What Influential Drones does

Influential Drones is a privately held New Jersey-based integration company founded in 2017 that sells, trains on, operates, and tests unmanned aerial, ground, and aquatic robotic systems for government, public safety, education, agriculture, and commercial clients. The company operates a brand-agnostic authorized-reseller model across DJI, Autel, and Parrot hardware, supplemented by its own proprietary IFD RoboTest Toolkit for NIST-aligned proficiency scoring. Its technology stack is centered on regulatory depth — FAA Part 137 (one of 38 U.S. companies), nationwide night and over-people waivers, FAASTeam Industry Member status, and NIST Collaboration Facility designation — rather than on in-house AI or robotics IP.

The business model blends hardware resale (drones priced $1.6k–$21k), professional services (aerial inspection, agricultural spraying, consulting, product validation), and training (Part 107 prep, NIST train-the-trainer, custom scenario-based programs at $150–$999 per seat). Revenue is generated through direct enterprise field sales to government and public safety buyers, an e-commerce storefront, authorized-reseller partnerships, on-site training delivery, and field operations primarily across NJ/PA/DE/NYC with nationwide and international reach enabled by its FAA waivers. Customer segments span fire and police departments (primary), K-12 and higher education, agricultural operators requiring FAA-compliant spraying, and commercial/industrial inspection clients.

The company is founder-led by Dave Krause (President, FAASTeam DronePRO representative, Drone Advisory Committee TaskGroup8 member) alongside Dr. Steven M Davis (co-founder, FAA CFI/I/MEI) and Emily Hines (VP, co-owner). Headcount is modest with a core team of roughly 9+ professional instructors plus operational and support staff. The company has not disclosed external institutional funding and appears to be self-funded through nine years of operating history.

Name

Influential Drones

Legal name

Influential Drones

Website

https://influentialdrones.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Influential Drones is a privately held, Marlton NJ-based integrator founded in 2017 that sells, trains, and operates DJI, Autel, and Parrot unmanned aerial, ground, and aquatic robotic systems for public safety, education, agriculture, and commercial clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Drone Integration & UAS Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (488190)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Aerial Robotics (Drones & UAV Autonomy) (HDAAAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO), Drone/UAS Application Services (Spraying, Spreading, Seeding) (AFACAIAB), Aerial Pesticide/Herbicide/Fungicide Application (AFACAIAE), Drones & UAV Retail (Consumer & Prosumer) (CRACAHAC)

Keywords

• Drone integration services
• UAS pilot training
• Commercial drone sales
• Aerial inspection services
• Public safety drones

Headquarters

HQ city

Marlton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Equipment and Hardware Sales: Sale of drones (aerial UAVs), ground rovers (UGV), aquatic systems (ROV), accessories, sensors (thermal, NDVI, zoom), software, and training/safety equipment. The company acts as an authorized reseller for multiple manufacturers (DJI, Autel, Parrot, etc.). Revenue is one-time per transaction, with pricing publicly listed for many products on the e-commerce storefront.
2. Training and Education Services: Hands-on in-person training, Part 107 exam prep courses, NIST sUAS test method train-the-trainer programs, custom scenario-based training, and instructor-led corporate training. Training is offered at the company's Marlton, NJ facility or on-location at client sites. Pricing ranges from $150 per hour for individual flight instruction to $999 for multi-day courses.
3. Aerial Data Collection and Field Services: Day or night aerial missions including photography/videography, thermal observations, NDVI imaging, 3D modeling and surveying, tower inspections, roof inspections, agricultural spraying (Part 137), environmental monitoring, and real estate photography. Services are priced per mission or project and quoted based on scope.
4. Consulting and Advisory Services: Subject matter consulting for organizations seeking to adopt or improve unmanned systems programs. Offerings include program lifecycle support (from product selection to acquisition to crew development to maintenance), policy and procedure writing, UAS detection/risk analysis, test range inauguration and management, and business development consulting for manufacturers.
5. Product Validation and Testing: Testing and validation services for manufacturers seeking to evaluate products in real-world environments. Uses NIST standard test methods to objectively measure system capability and operator proficiency. Helps manufacturers refine design, optimize performance, and allocate R&D resources based on end-user feedback.
6. Financing Plans: The company offers financing plans for equipment purchases, enabling customers to pay over time rather than upfront. This supports sales to public safety and government entities with budget constraints.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Influential Drones is an integration company that sells, trains on, and operates unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones), ground rovers, and aquatic robotic platforms. It acts as an authorized reseller for DJI, Autel Robotics, and Parrot hardware while delivering hands-on training, FAA Part 107 preparation, NIST-aligned proficiency testing, consulting, and field service missions (inspection, surveying, NDVI/thermal imaging, and Part 137 agricultural spraying).

