Censys Technologies
Censys Technologies is a Daytona Beach-based UAS company that builds NDAA-compliant fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drones (Sentaero family), autonomous docking systems, and the CensWise AI/ML analytics platform to serve utilities, government, agriculture, and critical infrastructure operators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersDaytona Beach, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Censys Technologies does
Censys Technologies is a privately held, Daytona Beach-headquartered unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company founded in 2017 by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. It designs, engineers, and manufactures fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drones (Sentaero 5 and the flagship Sentaero 6), the EdgeDock autonomous launch/recharge station, Mobile Intelligence Centers (mobile command hubs), and the CensWise AI/ML analytics platform, with supplementary offerings including RetraSpectra methane/CO2 detection (exclusively licensed from The Aerospace Corporation), the Slayer Kinetic Killer counter-UAS drone, and FAA Part 107 waiver consulting services. The integrated stack is NDAA-compliant (US/allied-country sourcing) and designed for persistent, autonomous, dock-to-dock BVLOS missions across thousands of miles, enabled by a 4-SIM cellular command-and-control system and dual-datalink (SDR/cellular/satellite) redundancy co-developed with Mobilicom.
The company monetizes across six revenue streams: (1) hardware sales of Sentaero drones, payloads (LiDAR systems from YellowScan and TrueView, Sony ILX-LR1 cameras, NextVision Raptor 360 gimbal) and Mobile Intelligence Centers; (2) recurring CensWise AI/ML subscriptions at ~$3,000/month (Basic) and ~$5,000/month (Intermediate), plus usage-based Complex tier; (3) a 2–5 year drone leasing program starting under $1,000/month with no down payment; (4) Drones-as-a-Service for customers preferring opex over capex; (5) FAA Part 107 waiver professional services with a stated 100% application success rate; and (6) licensing royalties from the RetraSpectra patent. Go-to-market is primarily direct enterprise field sales targeting utility, government, agriculture, and education buyers, supplemented by channel partners (STRIXDRONES for national power grid scale, Soaring Eagle Technologies for utility corridor inspections) and government procurement vehicles including a Minnesota State Contract and DHS S&T/HSWERX partnerships.
Censys has raised approximately $11.95M in disclosed funding ($2M seed in 2020 led by Kirenaga Partners, $1.65M in early 2022, and an oversubscribed $8.3M Series A in July 2022 also led by Kirenaga with Collective Capital Ventures). The company has accumulated 85+ FAA-approved BVLOS waivers—an industry-leading regulatory footprint—and serves customers including AEP Texas, American Water, National Grid, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Warren Community College, and Aerial Vantage. Headcount is in the 11–50 range per third-party firmographic data, and revenue is not publicly disclosed.
Censys Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Censys Technologies
- Legal name
- Censys Technologies Corporation
- Website
- https://censystech.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Censys Technologies is a Daytona Beach-based UAS company that builds NDAA-compliant fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drones (Sentaero family), autonomous docking systems, and the CensWise AI/ML analytics platform to serve utilities, government, agriculture, and critical infrastructure operators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Censys Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (BVLOS drones)
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Aircraft (3721), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft (UAV) (IMABAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense (IMABAIAG)
Keywords
Where Censys Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Daytona Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Censys Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Drone Hardware Sales: Sale of Sentaero family drones (Sentaero 5, Sentaero 6), Mobile Intelligence Centers, and accessory payloads including LiDAR systems (YellowScan Mapper+ Version C), Sony ILX-LR1 cameras, and NextVision Raptor 360 gimbal.
- CensWise AI/ML Software Subscriptions: Monthly subscription tiers for AI/ML modeling platform: Basic (~$3K/month), Intermediate (~$5K/month), and usage-based Complex tier. Provides computer vision modeling, dashboard reporting, and edge/cloud processing.
- Drone Leasing Program: Flexible 2-5 year leasing options starting under $1,000/month with no down payment. Ensures customers always have latest equipment without large upfront investment.
- Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS): Full-service offering including drone operations, data collection, and analysis delivered to customers who prefer not to own equipment.
