Nsukka-Based Startup, Arone Gets $5,000 Funding to Make Made-in-Nigeria Drones

If you’re into future tech, then you’ll love this–a Nigerian startup just a closed a new round of funding to develop drone technology in the country!

Arone, a Nigerian drone startup, just closed a N6 million funding round with two angel investors: Chibuzo Ujam and Echukwudi Daniel. The funding round involves equity trading and giving the investors shares in Arone.

Our project in Nigeria is really taking off!

“The Lions Roar! Arone, a Drone Company Gets First Angel Investment “@TecheconomyNG https://t.co/jpdwg0iKNK#UNN #RoarNigeria #Startups #Arone #Investments

— Jonas Michanek (@JonasMichanek) March 19, 2018

Arone is a relatively new startup, but is already listed on Crunchbase, the hugely popular startup tracker. The company was founded by Emmanuel Ezenwere. The startup aims at developing a whole network of drone-charging stations. The drone company wants to make it easier and more efficient to deliver items, say vital medicines, to distant locations.

According to Emmanuel, Arone already has “world class technical ideas” and Drone knowledge. He said they are on schedule to complete their prototype by the end of March.With the new funding, the startup’s target is to develop working models of its drone.

Arone is a member of the Enugu-based startup incubator, Roar Nigeria. Roar Nigeria is located in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has been supporting startups since 2016. According to reports, the hub has incubated about 12 companies so far.

Arone Drone Tech not First in Nigeria

The startup would not be the first to develop drone technology in Nigeria. In February, the Nigerian Air Force publicly unveiled its first working drone technology. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, also called TSAIGUMI, was the country’s first indigenous operational drone. It had also previously developed a prototype, dubbed GULMA,  a few years back.

Arone looks set to commercialize its drone technology. Diversifying away from military tech, the startup is looking to delve into everyday realities. It would be fascinating to see this technology become a mainstay in Nigeria.