What Skyfish does

Skyfish Corporation is a Missoula, Montana-based drone platform company founded in 2014 by Dr. Orest Pilskalns and John Livingston. The company designs and manufactures an end-to-end autonomous drone system for engineering-grade photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and critical infrastructure inspection. Its vertically integrated stack combines proprietary hardware (the Osprey lightweight quadcopter, M4 photogrammetry quadcopter, and M6 heavy-lift hexacopter; the Skymind onboard computer built on Nvidia Jetson Orin; the C1 ruggedized Panasonic Toughpad-based controller; and an RTK base station) with proprietary software (Skyportal cloud-based data processing and AI analysis platform; customized QGroundControl-based Mission Control flight planning). The system is claimed to deliver 3D models with 1/32-inch measurement accuracy within hours of data capture and supports optical (Sony Alpha up to 61MP), thermal (FLIR), LiDAR (Riegl, GeoCue, Phoenix Ranger, RockRobotics), and gas-detection payloads.

Skyfish serves four primary enterprise verticals: cell tower companies (notably SBA Communications, a strategic investor and board-seat customer), power and utilities, transportation infrastructure (bridges, roadways, runways, rail), and US defense and government agencies. The company is one of very few fully NDAA Section 848- and ITAR Section 126.1-compliant US-made drone manufacturers, is Blue UAS Cleared and Green UAS Certified, and holds US Army DEVCOM Airworthiness Level 3 certification, positioning it to capture federal and DoD share displaced by Chinese drone bans. Revenue derives from custom drone hardware sales, recurring Skyportal data processing and AI analysis services, FAA Part 107 pilot training, and enterprise customization and integration contracts. Distribution is a direct enterprise field-sales motion supported by demo requests, content marketing and webinars, and lead generation at industry events including AUVSI XPONENTIAL. Pricing is quote-based with multi-year contracts and is not publicly disclosed.

As of early 2024 the company employed roughly 35 people and stated intent to double its Montana workforce following its April 2022 Series Seed of over $20 million led by Bayshore Capital and SBA Communications. The company is currently preparing for an IPO based on CFO job postings and continues to launch products and pursue regulatory certifications through 2026.

Name

Skyfish

Legal name

Skyfish Corporation

Website

https://skyfish.ai

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Skyfish Corporation is a US-based drone platform company that builds vertically integrated autonomous aerial systems and cloud-based photogrammetry software for engineering-grade 3D modeling, serving cell tower, power and utilities, transportation, and defense customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autonomous Commercial Drones

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) & Multirotor Drones (IMABAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL), Aerial Robotics (Drones & UAV Autonomy) (HDAAAIAG), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Drone inspection platform
• Photogrammetry software
• Engineering 3D modeling
• Autonomous ISR drones
• Infrastructure mapping services

Headquarters

HQ city

Missoula

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Drone Hardware Sales: Skyfish designs and manufactures three drone models: Osprey (lightweight quadcopter for inspection/ISR), M4 (quadcopter for photogrammetry), and M6 (hexacopter for heavy payloads). Revenue comes from selling complete drone systems including hardware platforms, sensors, controllers, and accessories.
2. Software Services and Data Processing: Skyfish charges customers for data processing services including creating 3D models and digital twins in Skyportal. AI analysis of models and generation of CAD-compatible engineering reports are included. The company processes data using AWS cloud infrastructure.
3. Pilot Training Services: Skyfish offers training programs for FAA Part 107 pilots including hands-on field-based instruction, systems and software overview, and customized instruction for specific mission requirements. Training is available at company HQ or customer locations.
4. Enterprise Customization and Integration: Level 2/3 support, feature requests, and functionality upgrades available at customization cost. Skyfish can offer customization services for the entire craft as they support all technology from landing gear to GPS antenna.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Skyfish designs, manufactures, and sells an end-to-end autonomous drone platform for engineering-grade inspection, mapping, and ISR/defense applications. Its core products are the Osprey quadcopter and M6 hexacopter drones, supported by the Skymind onboard computer (Nvidia Jetson Orin), the C1 ruggedized controller, and an RTK base station. The platform is complemented by Mission Control flight planning software and the Skyportal cloud-based photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and AI analytics platform, sold as integrated systems to enterprise, government, and defense customers.