- FAA Waiver Services: Part 107 waiver consulting services specializing in high-altitude operations and nationwide BVLOS approvals. 100% success rate on customer waiver applications.
- Licensing Royalties: Licensed RetraSpectra greenhouse gas detection technology (Patent #US 8,823,938 B2) from The Aerospace Corporation for commercial deployment in methane/CO2 detection applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Basic AI/ML tier for easy-to-detect targets with abundant training data |
| Subscription | Monthly | Intermediate AI/ML tier for targets requiring specialized sensors |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Complex AI/ML tier for difficult targets with limited examples |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Drone and equipment leasing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Censys Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Censys Technologies designs, manufactures and sells fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drones (Sentaero 6 and Sentaero 5), the CensWise AI/ML analytics platform, and EdgeDock autonomous docking systems that together deliver remote-sensing inspection solutions for utilities, government and critical-infrastructure operators. The company also offers FAA Part 107 waiver services, Drones-as-a-Service, Mobile Intelligence Centers (mobile command vehicles), and specialized payloads for applications such as power-line inspection, vegetation management, greenhouse-gas detection and counter-UAS.
Product overview
Censys Technologies offers a unified platform for autonomous drone inspection solutions consisting of the Sentaero fixed-wing VTOL drone family (Sentaero 6 as flagship, Sentaero 5 as previous generation), the CensWise AI/ML software platform for data analysis, and Mobile Intelligence Centers for mobile command operations. The Sentaero 6 features the EdgeDock autonomous docking system for persistent operations. Additional offerings include specialized payloads (LiDAR, thermal, cameras), RetraSpectra greenhouse gas detection, Slayer counter-UAS drone, FAA waiver services, and drones-as-a-service. The portfolio enables utilities and infrastructure operators to acquire BVLOS data, analyze it with AI-powered software, and act on actionable insights for asset intelligence.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sentaero: Fixed-wing VTOL drone product line for BVLOS operations including Sentaero 5 and Sentaero 6 models.
- CensWise
- Mobile Intelligence Center (MIC)
- RetraSpectra
- VegCens
Products and services
- Sentaero 6 BVLOS Drone Flagship fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drone capable of 80+ miles per flight, integrated with the EdgeDock autonomous launch/recovery/recharging system; designed for long-range power-grid and infrastructure inspection by utilities, government and critical-infrastructure operators.
- Sentaero 5 BVLOS Drone Previous-generation BVLOS fixed-wing VTOL drone with cellular connectivity and Remote ID compliance; supports integrated high-resolution camera, thermal sensor and LiDAR payloads for utility, government and inspection use cases.
- CensWise AI/ML Software Platform Edge and cloud AI/ML analytics platform that processes drone imagery, video, LiDAR and multispectral data to deliver customizable dashboards and actionable insights for asset inspection and defect/anomaly detection; sold by monthly subscription tier.
- Mobile Intelligence Center (MIC) Mobile command-and-control vehicle (van, trailer, truck or public-safety configuration) that serves as a deployable hub for Sentaero drone flight operations and on-site data processing.
- VegCens Vegetation Management Application Vegetation-management AI/ML application that analyzes drone-collected data to support FAC-003 compliance and right-of-way vegetation monitoring for utility inspections.
- RetraSpectra Greenhouse Gas Detection System Retro-reflector spectroscopy system using Differential Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (DLAS) on UAV pairs for 3D mapping of methane and CO2 emissions; licensed from The Aerospace Corporation for pipeline and orphaned-well inspection.
- Slayer Kinetic Killer (Counter-UAS) Counter-UAS kinetic interceptor drone based on the Sentaero BVLOS platform with reinforced airframe designed to physically ram threat aircraft for critical-infrastructure protection.
- FAA Part 107 Waiver Services Regulatory consulting service that prepares and submits FAA Part 107 waiver applications for customers seeking high-altitude and nationwide BVLOS operating authority, leveraging Censys' 85+ approved waivers and 100% customer-waiver success rate.
- Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS) Managed-service offering in which Censys provides Sentaero drone operations, data collection and analysis to customers that prefer not to own or operate equipment themselves.
