A former Thiel fellow’s startup just launched a drone it says can replace police helicopters

In an expansive new office in Seattle, Blake Resnick, the founder of the drone startup Brinc, is gearing up to revolutionize public safety. The 50,000-square-foot space, still in the process of being fully operational, symbolizes the ambitious aspirations of a company poised to make a significant impact in its field. Brinc, which specializes in providing drones to law enforcement and public agencies across the United States, aims to become the 'DJI of the West.' This ambition reflects Resnick's vision for Brinc to be synonymous with cutting-edge drone technology, much like its Chinese counterpart. Having established the company in 2017 as a former Thiel Fellow, Resnick attracted notable investors early on, including Sam Altman, a co-founder of OpenAI. The startup recently introduced its latest innovation, the Guardian drone, touted by Resnick as the closest alternative to a police helicopter that the industry has seen. Brinc claims that Guardian is the most advanced 9-1-1 response drone available globally. With impressive specifications, the drone can reach speeds of 60 mph and boasts a flight duration of 62 minutes. It is equipped with thermal imaging, alongside two 4K cameras with zoom capabilities, enabling police departments to gather critical information from great heights. In addition to its surveillance technology, Guardian features a high-powered spotlight and a loudspeaker that surpasses standard police sirens. The drone's unique landing station, dubbed the 'charging nest,' allows for automated battery swaps and can carry essential emergency supplies like defibrillators and flotation devices, enhancing its utility without requiring human assistance. One of Guardian’s standout features is its embedded Starlink panel, making it the first public safety drone to include this satellite internet technology. This integration provides the drone with reliable connectivity, no matter its location worldwide, which Resnick believes opens up limitless possibilities for its use. Brinc sees substantial potential in the public safety sector, projecting a market worth between $6 billion and $8 billion, particularly within the U.S. Their recent collaboration with the National League of Cities aims to expand 'drone as first responder' initiatives, fostering connections with communities that could benefit from their technology. The recent geopolitical climate has also created a favorable environment for Brinc. With DJI having previously dominated the global drone market, restrictions on foreign-made drones in the U.S. have paved the way for local manufacturers. Resnick recognizes this as an opportunity to establish Brinc as a leading drone provider in the free world, filling a critical gap in the market.