Rift raises €4.6M for global on-demand real-time aerial intelligence network

Paris-based deeptech company Rift has secured €4.6 million in funding to develop its on-demand aerial intelligence network. The funding round, led by AlleyCorp, will support the rollout of its autonomous drone-based observation platform operated from a central command center in France. This innovative approach aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution for aerial surveillance across Europe. Rift's system utilizes long-endurance VTOL drones, autonomous deployment stations, and its proprietary RiftOS software platform. This integration enables centralized piloting, reducing costs by up to a factor of ten compared to traditional methods. The company's "Surveillance-as-a-Service" model offers continuous monitoring for clients such as ministries, infrastructure operators, and industrial groups, while ensuring full data sovereignty. The technology is designed to address increasing geopolitical and climate risks by offering early wildfire detection, monitoring highway incidents, and tracking illegal border crossings, among other applications. Rift's solution promises to strengthen public safety and protect critical infrastructure, offering a European alternative to existing costly surveillance methods. Rift plans to double its workforce by 2026. With this new funding, Rift plans to expand its aerial surveillance network across Europe, with a focus on sensitive areas and fully automate missions by 2027. The company's focus on cost-efficient manufacturing and collaboration with European authorities positions them well for future growth in the evolving European digital landscape.