Fat Shark
Fat Shark is a UK-based private manufacturer of premium FPV drone headsets and goggles for professional racers and hobbyists. Founded in 2007, the company sells exclusively through global authorized channel partners and claims 85% adoption among professional racing pilots.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersReading, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Fat Shark does
Fat Shark is a UK-based private manufacturer specializing in First Person View (FPV) headsets and goggles for drone racing and aerial videography applications. Founded in 2007 by Greg French (with the firm's short_description referencing early 2004 as when the underlying need was first identified), the company designs, manufactures, and sells premium FPV hardware through a global network of authorized channel partners rather than direct-to-consumer channels. Fat Shark serves two primary customer segments: competitive drone racing pilots and FPV hobbyist/prosumer pilots, claiming 85% adoption among professional drone racing pilots.
The current product lineup centers on digital FPV headsets including the DOMINATOR (flagship featuring Full HD 1080p OLED dual micro displays with a 46° field of view, USB-C video output, integrated HD DVR, and adjustable IPD/focus), Recon HD (entry-level digital headset compatible with Avatar HD and WalkSnail transmitters), HDO+, ECHO, and Scout HD, alongside legacy products such as the Teleporter V5, Attitude V6, Recon V2/V3, Dominator HD3/SE/V3, and Transformer family. Core technology includes a registered patent on Fat Shark's Folded Optical Engine that enables high-quality 1080p display viewing in a compact form factor, modular receiver designs supporting multiple transmission protocols (5.8 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 1.3 GHz), and software-level integration with the Betaflight open-source flight controller ecosystem via Canvas Mode. The product ecosystem extends to a broad range of accessories, including receiver modules, transmitters, faceplates, diopter lenses, head tracking modules, battery cases, HDMI cables, and carrying cases.
Fat Shark operates a pure hardware sales business model with revenue generated entirely through one-time product sales rather than subscriptions or services. Distribution is exclusively channel-based, spanning North America (Rotor Riot, GetFPV, Race Day Quads, Pyrodrone, Rotor Logic), Europe (FPVee, Studio Sport), Australia (NextFPV), Asia (Polly), the UK (Unmanned Tech, Hobby RC), and Canada (Great Hobbies). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set by individual retailers. The company maintains community engagement through organic social channels including Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube, and pursues regulatory compliance (FCC and CE) for current-generation products. The business appears to be founder-led with no disclosed institutional investment, parent company, subsidiaries, or M&A activity in the available data.
Fat Shark firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Fat Shark
- Website
- https://fatshark.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Fat Shark is a UK-based private manufacturer of premium FPV drone headsets and goggles for professional racers and hobbyists. Founded in 2007, the company sells exclusively through global authorized channel partners and claims 85% adoption among professional racing pilots.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Fat Shark industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Consumer Electronics / Drone FPV Headsets
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Consumer Non-Imaging Drones (Toy/FPV, Racing, Delivery/Utility) (CRACARAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- VR Headsets & Accessories (CRACAOAE), Avionics Displays & Human-Machine Interface (EFIS/HUD/HMD) (IMABAFAH), Tripods, Mounts & Supports (Tripods, Monopods, Clamps, Action Mounts) (CRACAPAI)
Keywords
Where Fat Shark is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reading
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
Fat Shark business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- FPV Headset Sales: Primary revenue stream from designing, manufacturing, and selling premium FPV (First Person View) drone headsets and goggles for both consumer and professional drone racing applications. Products are sold exclusively through authorized retail channel partners.
- Accessories and Components: Revenue from complementary accessories including faceplates, straps, diopter lenses, receiver modules, transmitters, cables, battery cases, and head tracking modules compatible with Fat Shark headset product lines.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels12 records
Marketing channels4 records
Fat Shark product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Fat Shark designs, manufactures, and sells premium FPV (First Person View) drone headsets and goggles used primarily by drone racing pilots and FPV hobbyists. The product range spans flagship models such as the DOMINATOR with FullHD OLED displays, mid-tier offerings (HDO+, ECHO, Scout HD), entry-level digital (Recon HD) and beginner (Teleporter V5) headsets, alongside a wide accessory ecosystem including modular receiver modules, video transmitters, cables, faceplates, diopter lenses, and head tracking modules. Products are distributed exclusively through a global network of authorized retailers and regional distributors.
