The investment, led by the VCs behind SpaceX and Tesla, will scale the Kyiv-tested Visual Positioning System (VPS) already deployed by the U.S. Army and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In a major boost for transatlantic defence innovation, Vermeer, a startup with its operational heart in Kyiv, has secured a $10 million funding round. The investment was led by the legendary Draper Associates, the venture capital firm famous for backing foundational tech giants like Tesla, SpaceX, and Robinhood.
The funds are earmarked to scale Vermeer’s core product: a sophisticated, AI-driven optical navigation platform that allows drones and robotic systems to operate flawlessly in GPS-denied environments.
In the high-stakes electronic warfare landscape of Ukraine, GPS is a primary target. Russian jamming and spoofing tactics are designed to blind drones, but Vermeer’s technology provides a critical workaround.
The Tech: Seeing Without Satellites
Vermeer’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) is a game-changer. Instead of relying on fragile satellite signals, the system uses advanced AI and a camera to understand its surroundings. By analyzing visual landmarks, star patterns, or even infrared signals, the VPS can determine precise coordinates, making the platform immune to GPS jamming.
“Unlike GPS, Vermeer’s technology works without radio signals and remains functional even where satellite communication is absent”, said Petr Šmíd, a partner at Rockaway Ventures, who also joined the round. “We believe this will become the new standard for drones and autonomous systems”.
Battle-Hardened Innovation
While Vermeer is headquartered in New York, its 8-person Kyiv team is its innovation engine. The company emphasizes that building technology in an active warzone is not a hurdle, but a strategic advantage.
“Building high-tech solutions in a warzone is difficult—but it’s the only way to create real innovation”, said Brian Streem, CEO of Vermeer. “We work side-by-side with partners on the frontline, which allows us to adapt solutions to the real challenges of war faster”.
This real-world validation is precisely what attracted top-tier investors.
“Dual-use technologies are driving technical progress in both the defence and commercial sectors”, noted Andy Tang, a partner at Draper Associates. “One of the reasons we backed Vermeer is the incredible success they have achieved, particularly in helping Ukraine strengthen its drone fleet”.
An A-List Roster
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not the only ones using the tech. Vermeer’s client list already reads like a who’s-who of Western defence, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
This new $10M investment will fuel Vermeer’s expansion to support these key partners and NATO allies. The round also saw participation from AeroX Ventures, Boscolo Intervest, High Point Ventures, and the U.S. Air Force Techstars program, which previously granted Vermeer over $7 million.
Fueled by its proven impact, the company has quadrupled its workforce in the last year alone, growing from 10 to 40 employees, proving that its Kyiv-tested technology is ready for the global stage.
Source: DEV.ua
