Beagle Unveils Versatile Long-Range Drone for Multiple Applications
High‑Flying Tech: Drones Now Outpace Helicopters in Inspecting Energy Lines
When power lines or gas pipelines get a rough haircut, the first thing that comes to mind is the heavy, rumbling helicopter that buzzes overhead. But because of soaring rental rates and limited flight time, these airborne giants are facing stiff competition from a new kind of high‑flying hero: a long‑range drone with a voice‑over explaining its mission.
The Problem
- Electric pylons and gas pipelines are vulnerable to damage from war, natural disasters, or just plain wear and tear.
- Inspecting them requires expensive, belly‑filling helicopter flights.
- Drones are already saving time, but their usual battery life can’t match the distance needed for large‑scale inspections.
Enter Beagle
From the windy streets of Hamburg, Germany, Beagle is whipping up a drone that can travel further than any other. The idea isn’t just about staying in the air; it’s about staying in compliance with EU air‑space rules, rising out of its crate without help, and dropping zip‑line‑kinda sensor data onto the folks who need it.
Funding That’s Fuel‑Filling
- Seed round: €5 million, led by AENU (via Fabian Heilemann) and PT1 (via Nikolas Samios).
- Prior capital: €1.9 million pre‑seed, plus €2 million in grants and subsidies.
- Self‑sustaining operations in Germany, with plans to turbo‑charge growth.
“A Computer With Wings”
Co‑founder Oliver Lichtenstein reveals that the team spent five years whipping up what he calls a “computer with wings.” The result communicates: strict EU regulatory compliance, ultra‑long flights, and an unattended launch that’s as smooth as a lawnmower in summer.
“Our customers pay us for the data by the kilometer of pipeline,” Oliver writes. “We’re cashflow‑positive here in Germany with the current team and operations. We plan to use this venture funding to accelerate growth.”
How It Works
- Operators send their network maps to Beagle.
- They receive a quote based on a per‑kilometer price, covering either methane detection or hazard detection.
- Drone departs, flies the needed route, and streams data straight to the client.
The Competition
It’s not a lone ranger, though:
- Intero – Techy counterparts across the globe.
- Adlares CHARM helicopter – A wheeled alternative for the methane‑loving squad.
- Local helicopter or small airplane services – The classics that still fly.
- Nearmap (U.S.) – Similar business model but with a different package.
But Beagle buys its bragging rights on three fronts:
- 75× the resolution of satellites.
- Cheaper than traditional airpads.
- Lower emissions and unlimited long‑range flight grabs.
The Bottom Line
Sure, high‑altitude helicopters are iconic. But for a future where infrastructure gets inspected faster, cheaper, and greener—a drone that can do the job over longer distances is a clear winner. With fresh money in its palms and a compelling story, Beagle is poised to pivot from “dual‑use” whispers to “dual‑use” reality, proving that the next big leap in inspection technology is indeed alive, grounded, and in the sky.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Meet the Drone That’s Fully “EU‑Made” & Totally Safe
Picture this: a drone that literally carries its own government. No shady servers, no foreign meddling—just pure, white‑label German reliability.
Why “Fully EU” is a Game‑Changer
- Data Control: It holds full jurisdiction over its own software and flight data, a major hook in a world where foreign‑manufactured systems can hit geopolitical snags.
- Operational Approval: Lichtenstein boasts that the team already has EU flight approvals and can currently cover 80% of the European airspace—heavily excluding only the pop‑dense Brussels boulevards.
The Money‑Making Angle
EU methane regulations are reaching a whopping €2 billion market. And the U.S. is eyeing a similar move. That’s a hefty pie for a drone that’s been designed to leak zero data.
Beyond the Skies
“We’re slicing away the military angle for now,” says Nikolas Samios, managing partner at PT1. “But imagine deploying this for real‑time surveillance of critical infrastructure—power lines, telecom towers, you name it. The possibilities are endless.”
Team Rockstars
- Lichtenstein: Former drone advisor to the German Ministry of Transport; now deputy chairman of UAV DACH.
- Jerry Tang: Robotics engineer who sparked the idea while navigating EU drone regs at the Federal Ministry.
- Mitja Wittersheim: A former Sales DACH head at Trustpilot now juggling drones.
- Bendix Böttger: Ex‑Trustpilot sales boss, now eyeing new aerial horizons.
When the trio met while sorting out EU drone legislation, they clicked: “Why not build a drone that’s both compliant and cuddly?” And the rest is history.
