Vets to Drones
Vets to Drones is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free FAA Part 107 training, mentorship, and job placement to help military veterans transition into commercial drone careers across all 50 states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersRaleigh, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Vets to Drones does
Vets to Drones (V2D) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in February 2023 and domiciled in Texas that operates a veteran-focused unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training and workforce-development platform. Its core offering is free FAA Part 107 commercial drone operator certification preparation and NIST standards-aligned training delivered through a self-paced member portal, augmented by week-long in-person training events, mentorship, and DoD SkillBridge placements. The organization serves military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses seeking civilian careers in commercial drone operations, while also operating mission areas in K-12 STEM education (Operation STEM Gateway), disaster response aerial support, conservation aerial surveying (in partnership with One Tree Planted), and recreational therapy for veterans with PTSD and other service-related conditions.
Vets to Drones firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vets to Drones
- Legal name
- VetsToDrones.org
- Website
- https://vetstodrones.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Vets to Drones is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free FAA Part 107 training, mentorship, and job placement to help military veterans transition into commercial drone careers across all 50 states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vets to Drones industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Drone Training and Workforce Development
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs (EDAAAOAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility) (EDAOAFAO), Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)
Keywords
Where Vets to Drones is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Raleigh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Vets to Drones business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Training Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors fund veteran training scholarships at $3,000 per person, covering week-long training events including registration, travel, room and board. Also includes UAS maintenance and manufacturing training sponsorship.
- Industry Partnership Subscriptions: Tiered annual partnership programs (Tier 1: $5,000, Tier 2: $3,000, Tier 3: $1,000) providing job postings, talent search, candidate messaging, and partner portal access.
- Job Posting Packages: Single job posts at $500, 3-post bundles at $1,000, and 10-post bundles at $2,500 for companies seeking to hire FAA-certified veteran drone operators.
- Premium Partnership Bundles: Flagship Strategic Partner tier at $50,000/year offering unlimited job postings, priority talent access, co-branded marketing, and executive networking. Mission Partner tier at $30,000/year for deep engagement.
- Branding Sponsorship: Gold Sponsor at $3,000/year, Website Sponsor at $2,000/year, and Portal Sponsor at $2,000/year for brand visibility across V2D platforms and marketing channels.
- Event Sponsorship: Annual Events Sponsor at $15,000 for year-round event sponsorship with co-branded t-shirts and digital marketing. Single event sponsorships available at Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers.
- Targeted Recruiting: One-time targeted recruiting campaigns at $10,000 with curated candidate shortlists, custom job matching, and direct veteran outreach.
- Merchandise Sales: Online storefront selling branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, and gear with prices ranging from $14 to $105.
- Donations: Direct contributions supporting veteran flight training and career development. Suggested donation tiers include $107 for Part 107 training, $500 for drone gear, and $2,500 for full 3-phase training and certification.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Veteran Membership |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Training Scholarship Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | UAS Maintenance Training Sponsorship |
| Subscription | Annual | Industry Partner Tiers |
| Subscription | Annual | Branding Sponsorship |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Single Job Post |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | 3-Post Bundle |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | 10-Post Bundle |
| Subscription | Annual | Flagship Strategic Partner |
| Subscription | Annual | Mission Partner |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Vets to Drones product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vets to Drones provides free FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot certification preparation and NIST standards-aligned training to U.S. military veterans, delivered through the V2D Member Portal, week-long in-person training camps, and a nationwide community network. The organization supplements core training with workforce development services, K-12 STEM education, disaster response drone crews, conservation aerial surveys, and recreational therapy, while monetizing through corporate training sponsorships, tiered employer partnerships, job posting packages, branding sponsorships, and a branded merchandise storefront.
Product overview
Vets to Drones is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a multi-component platform for veteran workforce development in the commercial drone industry. The core offering is free FAA Part 107 certification training and NIST standards training, accessed through the V2D Member Portal which also includes academy courses, mentorship, events calendar, job board, partner discounts, and a veteran marketplace. The organization operates five mission areas: Workforce Development (job placement), K-12 STEM Gateway (education), Disaster Response, Conservation, and Recreational Therapy. On the commercial side, it offers tiered industry partnership programs (Recruit, Connect, Discover), job posting bundles (single, 3-post, 10-post), training sponsorship products ($3,000 scholarships and UAS maintenance training), and premium flagship/mission partner bundles ($30,000-$50,000 annually). A separate V2D Shop sells branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, and drinkware.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Free FAA Part 107 Drone Training and Certification Prep Free FAA Part 107 commercial drone operator certificate preparation course for U.S. military veterans, covering exam prep, regulations, airspace knowledge, NIST standards, flight scenarios, photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, inspection, and terrestrial surveying.