- YellowScan Mapper+ Version C LiDAR Payload Integration Payload integration of YellowScan's Mapper+ Version C UAS LiDAR system (8MP RGB, 3.5cm precision, 4cm accuracy, 230m laser range) with the Sentaero 5 drone for colorized point-cloud mapping.
- NextVision Raptor 360 EO/IR Gimbal Payload 360-degree persistent aerial-intelligence gimbal payload with electro-optical and infrared imaging integrated onto the Sentaero 6 for mission-ready operations.
- TrueView 540 Dual Sensor LiDAR Payload High-performance dual-sensor LiDAR payload offered for the Sentaero drone family to support detailed mapping and inspection missions.
- Censys Cellular Connectivity Package (IoT Solution) Cellular IoT connectivity solution (SIM card, data subscription, device provisioning and software updates) provided in partnership with Zipit Wireless for Censys drone operations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 30% cost savings compared to manned aircraft inspections
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Censys Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Censys Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability10 records
Feature7 records
Censys Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core/flagship and minor/supporting.
- STRIXDRONEScore/flagshipStrategic partnership to develop drone-based power grid inspection system combining Sentaero 6 UAV with Strix Dock autonomous docking station. Enables high-frequency, long-range inspections at scale across US power grid. First deployments planned for early 2026 with AEP Texas participation. This collaboration drives industry's shift toward autonomous, always-ready inspection networks.
- Minnesota Stateminor/supportingCensys Technologies included in Minnesota State Contract for drone solutions, enabling direct purchasing through state procurement processes for government customers.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security S&Tcore/flagshipBVLOS Detect-and-Avoid technology demonstrations with CBP border security applications. S&T and HSWERX partnership evaluating Censys UAS capabilities for enhanced situational awareness along nation's borders.
- HSWERX (Homeland Security Innovation Hub)core/flagshipDHS innovation hub managed through DEFENSEWERX connecting industry with CBP requirements. Hosted BVLOS DAA demonstrations featuring Censys Technologies UAS solutions.
- American Watercore/flagshipPartnership with New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) for UAS research program. American Water uses Sentaero BVLOS drones for water facility inspections and source water monitoring. FAA Part 91 COA enables BVLOS operations up to 1,500 feet altitude and 3 miles from pilot. Censys CEO Trevor Perrott noted partnership advances enterprise operation standardization.
- New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII)core/flagshipNJIT corporation partnered with American Water to perform research under FAA Part 91 Certificate of Authorization. NJII/NJIT combining expertise with Censys Technologies to advance UAS integration into national airspace.
- The Aerospace Corporationcore/flagshipExclusive field license for RetraSpectra retro-reflector spectroscopy system. Patent #US 8,823,938 B2 enables UAV-based laser and electro-optics system for detecting methane, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases. Aerospace is a national nonprofit FFRDC providing technical expertise to space programs.
- Aerial Vantageminor/supportingFAA BVLOS waiver collaboration for agricultural remote sensing up to 1,000 feet AGL. Aerial Vantage uses Censys Sentaero for advanced remote sensing missions as part of FAA BEYOND program.
- Soaring Eagle Technologiescore/flagshipDrone inspections company using Sentaero BVLOS for utility corridor inspections. Received one of first non-geoconstrained BVLOS FAA waivers nationwide. Completed over 60 BVLOS missions under SGI waivers. Patrolling up to 100 miles per day per drone.
- Mobilicomcore/flagshipJoint R&D collaboration through Space Florida innovation project. Total grant of $993,000 with Mobilicom apportioned $282,000 for Multi-Link communications system. Development of APDDL (Autonomous Platforms Dual Datalink) incorporating SDR, Cellular, and Satellite connectivity for auto redundancy capability.
