Vermeer
Overview
Vermeer is a technology company founded in 2015 by Brian Streem and is based in New York City, with operational units in Kyiv. The company specializes in developing vision-based autonomy solutions, primarily for drones, enabling navigation without relying on GPS. This innovation has significant applications in defense and commercial sectors, especially in GPS-denied environments. Over the years, Vermeer has successfully raised $16.8 million in funding through multiple rounds from investors including Draper Associates and Techstars. The company seeks to leverage advanced optical navigation technologies to enhance the precision and reliability of unmanned systems.
Recent Developments
- October 2025: Vermeer closed a $10 million Series A funding round to further develop their GPS-free drone navigation system. This funding was secured with the involvement of notable venture participants such as Draper Associates and AeroX Ventures.
- April 2025: Vermeer announced the expansion of its product line to include equipment like triple mowers and rotary rakes for agricultural use, slightly diverging from its main focus on drone technology.
- In the Defense Sector: Vermeer's technologies have found applications with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, enhancing drone navigation capabilities against electronic warfare. The U.S. Air Force Techstars accelerator has been a pivotal supporter, resulting in significant funding through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and AFWERX.
- Strategic Collaborations and Deployment: Vermeer collaborates with defense giants such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, in addition to having an active participation from more than 30 international clients.
- Employee Growth: Demonstrating notable organizational growth, Vermeer expanded from a small team of 10 to 40 employees, strengthening both its New York headquarters and its presence in Kyiv.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2015 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States |
| Founders | Brian Streem |
| Revenue | $1M - $5M (as of 2022) |
| Key Investors | Draper Associates, Techstars |
| Industry | Drone Technology, Defense |
| Number of Employees | 40 (as of 2025) |
Early History
Vermeer commenced its operations focused on designing an AR-based drone control system, initially developing technology to create augmented reality pathways for drone navigation. Founded by Brian Streem, a visionary committed to revolutionizing navigation technologies, the company originated from a solid foundation in technology research. In its early years, Vermeer attracted attention and seed investments for its pioneering capabilities, setting a new benchmark in drone autonomy. The company quickly capitalized on its innovative technological edge, securing early adopters in various defense and commercial sectors. Its growth trajectory saw initial expansions in employee numbers and international collaborations, scaling up its research and development capabilities globally.
Company Profile and Achievements
Vermeer’s core technology revolves around a Visual Positioning System (VPS) that facilitates drone operations without the need for GPS. This is particularly instrumental in military applications where GPS can be unreliable or easily jammed.
- Technological Innovation: Vermeer stands at the forefront as a provider of GPS-free navigation systems, effectively using AI-powered optics and machine learning to enhance its navigation platform.
- Funding Milestones: The company’s ability to secure sizeable investments has enabled it to expand its geographical footprint and elevate its technological capacities.
- Key Partnerships: Vermeer’s collaboration with U.S. defense bodies and private giants has catalyzed its tech deployment across critical sectors.
- Market Penetration: Having integrated its systems in regions met with frequent electronic warfare, Vermeer’s solutions are revered for their robustness and reliability in urban air mobility and logistics.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Vermeer is strategically positioned within the defense industry, catering to requirements for unmanned systems' autonomy while bolstering partnerships with NATO allies. The company’s technologies are pivotal in advancing autonomy and resilience in drone functionalities, helping clients overcome operational challenges in GPS-limited environments. Vermeer continues to capitalize on its developed proprietary technologies to lead in an evolving defense tech market that increasingly demands precision and autonomy.
Conclusion
Vermeer has established itself as a versatile innovator in drone technology since its inception. By facilitating cutting-edge GPS-free solutions, it champions a new era of navigation tech in defense and commercial realms. As international security and technological landscapes continue to evolve, Vermeer is uniquely positioned to escalate its influence, driven by its innovative vision and strategic deployments. With the industry gravitating towards greater autonomy and precision, Vermeer’s trajectory suggests promising prospects for expansion and technological breakthroughs in upcoming years.