San Antonio Startup Darkhive Targets Drone Dominance
In the evolving landscape of military technology, one San Antonio startup is aiming to make a significant impact. Darkhive, a drone manufacturer, is developing inexpensive, reliable, and competitive drones to challenge the current market leader, which is based in China.
Darkhive co-founders John Goodson and Steve Turner believe they have a strategy to succeed in this challenging environment.
A Strategy for Success
The drone industry is currently dominated by DJI, a Chinese-owned company, which holds roughly 80% of the global market share. DJI’s Mavic 3 is a popular drone, known for its affordability, reliability, and ease of use.
Goodson and Turner, with their backgrounds in military service and technology, recognized that the U.S. and its allies could be at a disadvantage in a potential conflict scenario with China. Therefore, they decided to manufacture drones outside of a potential adversary’s borders.
Darkhive’s core strategy centers on producing drones that are simple, reliable, and cost-effective. They aim to create a product similar to the Mavic 3, but manufactured domestically.
Validation and Future Plans
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has, surprisingly, validated Darkhive’s initial strategy. While both sides use a variety of drones, including expensive and custom-built models, the Mavic 3 remains a consistent choice for front-line fighters. This highlights the need for affordable and readily available drones, which is the niche Darkhive seeks to fill.
Darkhive secured early-stage contracts with the military in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, the company received substantial orders and letters of intent to purchase their drones at scale. Recently, Darkhive closed a $21 million investment from Ten Eleven Ventures, allowing the company to ramp up production for 2025.
Darkhive plans to deliver two prototype drones and three software solutions for drones in 2025. They are aiming for a production capacity of 10,000 drones per month. The company focuses on providing drones that are easy to use and readily available for deployment.
Defining Success
Goodson, a former drone pilot, and Turner, who has worked with the U.S. military, are driven by mission-oriented goals. They measure their success not by profit margins but by the difference they can make for military personnel and public safety officials.
According to Goodson, success is not just about contracts but about “on the ground validation” of solving real-world problems. Their goal is to create the drones most widely used and requested by those in the field.
Michael Taylor, Express-News Columnist
“These guys don’t talk like they’ve been punched in the mouth. Their strategy seems consistent and right on target. Is this the most interesting startup technology company in San Antonio? To me, it is.”
By Michael Taylor, Business Columnist, San Antonio Express-News
Originally published October 9, 2024