- Warren Community Collegeminor/supportingDrone training partnership. Censys helped Warren obtain FAA BVLOS waiver for student pilot training. Warren has one of only 110 FAA BVLOS waivers and received AUVSI award for drone program excellence.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universityminor/supportingTurtle Tech research project for sea turtle conservation. Embry-Riddle obtained first-ever FAA BVLOS waiver for sea turtle surveys 2 miles offshore. Censys founded by Embry-Riddle alumnus Trevor Perrott.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Censys Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Skydio: Leading U.S. autonomous drone manufacturer focused on BVLOS inspection, public safety, and defense use cases. Directly comparable as a U.S.-made, NDAA-compliant autonomous drone platform competing for the same enterprise utility and government inspection budgets.
- American Robotics (Ondas Holdings): Provider of autonomous drone-in-a-box systems for industrial inspections and security. Comparable as a direct competitor offering fully autonomous dock-to-dock BVLOS operations targeting utilities and critical infrastructure customers.
- Percepto: Autonomous drone-in-a-box provider for industrial site monitoring, inspections, and security at utilities, oil and gas, and mining sites. Comparable as a competitor offering an integrated hardware-software autonomous inspection platform with AI analytics.
- PrecisionHawk (now part of Field Group): Provider of drone-based data collection and analytics for utilities, agriculture, and infrastructure inspections. Comparable as a drone-inspection and analytics competitor with similar enterprise utility and asset-management go-to-market.
Broad incumbents
- Wing (Alphabet): Alphabet-owned drone delivery and autonomous flight operator with deep BVLOS expertise and significant capital. Comparable as a large-scale autonomous drone operator pushing the regulatory and operational frontier of BVLOS in the U.S.
- Anduril Industries: Defense technology company building autonomous systems including UAS and counter-UAS for national security customers. Comparable as a deep-pocketed competitor in the federal/defense autonomous drone and counter-UAS markets where Censys also competes.
Emerging players
- Iris Automation: Provider of Casia detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology for BVLOS drone operations. Already integrated with Soaring Eagle Technologies using Censys Sentaero drones, making Iris both a partial technology partner and an adjacent competitor in enabling BVLOS scale.
- DroneDeploy: Drone data platform for mapping, inspections, and analytics across construction, energy, and agriculture. Comparable as a software/analytics layer competitor to CensWise for processing drone-collected imagery into actionable insights.
Others
- YellowScan: Manufacturer of LiDAR payloads integrated with UAVs for surveying and mapping. Currently a payload partner for Censys (Mapper+ Version C on Sentaero 5) and an adjacent player in the broader drone-enabled LiDAR inspection ecosystem.
- Mobilicom: Provider of multi-link communications and datalink systems for autonomous platforms, co-developing the APDDL with Censys via a Space Florida grant. Comparable as a complementary technology partner whose systems enable Censys BVLOS operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Censys Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceCensys Technologies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Censys Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Censys Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Censys Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Censys Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Censys Technologies
What does Censys Technologies do?
Censys Technologies designs, manufactures and sells fixed-wing VTOL BVLOS drones (Sentaero 6 and Sentaero 5), the CensWise AI/ML analytics platform, and EdgeDock autonomous docking systems that together deliver remote-sensing inspection solutions for utilities, government and critical-infrastructure operators. The company also offers FAA Part 107 waiver services, Drones-as-a-Service, Mobile Intelligence Centers (mobile command vehicles), and specialized payloads for applications such as power-line inspection, vegetation management, greenhouse-gas detection and counter-UAS.
Is Censys Technologies a public or private company?
Censys Technologies is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Censys Technologies founded?
Censys Technologies was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Censys Technologies based?
Censys Technologies is headquartered in Daytona Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does Censys Technologies make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Drone Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are censWise AI/ML Software Subscriptions, drone Leasing Program, drones-as-a-Service (DaaS), FAA Waiver Services and licensing Royalties.
Who are Censys Technologies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Skydio, American Robotics (Ondas Holdings), Percepto and PrecisionHawk (now part of Field Group). Broad incumbents are Wing (Alphabet) and Anduril Industries. Emerging players are Iris Automation and DroneDeploy. Others are YellowScan and Mobilicom.
Does Censys Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Censys Technologies.
What industry is Censys Technologies in?
Censys Technologies's product category is Unmanned Aerial Systems (BVLOS drones). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAB, Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft (UAV), with a secondary code of IMABAIAC, VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3721.