Product overview

Influential Drones is an integration company founded in 2017 that specializes in mobile robotic systems with a primary focus on aerial platforms. Its product portfolio spans multiple categories: (1) Aerial drones from DJI (Matrice 4T, Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 4E, Dock 2) and Autel (EVO Max 4N, EVO Max 4T XE, Alpha L35T, Evo Lite Enterprise) and Parrot, sold as standalone products or bundled packages; (2) Training equipment including NIST sUAS Test Method apparatus, Pix4D training courses, and Foxfury lighting solutions; (3) Services encompassing aerial field operations (inspection, thermal, NDVI, photogrammetry), FAA Part 137 agricultural spraying, product testing and validation, Part 107 pilot training, NIST Train-the-Trainer programs, custom scenario-based training, K-12 STEM academic programs, and UAS consulting. The company acts as an authorized reseller and integration provider, supporting customers from product selection through training, consulting, and after-sales support. It also maintains a fleet of more than a dozen drones for service delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FAA Part 107 Training Programs Comprehensive drone pilot training for individuals and organizations, including online self-paced courses, live virtual workshops, in-person training, hands-on flight instruction, and FAA-approved seminars with WINGS credit. Designed for aspiring commercial drone pilots and public safety agencies needing Part 107 certification.
• NIST Train the Trainer sUAS Test Methods APSA-credentialed instructor and proctor courses for NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods (Levels 1-5) that enable public safety and enterprise organizations to evaluate pilot proficiency and equipment performance using standardized methodologies.
• Scenario-Based and Custom Training Realistic, hands-on training programs tailored to client needs covering aerial, ground, and underwater operations, designed for public safety teams to build confidence and skills for emergency response. Delivered at the Marlton, NJ facility or on-location at client sites.
• Aerial Services Field operations covering photography and videography, thermal observations, multi-spectral NDVI imaging, 3D modeling, surveying, environmental monitoring, real estate photography, and inspections for towers, high-rise buildings, roofs, and insurance claims. Available day or night using nationwide FAA waivers.
• Agricultural Flight Operations (Part 137) FAA Part 137-certified aerial application service for crop dusting, seed spreading, pest control, cleaning and sanitation, fire retardant, de-icing, right-of-way management, and pollination using sUAS sprayers. Requires EPA Pesticide Applicator Business License compliance.
• Product Testing and Validation NIST-standardized testing services evaluating aerial, ground, and aquatic robotic systems across environment conditions, maneuvering, payload functionality, processing, radio communications, control, load, endurance, durability, and safety metrics. Used by manufacturers to refine designs and allocate R&D resources.
• UAS Consulting Services Advisory services including measurable validation, end-user feedback programs, go-to-market strategy, business development, UAS detection risk analysis, test range inauguration and management, custom development, data analysis, and policy/procedure writing for organizations deploying uncrewed systems.
• K-12 and Workforce STEM Academic Program Mobile robotics curriculum resources for K-12 educators including curriculum guidance, instructor training, custom drone kits, and classroom-ready lesson plans aligned with FAA AVSED and national education standards.
• DJI Matrice 4T Enterprise aerial drone featuring thermal and standard imaging payloads designed for inspection, mapping, and public safety operations. Resold by Influential Drones as an authorized DJI reseller.
• Autel EVO Max 4N Commercial drone with starlight night vision camera (0.0001 LUX, ISO up to 450000), 640x512 thermal sensor, 50 MP wide camera, and laser rangefinder, featuring A-Mesh autonomous drone-to-drone networking and 720-degree obstacle avoidance. Resold by Influential Drones as an authorized Autel reseller.
• NIST sUAS Test Method Apparatus Standardized test apparatus including Open, Obstructed, and Confined Test Lanes used for evaluating drone pilot proficiency and system performance per NIST standard test methods, adopted by APSA, DroneResponders, and NFPA 2400.

