Media Coverage
Source: San Diego Business Journal
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
05.19.16
When measuring the growth of corn fields, “knee high by the fourth of July” used to be the rule of thumb. But thanks to advancements in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology, farmers may soon abandon their wait-and-see approach.
San Diego-based Slantrange Inc., a Pillsbury client, has developed sensor equipment for drones that allows them to photograph crop development when flying over fields. The images tell farmers which areas need water, fertilizer or pesticide, or if a field needs to be replanted. Slantrange does not make drones, but it develops the sensors and software and equips the aircraft with them.
Following a $5 million funding round that closed last month, Slantrange is pursuing four technology patents on new products, which it says offer an advantage over competitors because they allow farmers to process data in the field.
“There’s no upload required,” Slantrange CEO Mike Ritter said. “…You’ve already got a processor in the sensor. Why not use it?”
Since middle-America farmers are struggling to earn income on corn, soy, wheat and rice crops, the company is targeting specialty farmers in California, who have more room to budget for technology adoption. The company is also working with farmers in Australia, South Africa and Latin America.
Slantrange was advised in the Series A funding round by a Pillsbury team led by San Diego partner Christian Salaman. The team also included associate Ryan Delaney and consulting manager Martin Bridges. The venture round was led by Sheldon Lewis and The Investor Group.
Slantrange was selected as an award finalist honoring innovative technology startups at the March 2015 SXSW Accelerator event.
Read more about Slantrange in the San Diego Business Journal