUTURE TECH : Tech Times

Why go through the learning curve of using a quadcopter controller when this "Smart" one will fly for you...you just tell it what to do...right out of the box you can do amazing shots. Hooks up directly to a GoPro camera allowing full user control and the ability to swap out for future GoPro cameras.

More posted here
Micro stories - small news bits too small to have their own thread | Page 12

3D Robotics Solo quadcopter drone may be the ultimate GoPro accessory - CNET
"Solo, its controller and optional Solo Gimbal -- a motorized three-axis camera stabilizer -- is the culmination of a couple years of work and a partnership with GoPro. A partnership that has resulted in a drone with full in-flight camera control and live, low-latency HD streaming straight to mobile devices."

Will be sold at "Best Buy" stores worldwide.
Best Buy Co Will Sport Smart Drones By 3D Robotics


3D Robotics Introduces Solo, the World's First Smart Drone; Pre-Orders Accepted Now at London Drugs

 

[AndrewJin]

It's quite affordable.

 

[HRM YANG]

Dji's success is apparent. It provides high operational experience which is an appealing stride. In addition its function is more than play but could have yields. To sum up ,DJI-in toy size, but closer to drone so everyone can have a drone. I believe it could hold the domestic civil market for a while but if it stops right, it will counter a sizable challenge, it should invade the military domain and preparing for the research and manufacture on higher class UAV, which could provide considerable interests and prosper its further export business. If possible, investment is a smart gambit.

 

[Beast]

3D Robotics Solo Drone Poses Serious Challenge To DJI Phantom : FUTURE TECH : Tech Times

Why go through the learning curve of using a quadcopter controller when this "Smart" one will fly for you...you just tell it what to do...right out of the box you can do amazing shots. Hooks up directly to a GoPro camera allowing full user control and the ability to swap out for future GoPro cameras.

More posted here
Micro stories - small news bits too small to have their own thread | Page 12

3D Robotics Solo quadcopter drone may be the ultimate GoPro accessory - CNET
"Solo, its controller and optional Solo Gimbal -- a motorized three-axis camera stabilizer -- is the culmination of a couple years of work and a partnership with GoPro. A partnership that has resulted in a drone with full in-flight camera control and live, low-latency HD streaming straight to mobile devices."

Will be sold at "Best Buy" stores worldwide.
Best Buy Co Will Sport Smart Drones By 3D Robotics


3D Robotics Introduces Solo, the World's First Smart Drone; Pre-Orders Accepted Now at London Drugs

Yours is too expensive and if spoil will cause a lot for repair.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Yours is too expensive and if spoil will cause a lot for repair.

$1259 for DJI Phantom 3

Amazon.com : DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter Drone with 4k UHD Video Camera : Camera & Photo

 

[Beast]

$1259 for DJI Phantom 3

Amazon.com : DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter Drone with 4k UHD Video Camera : Camera & Photo

That is cheap if American one will cost $$$$$

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

That is cheap if American one will cost $$$$$

American one is $999 without the GoPro camera

 

[Beast]

American one is $999 without the GoPro camera

That American one is still made in China or with 90 percent made in China components. DJ ONE is more capable and perform more task and is made with heavy duty parts.
It is still value for money.