Quantifiable outcome

• Organizations report being 'operational in days, not months' after engaging Influential Drones for drone program implementation.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leach Strategic PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 March 2020Founded by Ron Leach, a 23-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police and U.S. Navy veteran. Ron holds FAA ratings including Remote Pilot for UAS and was Chairman of the NJSP UAS Working Group. Leach Strategic Partners provides UAS consulting for public safety and security companies. A formal public safety alliance was announced March 16, 2020. The two companies co-developed a Universal UAS Checklist available as a free download.
• Pilot InstitutecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPilot Institute is an online ground school dedicated to helping people pass FAA exams and become confident drone or airplane pilots. Influential Drones endorses and recommends Pilot Institute's Part 107 courses to customers. Pilot Institute has enabled over 350,000 students across the U.S. to achieve FAA certifications on the first try with a $175 pass guarantee.
• UAS Center at SBD AirportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), the UAS Center at SBD serves as a hub for advancement, commercialization, and adoption of autonomous technology. The center provides consulting on drone policy, standardization, product evaluation, drone pilot training, test flights, and workforce development. Influential Drones partners with the center for testing and customer engagements in Southern California.
• Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization founded in 1968 supporting the use of aircraft in public safety. With 3,000+ members, APSA provides networking, educational seminars, and product expositions. Influential Drones team members are qualified as Instructors and Proctors for NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods through APSA's train-the-trainer program.
• Alaska Center for UAS Integration (ACUASI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACUASI, part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, leads all unmanned aircraft programs for the University of Alaska system and serves as an FAA test site. The center focuses on testing emerging technologies to enable safe UAS integration into the National Airspace System. Influential Drones collaborates with ACUASI on research and testing initiatives.
• Sundance Media GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSundance Media Group offers vendor-neutral UAS training, speaking engagements, and drone services. They provide two-day interactive virtual P107 training workshops ($295/person) and have collaborated with Influential Drones on FAA Safety Team courses (ALC-678, ALC-703, ALC-704). Influential Drones recommends Sundance Media Group as a virtual training partner.
• Urban Low Altitude Transport Association (ULTRA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerULTRA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit headquartered in New Jersey promoting the aviation and infrastructure interests of manned and unmanned aerial vehicle companies operating around densely populated areas. Influential Drones maintains a membership/partnership with ULTRA for industry advocacy and networking.
• P3 Tech ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded by Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF Retired), a licensed attorney and internationally recognized expert on UAS and advanced air mobility law and policy. P3 Tech Consulting connects people with plans, programs, policies, and information for advanced tech platforms. Dawn Zoldi hosts the 'Dawn of Drones' podcast where Dave Krause has appeared as a guest. Zoldi is also President/CEO of UAS Colorado.
• AeriumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAerium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit formed to cultivate the pipeline between students, educational institutions, and the aviation industry. Its vision is to foster collaboration among private and public stakeholders to address next-generation needs of the aviation and aerospace industry. Influential Drones supports this mission through STEM outreach.
• FunD Av ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunD Av Consulting is a business development and consulting company focused on aviation, global STEM outreach, nonprofit management, film/production, marketing, and talent management. They champion projects related to growing the aviation industry and have completed notable missions including Dreams Soar's 'Global Solo Flight for STEM' (2017) and the D-Day Squadron's 'Mission to Normandy' (2019).
• Aviation Influence, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAviation Influence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a core mission to serve young people in discovering STEM and aviation careers. Influential Drones supports this nonprofit by providing aviation and STEM-related assistance to organizations in need, including media support for youth outreach programs.
• Nick Lang MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNick Lang is an award-winning aerial cinematographer based in Philadelphia. His aerial work has been featured on HGTV, A&E, PBS, and multiple commercial projects. Influential Drones partners with Nick Lang Media for media production and content creation, combining drone cinematography with production expertise.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• UAV Coach: UAV Coach is a drone training and education company specializing in Part 107 preparation, drone pilot career development, and online course content. It directly overlaps with Influential Drones' training services and Part 107 prep business.
• Advexure: Advexure is a drone systems integrator and authorized dealer serving public safety, law enforcement, and enterprise customers. It offers an integration-first model similar to Influential Drones with hardware, training, and mission-support services.
• Drone Nerds: Drone Nerds is a multi-brand drone reseller and integration company serving enterprise, public safety, and government clients. It is the closest direct peer to Influential Drones, offering hardware sales, training, and services across multiple UAS brands.
• Sundance Media Group: Sundance Media Group is a vendor-neutral UAS training provider offering virtual Part 107 workshops and speaker services. It is a stated training partner of Influential Drones and operates in the same training market segment.

Broad incumbents

• Skydio: Skydio is a US-based drone manufacturer whose Autonomy and Dock platforms increasingly target public safety and enterprise inspection, overlapping with Influential Drones' customer base. As an OEM expanding into the integrator's turf, it represents a broad incumbent threat.
• Autel Robotics: Autel Robotics is a global drone OEM whose enterprise line (EVO Max series, Alpha) Influential Drones resells. As Autel continues to build direct enterprise channels, it is both a supplier partner and a competitive threat.
• DJI Enterprise: DJI Enterprise is the enterprise arm of the world's largest drone manufacturer. Influential Drones is a DJI reseller; DJI's growing direct enterprise presence represents both supply dependence and competitive risk.

Others

• Pix4D: Pix4D is a photogrammetry and drone-mapping software platform. Influential Drones offers Pix4D training and bundles its software with aerial services, making Pix4D an enabling ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Pilot Institute: Pilot Institute is an online ground school for Part 107 and manned pilot certifications, endorsed by Influential Drones for online prep. It represents the online training channel that competes with in-person training services.
• BRINC Drones: BRINC Drones is a US-based drone manufacturer focused on public safety, SWAT, and emergency response applications. It is an emerging player that increasingly competes with Influential Drones at the public safety procurement level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Finfluencedrones
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCns1u-gDkWds6fEvKqFLztA
• Facebookfacebook.com/influentialdronesllc
• Instagraminstagram.com/influentialdrones
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/influentialdrones

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

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 Influential Drones