Fresh off a big funding raise, an Austin-based startup that builds and monitors power grids using drones has moved its headquarters and operations to Buda as the city south of Austin continues to emerge as a hub for tech innovation.
Infravision Moves HQ to Buda
Aerial robotics startup Infravision Inc. recently inked a lease in Building 4 at Buda Midway at 361 Deep Roots Drive, officials said. The lease is 42,480 square feet in the 857,000-square-foot industrial project developed by Minneapolis-based United Development LLC.
An Infravision spokesperson said in an email that the site is currently being used as the company's corporate headquarters and supports U.S. corporate and operational functions. It is unclear how many employees are working at the site, and he said they'd share more details in the future.
"Texas is an important base for Infravision’s U.S. operations, and the Buda site supports the growing team and day-to-day work," the spokesperson said. "Infravision is still in the early stages of planning for the longer-term use of the site, and we expect to share more detailed updates at a later date once those plans are further developed."
Buda Economic Development Corp. CEO Jennifer Storm said in an email that landing the Infravision headquarters "reflects confidence in our workforce, location and long-term vision as a center for high-growth, innovative, tech-forward companies."
Executives from Austin-based Aquila Commercial LLC, whose representatives Leigh Ellis, Blake Patterson and Omar Nasser handle brokerage at the site, confirmed the lease and said "we’re excited about their tenancy and look forward to their success."
Infravision was founded in 2018 by robotics engineer Cameron Van Der Berg, who specializes in high-voltage electric power systems, and military veteran Chris Cox. The company aims to transform how power grids are built and monitored using drones. It has developed an innovative power line stringing system that they say is faster, safer and a more cost-effective alternative to traditional ground and helicopter methods.
$91M Series B Funding
The company in November announced it raised $91 million in series B funding from investors led by GIC, with participation from Activate Capital and Hitachi Ventures, as well as existing investor Energy Impact Partners. It had previously announced a $23 million series A in 2023.
Drone-Based Power Grid Technology
Officials said in November that the funding would help accelerate deployment of what it calls its TX System, which is a fully integrated combination of drones, intelligent ground equipment and stringing hardware that is already used on extra high-voltage transmission projects across the globe. The latest iteration brings helicopter-level capabilities into a truck-based fleet vehicle.
Expansion and Track Record
The company has delivered 40 projects across four countries since its launch. Australia has already been a proven market, and it's now focused on expanding North American operations and manufacturing. It's currently hiring for several roles in Australia, India and Austin.
“Infravision’s aerial robotics system has been proven on some of the largest and most complex power line projects in the world, including Powerlink Genex in Australia and emergency response deployments with PG&E in California,” Van Der Berg said in November. “This investment will help us scale to provide a faster, safer, and more cost-effective way to meet surging electricity demand as the world races to double grid infrastructure by 2040.”
Buda, which has a population of around 16,000 and is about 15 miles south of Austin, has in recent years has become a target for large manufacturing projects. That includes defense technology startup Perseus Defense Inc., electric vehicle supplier Futronic USA Inc., food distributor US Foods Holding Corp., food industry supplier ATX Packaging and precision parts maker Method MFG LLC.