Product overview
Fat Shark is a leading provider of FPV (First Person View) drone headsets and goggles, established in 2007 by Greg French. The company dominates the drone racing market with 85% of professional pilots using their products. Their product portfolio centers on premium FPV headsets including the DOMINATOR (flagship with FullHD OLED displays), Recon HD, HDO+, ECHO, and Scout (current generation), alongside a comprehensive range of accessories (receivers, transmitters, cables, faceplates, mounts) and legacy products. The ecosystem includes video transmission compatibility with Avatar HD, WalkSnail, Shark Byte, DJI, ImmersionRC, and Betaflight integration. Key differentiators include patented folded optical engine technology, modular design, and extensive IPD/focus adjustment options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- DOMINATOR Flagship premium FPV drone goggle with FullHD OLED dual micro displays, 1080p video transmission, USB-C video out, integrated HD DVR recording, adjustable IPD and focus, and Betaflight Canvas Mode support. Targeted at professional drone racers and high-end FPV pilots. Model FSV1125.
- Recon HD Entry-level digital FPV headset with 1080p display via Fat Shark's patented folded optical engine, 3.5-4 inch panel delivering 44-degree FOV at 60 fps, compatible with Avatar HD and WalkSnail video transmitters. Includes anti-fog fan and glasses-accommodating faceplate. Model FSV1127.
- HDO+ High Definition OLED display headset in the current Fat Shark product lineup, offering a premium FPV experience for drone racing and aerial piloting.
- ECHO FPV headset in the current Fat Shark product lineup, positioned within the mid-tier segment for drone racing and FPV flying.
- Scout HD First HD digital FPV goggle from Fat Shark with 1080p display via patented folded optical engine, 3.5-inch panel delivering 44-degree FOV at 60 fps, Shark Byte transmitter compatibility, anti-fog fan, glasses-accommodating faceplate, 5-inch TFT 1920x1080 display, 3-button OSD navigation, and USB-C charging.
- Teleporter V5 Full-function, self-contained race-format FPV goggle designed for beginner pilots. Accepts a broad spectrum of off-the-shelf receivers with head tracking support, providing core professional pilot capabilities at an accessible price point.
- 8CH 2G4 Receiver Module 8-channel 2.4GHz receiver module that installs directly into modular Fat Shark goggles. Compatible with ImmersionRC Airwave bands and Lawmate transmitters across multiple frequency modes.
- 32CH 5G8 Race Band Receiver Module 5.8GHz Race Band receiver module for Fat Shark modular goggles supporting 32 channels on 4 bands including Race Band. Channel spacing supports all 8 channels for multiple-pilot flights. RX sensitivity -90 dB, NTSC/PAL video format.
- 250MW 5G8 7CH TX Transmitter 250mW 5.8GHz transmitter supporting up to 4S battery packs. Offers mid to long range penetration in a compact efficient package, with dedicated 5V camera supply and plug-and-play compatibility with all Fat Shark cameras.
- 250MW 1G3 8CH TX Transmitter 1.3GHz 250mW transmitter for long distance flight with superior penetration and low power requirement. Available in US (FSV2468) and EU (FSV2469) versions. Used with Fat Shark 8CH 1G3 receiver module model FSV2433.
- MiniDIN to MiniDIN HDMI Cable MiniDIN to MiniDIN cable for connecting Fat Shark HDMI-equipped headsets directly to DJI products. Terminated with HDMI mini connector and includes Mini to micro and Mini to standard adapters for alternative HDMI connectors.
- Pan/Tilt/Roll Camera Mount Camera mount enabling pan, tilt, and roll for head tracking applications. Compatible with all Fat Shark cameras and supports three-axis motion when paired with the Trinity head tracker module.
- Trinity Head Tracker Module Head tracker module enabling three-axis motion control for FPV camera tracking applications. Pairs with the Pan/Tilt/Roll Camera Mount to provide synchronized camera movement in FPV drones.
Quantifiable outcome
- 85% of professional drone racing pilots use Fat Shark headsets
Companies that use Fat Shark
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Fat Shark technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature6 records
Fat Shark partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- WalkSnailcoreFat Shark's Recon HD and other headsets are compatible with WalkSnail video transmitters, enabling digital FPV functionality with the Fat Shark product ecosystem. This integration allows pilots to use WalkSnail's digital transmission system with Fat Shark headsets.
- Avatar HDcoreFat Shark headsets including Recon HD are compatible with Avatar HD video transmission systems, providing interoperability for digital FPV pilots using Avatar HD technology.
