Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), a developer of technology and weapons products for military, law enforcement and civilians, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dedrone, a manufacturer of counter-drone defense systems and solutions.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Axon, which is most famous for the Taser, also manufacturers body cameras, in-car cameras and a cloud-based digital evidence management platform for assets including video from Axon body cameras. Its customers include first responders at the international, federal, state and local law enforcement level, fire departments, correctional facilities and the justice sector, in addition to a commercial business.
“By combining Axon’s 30-year legacy of innovation with Dedrone’s cutting-edge airspace security solutions, we aim to revolutionize public safety once again,” stated Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith. “Together, we will accelerate our efforts in creating a more advanced end-to-end drone solution that enables the good drones to fly and helps ensure the bad ones don’t.”
Founded in 2014, Dedrone has been venture funded with $127 million in total from existing investors, including Axon, which co-led a round of financing with VC firms in July 2022, and has had a seat on the Dedrone board.
Dedrone CEO Aaditya Devarakonda said, “Dedrone’s growing impact across industries such as federal governments, utilities and critical infrastructure, event venues, airports, correctional facilities and other enterprises, coupled with Axon’s powerful ecosystem of connected devices and software, will put us at the forefront of ensuring not only the safety of our communities but also the security of nations around the world.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2024. Axon was advised by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and Dedrone was advised by Tidal Partners and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in connection with the transaction.