FAQ: Vermeer's $10M Series A Funding and Vision Navigation Technology

What is Vermeer and what does it specialize in?

Vermeer is an American-Ukrainian startup specializing in vision navigation and autonomy technologies for defense applications, particularly GPS-independent navigation solutions for drones and aerial vehicles.

How much funding did Vermeer raise and who led the investment?

Vermeer raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Draper Associates, with co-investors including AeroX Ventures, Boscolo Intervest, High Point Ventures, Rockaway Ventures, and the U.S. Air Force Techstars accelerator program.

What is Vermeer’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) technology?

Vermeer’s VPS technology uses multiple electro-optical or infrared cameras to interpret the environment by comparing live visuals against a database of landmarks and pre-existing maps, enhanced by AI processing via Nvidia chips, providing GPS-independent navigation.

Why is GPS-independent navigation technology important?

GPS-independent navigation is critical for drones operating in contested or GPS-denied environments where GPS signals can be jammed or spoofed, a vulnerability commonly exploited in modern conflicts.

Who are Vermeer’s current customers and partners?

Vermeer has over 30 customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Ukrainian forces, with active deployment by Ukrainian forces to maintain drone efficacy against electronic warfare.

How will the $10 million funding be used?

The funding will support expansion of partnerships with U.S. military forces, NATO allies, and Ukrainian forces, while scaling optical navigation technology for both defense and commercial sectors and accelerating product innovation.

Where is Vermeer based and how has the company grown?

Vermeer operates from both New York and Kyiv, growing from 10 to 40 employees within a year, with early development supported by the U.S. Air Force’s Techstars accelerator and SBIR funding through the AFWERX program.

What makes Vermeer’s approach unique in the defense tech landscape?

While Vermeer’s funding is modest compared to other defense startups, its focus on navigation resilience addresses a specific critical capability for autonomous systems operating in GPS-denied environments, representing a vital niche in drone technology.

What challenges has Vermeer faced in developing its technology?

Building advanced technology in a war zone has forced the company to iterate faster, build smarter, and focus on what actually works in combat, operating alongside partners on the front lines in Ukraine.