Product overview

Skyfish offers a vertically integrated end-to-end autonomous drone platform for critical infrastructure inspection, measurement, mapping, and ISR/defense applications. The product portfolio centers on two core drone platforms: the lightweight Osprey quadcopter for survey-grade inspections and ISR, and the heavy-lift M6 hexacopter for LiDAR and robotic payloads. These are supported by the Skymind onboard computer (Nvidia Jetson Orin-based), Skyfish C1 ruggedized controller, RTK Base Station, and proprietary flight planning software integrated with QGroundControl. The Skyportal platform provides cloud-based photogrammetry processing, 3D modeling/digital twin generation, and AI-powered analytics. Skyfish serves critical infrastructure sectors including cell towers, power/utilities, transportation (bridges, roadways, railways), and government/defense with specialized inspection solutions and tactical ISR UAV capabilities. All products are designed, manufactured, and supported in America with NDAA and ITAR compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Skyfish Osprey: Lightweight quadcopter drone for survey-grade inspections and ISR
• Skyfish M6
• Skyfish M4
• Skyfish Mission Control
• Skyfish Skyportal
• Skyfish Skymind

Products and services

• Skyfish Osprey Drone Lightweight (~15 lbs) quadcopter drone designed for survey-grade critical infrastructure inspection and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Features Sony ILX-LR1 61MP camera for high-precision photogrammetry, NextVision Raptor EO/IR sensor with up to 80x zoom, up to 30 minutes flight time, 3-5 mile radio range, collision avoidance, and RTK-enabled centimeter-grade accuracy. Built for defense, ISR, and engineering-grade asset inspection.
• Skyfish M6 Drone Heavy-lift hexacopter (6-rotor) drone built for commercial applications including infrastructure inspection, 3D modeling, LiDAR, infrared missions, gas detection, and robotic interactions. Features redundant motor power system, 25-35 minute flight times, 10 lb payload capacity, 45 mph top speed, and rapid 2-minute deployment with pack-and-go transportation.
• Skyfish C1 Controller Ruggedized Panasonic Toughpad-based remote controller with a 10-inch display providing detailed view of complex flight paths, points of interest, orbits, and target infrastructure. Integrated with Skyfish's customized QGroundControl for flight navigation and mission planning.
• Skyfish RTK Base Station & Relay RTK base station that provides accurate satellite positioning to eliminate the need for physical ground control points. Can be configured as a radio relay to extend communication distances and create a mesh network for redundant, reliable communication within 1/2 mile of target infrastructure.
• Skyportal Cloud Platform Web-based customer data processing, visualization, and AI analysis platform where users upload drone data to create, store, measure, and share 3D reality models. Supports AI auto-detection of infrastructure features, model rendering within hours of collection, and export to CAD, XLS, OBJ, LAS, and ortho DSM formats.
• Skyfish Mission Control Flight Planning Software Flight planning software covering all pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight tasks. Supports survey grids and terrains, unlimited waypoints and points of interest, geo-tagging, map caching, flight detail modification, checklist management, and flight log storage. Customizable to different industry workflows and integrated with Skyfish's proprietary C1 controller.
• Skymind Onboard Computer Onboard computing system using Nvidia Jetson Orin that enables AI functionality such as flight planning and autonomous flight. Integrates and controls all sensors and flight navigation, supporting communication via serial port, USB, I2C, PWM, and API with optical, thermal, navigational, and LiDAR devices.
• Skyfish Optics, Payloads and Accessories Premium optics and accessories for Skyfish drones, including Sony Alpha cameras up to 61 megapixels, FLIR thermal cameras, LiDAR systems (GeoCue, Riegl, Phoenix Ranger, RockRobotics), methane/gas sensors, and accessories including props, cables, cases, batteries, SD cards, and antenna kits.
• Cell Tower Inspection Solution Specialized cell tower inspection solution using drone-enabled photogrammetry to create 3D models measurable up to 1/32 inch accuracy. Enables down-tilt calculations, azimuth analysis, mount analysis, lease assessment, and construction site documentation for cell tower operators.
• Power Infrastructure Inspection Solution Drone-enabled photogrammetry solution for utility infrastructure inspection covering substations, power lines, solar farms, and wind turbines. AI enables automatic detection of insulators, crossarms, arresters, solar panels, cracks, rust, and missing hardware.
• Transportation Infrastructure Inspection Solution Precision inspection solution for bridges, roadways, runways, railways, and transportation-related structures. AI-supported photogrammetry auto-detects deterioration and creates engineering-grade 3D models accurate to 1/32 inch.
