Philadelphia-based robotics firm Asylon has successfully raised $26 million in a Series B funding round led by Insight Partners, with additional investments from Veteran Ventures Capital, Allegion Ventures, and the GoPA Fund. This significant financial boost is set to enhance Asylon’s development and deployment of advanced robotic security solutions.
Innovative Security Technologies
Founded in 2015 by MIT alumni Damon Henry (CEO), Adam Mohamed (CTO), and Brent McLaughlin (COO), Asylon initially focused on drone technology for facility security. The company’s flagship product features a drone equipped with a robotic arm capable of autonomously changing its batteries, ensuring continuous operation without human intervention.
Expanding its portfolio, Asylon introduced the DroneDog, a robotic guard dog adapted from Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot. Integrated with Asylon’s Guardian command-and-control software, DroneDog offers comprehensive security coverage by performing ground patrols and accessing areas that may be hazardous for humans or live animals. Equipped with advanced sensors, DroneDog can detect gas leaks and hazardous chemicals, providing functionalities akin to canine sniffing capabilities.
Robotic Security-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Asylon offers its drones, robotic dogs, and software through a Robotic Security-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. This approach allows clients to secure their facilities with a combination of aerial and ground surveillance, covering more areas than traditional stationary cameras. The RaaS model provides a cost-effective alternative to human security personnel, with annual costs ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, comparable to hiring a human bodyguard service.
Strategic Growth and Market Demand
Prior to this funding round, Asylon had raised approximately $21 million, supplemented by government grants, bringing its total funding to about $45 million. CEO Damon Henry acknowledged the challenges of fundraising but noted a surge in demand for security solutions following high-profile incidents, such as the tragic event involving UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December. This increased focus on executive and facility security has positioned Asylon’s offerings as timely and essential.
Founders’ Background and Vision
The founding trio of Henry, Mohamed, and McLaughlin, who met as dorm roommates at MIT, pursued careers in aerospace engineering with companies like GE Aviation, Boeing, and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory before establishing Asylon. Inspired by Amazon’s announcement of its drone delivery service in 2015, they left their positions to develop innovative security solutions. By 2019, Asylon secured its first customer, Ford, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory.
Future Prospects
With the new funding, Asylon plans to accelerate the development and deployment of its robotic security solutions, aiming to meet the growing demand for advanced, autonomous security technologies. The company’s commitment to innovation positions it as a leader in the evolving landscape of robotic security services.