- V2D Member Portal and Academy Members-only web portal providing access to academy courses, member profiles, community map, events calendar, job board, partner discounts, and a veteran marketplace for buying and selling gear. Free for veterans verified through the GOVX platform.
- DoD SkillBridge Placement Program Transitional placement program allowing transitioning service members to train with UAS companies during their final months of service while continuing to receive military pay and benefits, offered free of charge to hosting organizations.
- Training Scholarship Sponsorship Corporate-sponsored training scholarship priced at $3,000 per veteran, covering one veteran's complete training journey including a week-long training event, registration, travel, room and board.
- UAS Maintenance and Manufacturing Training Sponsorship Corporate-sponsored UAS maintenance and manufacturing training at $3,000 per person, including an FPV build kit, self-paced maintenance curriculum, and hands-on manufacturing skills training.
- Industry Partnership Program Tiered annual partnership program for companies seeking to hire FAA-certified veteran drone operators. Includes Tier 1 Recruit ($5,000/year with 12 job postings, talent search and filtering, direct candidate messaging, partner portal access), Tier 2 Connect ($3,000/year with 4 job postings, company profile listing, member directory access), and Tier 3 Discover ($1,000/year with industry research, statistics, and market trend reports).
- Job Posting Service Job posting service allowing companies to post openings to the V2D job board visible to all members. Single job post at $500 with 60-day listing, 3-post bundle at $1,000 (saving 33%), and 10-post bundle at $2,500 (saving 50%).
- Premium Partnership Program (Strategic and Mission Partner) Premium partnership tiers for companies seeking deep engagement with the veteran talent pipeline. V2D Strategic Partner at $50,000/year includes unlimited job postings, priority talent access, co-branded marketing, annual event sponsorship, logo on all platforms, executive introductions, and quarterly strategy sessions. V2D Mission Partner at $30,000/year includes 25 job postings, featured employer placement, event sponsorship credits, and logo on website and portal.
- Branding and Event Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship packages providing brand visibility across V2D platforms and events, including Gold Sponsor at $3,000/year (logo on website, partner directory, visibility to all visitors and members), Website Sponsor at $2,000/year, Portal Sponsor at $2,000/year, Silver Sponsor at $3,500/year (logo placement at V2D events), Annual Events Sponsor at $15,000 (year-round event sponsorship with co-branded t-shirts and digital marketing), and per-event Gold/Silver/Bronze single-event sponsorships.
- Targeted Recruiting Campaign One-time dedicated recruiting campaign priced at $10,000, including a curated candidate shortlist, custom job requirements matching, and direct veteran outreach from the Vets to Drones team.
- V2D Shop Branded Merchandise Online storefront selling branded Vets to Drones merchandise including lapel pins ($18), PVC patches ($14), camouflage trucker hats ($24.99), Under Armour backpacks ($75), mouse pads ($14), Columbia soft shell jackets ($105), beanies ($16), and mugs ($14).
- Workforce Development Mission Program Program providing Part 107 preparation, NIST standards training, real-world flight scenarios, and job placement services connecting veterans to commercial drone careers in inspection, surveying, mapping, and emergency response.
- K-12 STEM Gateway Program Educational program bringing drone technology into K-12 classrooms to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning, with modular drone curricula, hands-on kits, and teacher support provided through the CrewConcept Drone Lab partnership.
- Disaster Response Drone Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,500+ veterans obtained FAA Part 107 certification through the program
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Vets to Drones
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Vets to Drones technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature5 records
Vets to Drones partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- One Tree PlantedcoreInternational NGO focused on reforestation. V2D has helped plant and catalog thousands of trees across Florida and California, collecting aerial survey data using drones. Initiative being expanded globally.
- 5.11 TacticalminorPurpose-built tactical gear manufacturer providing apparel, footwear, and equipment to military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals. Partnership offers member discounts on gear.
- Veterans Affairs (VA)coreFederal agency serving America's Veterans through healthcare, disability compensation, education, and mental health services. Partnership connects V2D with VA resources and Veteran community networks.
- VetResources Community Network (VRCN)coreNetwork created by the VA bringing together Veterans, community groups, and government partners to expand access to care, share best practices, and co-design solutions.