• Tactical ISR UAV Solution Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISR) solution using the NextVision Raptor EO/IR sensor mounted on Skyfish drones. Features up to 80x zoom, day-to-night imaging from NIR to LWIR, object tracking, geolocation, and laser illuminator/pointer for covert target marking.
• Skyfish Pilot Training Services Professional training program covering hands-on field-based instruction, systems and software overview, and customized instruction for specific missions. Includes FAA Part 107 pilot certification training and is available at Skyfish HQ or customer locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1/32 inch measurement accuracy in 3D models
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Sony ElectronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 17 February 2022Skyfish has a deep technical partnership with Sony for camera integration. They were launch partner for Sony's ILX-LR1 61MP camera and have API-level integration with Sony Alpha series cameras. Skyfish was named best industrial use-case of Sony Alpha series by commercial partners. The partnership enables remote camera control during flight and high-precision photogrammetry.
• Bentley SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Bentley for photogrammetry and 3D modeling. Skyfish models export to Bentley software for engineering analysis. Skyfish was listed in Bentley Ecosystem Catalog.
• NextVisioncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Raptor EO/IR camera integration for ISR applications. The Raptor provides up to 80X zoom, day/night imaging, and object tracking capabilities for defense and tactical operations.
• US Army DEVCOMcoreOthersSkyfish is certified Airworthiness Level 3 by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, enabling government and defense procurement.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Skydio: Leading US-made autonomous drone manufacturer serving defense, public safety, and commercial inspection customers. Direct competitor to Skyfish in NDAA-compliant, autonomous enterprise drones, with significantly larger funding and a broader product line including the X10 and R10.
• Anduril Industries: US defense technology company with a growing portfolio of autonomous UAVs (Ghost, Bolt, Roadrunner) for ISR and tactical missions. Competes with Skyfish for DoD ISR and defense procurement contracts, with substantially greater capital and a wider autonomy stack.
• Teal Drones: US-made, Blue UAS Cleared small drone manufacturer (Teal 2) focused on defense, public safety, and ISR. Competes directly with Skyfish Osprey in the short-range tactical ISR category within the Blue UAS ecosystem.
• Wingtra: Swiss maker of the WingtraOne vertical-takeoff fixed-wing drone for surveying, mapping, and photogrammetry. Comparable to Skyfish M4/M6 in the engineering-grade aerial surveying and 3D modeling space, with a regional rather than US defense focus.
• AgEagle Aerial Systems: US-based drone and aerial imaging company serving agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety. Comparable to Skyfish in commercial drone-based inspection and mapping, with overlapping photogrammetry and data services offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Parrot SA: European drone manufacturer offering the ANAFI family for inspection, mapping, and defense use cases (including some NDAA-compatible variants). Competes with Skyfish in photogrammetry and inspection drones, but with a broader consumer/prosumer portfolio and larger international footprint.
• Teledyne FLIR: Major thermal imaging and defense sensor provider whose payloads are integrated into Skyfish drones (e.g., FLIR Duo Pro R). Comparable as a broader incumbent supplying key ISR/thermal components and full Black Hornet-style nano UAV systems to defense customers.

Emerging players

• Auterion: Open-source-based enterprise drone software and autonomy platform serving defense and commercial fleets. Comparable to Skyfish's Mission Control and Skymind stack as a software/autonomy layer, but Auterion is hardware-agnostic rather than selling integrated drones.

Others

• Bentley Systems: Infrastructure engineering software provider whose iTwin and OpenUtilities platforms integrate Skyfish photogrammetry outputs into CAD workflows. An ecosystem partner and adjacent player in the digital twin / infrastructure inspection value chain rather than a direct drone competitor.
• Pix4D: Photogrammetry and drone-mapping software platform integrated with Skyfish for image processing. Competes indirectly via its software layer rather than drones, and provides an alternative processing pipeline for engineering-grade 3D models.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SkyfishDrones
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skyfishai
• Instagraminstagram.com/skyfishdrones

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Skyfish