Egyptian drone startup Drofie, which has developed a pocket-size camera with an auto-follow feature that allows a user to have a drone-based camera follow them around and take pictures, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it go into commercial production.
Disrupt Africa first came across Drofie back in June, when the startup won a place in the Switzerland-based Kickstart Accelerator, raising CHF25,000 (US$26,000) in funding in the process.
The startup joined the Smart & Connected Machines vertical of accelerator in Zurich in August, receiving with it funding and an 11-week programme of building, learning and networking. Drofie has now completed the programme and developed a proof of concept, and has now launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign as it looks to perfect its prototype and go into commercial production,
Drofie is looking to raise US$45,000 for this purpose, with founder Mohamed Ghaith saying the startup had developed its selfie drones based on need.
“All nano drones or small drones in the market today can shoot aerial videos, but none of them can take still, stable shots and images. This is due to many factors, such as stability and vibrations,” he said.
The size of the drone is being deliberately managed so users do not need to have a licence to own or operate a Drofie drone, while it also comes in a variety of colours. A full commercial launch is expected next year.