- Aquiline DronescoreU.S.-based drone and cloud technology company offering hardware, Part 107 training, insurance, virtual drone franchises, and industrial services including inspection, spraying, and graffiti removal.
- CrewConcept Drone LabcoreEducation-focused company using drone technology to build STEM and career pathways for learners and veterans. Provides modular drone curricula, hands-on kits, and teacher support for K-12 STEM/CTE programs.
- GOVXcoreVeteran status verification platform used for membership sign-up, ensuring secure and efficient confirmation of military service for all V2D members.
- DoD SkillBridgecoreDepartment of Defense program allowing transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience through internships during final months of service. V2D hosts SkillBridge placements with no salary cost to employers.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Vets to Drones competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pilot Institute: Drone and aviation training company offering Part 107 prep courses, drone flying lessons, and pilot education programs. Comparable to V2D on the Part 107 training content side, serving commercial drone operators as direct customers.
- Drone U: Drone training and education company offering Part 107 prep, flight training, and commercial drone business courses for working pilots. Overlaps with V2D on Part 107 curriculum and commercial drone career enablement, monetized as paid courses rather than via sponsorships.
- UAV Coach: Drone training and community platform offering Part 107 prep courses, drone industry blog content, and a job board. Directly comparable to V2D on training content and the talent marketplace angle, though without the veteran-specific mission.
- Drone Pilot Ground School: Online training provider specializing in FAA Part 107 exam preparation, offering paid courses and practice tests for commercial drone pilots. Closely comparable to V2D's flagship free Part 107 prep offering, though without the veteran workforce mission or community layer.
Others
- Aquiline Drones: U.S.-based drone hardware and cloud technology company offering UAS hardware, Part 107 training, insurance, and industrial drone services. Listed as a V2D core strategic partner; comparable as an adjacent ecosystem participant in commercial drone services.
- Skydio: U.S.-based autonomous drone manufacturer serving commercial, public safety, and defense markets. Comparable as a broader ecosystem participant whose customer base overlaps with V2D's employer partners hiring certified drone operators.
Emerging players
- Hire Heroes USA: Nonprofit providing veteran workforce transition services including resume support, interview prep, and job placement. Comparable to V2D on the veteran-to-civilian career transition mission, but operating in white-collar/general career placement rather than drone-specific certification.
- CrewConcept Drone Lab: Education-focused company using drone technology to build STEM and career pathways for learners and veterans; listed as a V2D core partner providing modular drone curricula and hands-on kits for K-12 STEM/CTE. Directly adjacent on curriculum content and veteran career pathway mission.
Broad incumbents
- Sporty's Pilot Shop: Long-established pilot training and aviation retail brand offering Part 107 prep courses alongside broader pilot certification products. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the aviation/drone pilot training market with a much wider product portfolio.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Major accredited aviation and aerospace university offering UAS degree programs, professional flight training, and Part 107 prep. Comparable as a broad incumbent in aviation education, though operating at a much higher credentialing tier than V2D's free membership model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Vets to Drones social profiles
Digital presenceVets to Drones financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vets to Drones leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Vets to Drones funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vets to Drones 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 Vets to Drones
What does Vets to Drones do?
Vets to Drones provides free FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot certification preparation and NIST standards-aligned training to U.S. military veterans, delivered through the V2D Member Portal, week-long in-person training camps, and a nationwide community network. The organization supplements core training with workforce development services, K-12 STEM education, disaster response drone crews, conservation aerial surveys, and recreational therapy, while monetizing through corporate training sponsorships, tiered employer partnerships, job posting packages, branding sponsorships, and a branded merchandise storefront.
Is Vets to Drones a public or private company?
Vets to Drones is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Vets to Drones founded?
Vets to Drones was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Vets to Drones based?
Vets to Drones is headquartered in Raleigh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vets to Drones make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Training Sponsorship is the primary driver. The others are industry Partnership Subscriptions, job Posting Packages, premium Partnership Bundles, branding Sponsorship, event Sponsorship, targeted Recruiting, merchandise Sales and donations.
Who are Vets to Drones's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pilot Institute, Drone U, UAV Coach and Drone Pilot Ground School. Others are Aquiline Drones and Skydio. Emerging players are Hire Heroes USA and CrewConcept Drone Lab. Broad incumbents are Sporty's Pilot Shop and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Does Vets to Drones have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vets to Drones.
What industry is Vets to Drones in?
Vets to Drones's product category is Drone Training and Workforce Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAOAH, Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs, with a secondary code of EDAOAFAO, Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility). Its NAICS code is 611512 and its SIC code is 8200.