- BetaflightcoreFat Shark headsets support Betaflight Canvas Mode, allowing pilots to control on-screen display elements through the Betaflight flight controller firmware, enabling customized OSD experiences.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Fat Shark competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- iFlight: FPV drone frame and full-build manufacturer that increasingly bundles goggles and accessories. Comparable as an adjacent ecosystem player expanding into goggle hardware that could compete with Fat Shark at the entry level.
- BETAFPV: FPV drone and accessory brand offering entry-level whoop drones, FPV goggles (VR02/VR03), and gear aimed at beginner pilots. Comparable as a younger, lower-priced competitor attacking the entry tier that Fat Shark's Recon HD targets.
- WalkSnail: Digital FPV video transmission platform (Avatar HD/WalkSnail) that integrates with Fat Shark Recon HD. Adjacent rather than direct competitor — it sells VTX modules and cameras while Fat Shark sells the display/goggle — but they increasingly compete for total FPV digital stack ownership.
- Eachine: Budget FPV goggles and accessories maker (e.g., EV800D, ProDVR) heavily distributed on Amazon and Banggood. Competes with Fat Shark on price-sensitive hobbyist pilots and entry-level analog FPV buyers.
Broad incumbents
- ImmersionRC: Long-standing RC and FPV brand (Transmitters, RapidFire receivers, antennas, Fusion goggle) overlapping with Fat Shark on receiver modules and FPV accessory ecosystem. Broader portfolio but directly competes in FPV gear pilots use alongside or instead of Fat Shark.
Direct peers
- DJI: Global drone market leader that entered the FPV goggle category with DJI FPV Goggles V2 and DJI Goggles 2, offering integrated digital FPV with the O3 Air Unit. Most consequential direct competitor due to scale, brand, and vertical integration into drones, controllers, and transmission.
- HDZero: Digital FPV transmission standard and goggle maker (HDZero goggles, Whoop goggles) targeting the racing and freestyle community. Comparable because it competes for the same FPV pilot wallet share with a competing digital ecosystem.
- Skyzone: Established Chinese FPV goggles brand offering analog and digital goggles (e.g., SKY04X, Cobra X). Direct competitor to Fat Shark across both entry-level and enthusiast FPV segments.
- Orqa: Croatian FPV headset specialist selling the Orqa FPV.One goggles aimed at FPV racers and freestyle pilots. Closely comparable as a pure-play FPV goggle maker competing head-on with Fat Shark's Recon HD and Dominator line.
Others
- Rotor Riot: Major US FPV retailer and content creator that serves as an authorized Fat Shark distribution partner. Relevant as a channel partner and ecosystem influencer rather than a hardware competitor, but a key go-to-market comparison point for how FPV brands reach pilots.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Fat Shark social profiles
Digital presenceFat Shark compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Fat Shark financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Fat Shark leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Fat Shark funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Fat Shark 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 Fat Shark
What does Fat Shark do?
Fat Shark designs, manufactures, and sells premium FPV (First Person View) drone headsets and goggles used primarily by drone racing pilots and FPV hobbyists. The product range spans flagship models such as the DOMINATOR with FullHD OLED displays, mid-tier offerings (HDO+, ECHO, Scout HD), entry-level digital (Recon HD) and beginner (Teleporter V5) headsets, alongside a wide accessory ecosystem including modular receiver modules, video transmitters, cables, faceplates, diopter lenses, and head tracking modules. Products are distributed exclusively through a global network of authorized retailers and regional distributors.
Is Fat Shark a public or private company?
Fat Shark is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Fat Shark founded?
Fat Shark was founded in 2007. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Fat Shark based?
Fat Shark is headquartered in Reading, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Fat Shark make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. FPV Headset Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Components.
Who are Fat Shark's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are iFlight, BETAFPV, WalkSnail and Eachine. ImmersionRC is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are DJI, HDZero, Skyzone and Orqa. Rotor Riot is listed as an others.
Does Fat Shark have an API?
No public API is recorded for Fat Shark.
What industry is Fat Shark in?
Fat Shark's product category is Consumer Electronics / Drone FPV Headsets. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACARAH, Consumer Non-Imaging Drones (Toy/FPV, Racing, Delivery/Utility), with a secondary code of CRACAOAE, VR Headsets & Accessories. Its NAICS code is 334310 and its SIC code is 3651.