Finally, I can talk about what I did this summer! Richard Branson, one of my heroes both as an entrepreneur and aviation pioneer, is a 3D Robotics investor. Not only is it thrilling to be part of his network, but we also got to bring a fleet of drones to his famed Caribbean island, Necker, to tell the story of his life there from an aerial view. This is just a teaser below, but you'll see much more soon:
From Branson's own post on this:
We welcomed six drones to Necker and they’ve captured stunning footage of this beautiful island we call home.
Every morning before breakfast I go for a walk around Necker. I’m incredibly lucky to have had Necker in my life for nearly 40 years, and I feel I know it like the back of my hand. So it’s amazing to get views of this island that I’ve never seen before thanks to a few drones and the great team at 3D Robotics, a company I recently invested in. They even shot me playing tennis and kitesurfing to Moskito Island!
It’s amazing to see what a little flying object with a GoPro attached can do; before they came along the alternative was an expensive helicopter and crew. I’m really excited about the potential for drones, and I hope this affordable technology will give many more people the chance to see our beautiful planet from such a powerful perspective.
But it’s not just about beauty shots. When you say the word ‘drone’, most people will think about military drones, which are used for surveillance and warfare. But this increasingly affordable, easy to use technology is starting to be used around the world in many positive ways. Like to monitor endangered species, deliver healthcare to remote areas, and help manage natural disasters.
![](http://www.virgin.com/sites/default/files/Articles/Richard%20Branson/investments/3D%20Robotics/Drone%20in%20the%20room_1500px.jpg)
We’ll be sharing lots of stories about people and organisations involved in drones over on Virgin Unite from next week in our ‘Drones for good’ series.
Meanwhile, where did my sunglasses go?
This film was shot on 3D Robotics IRIS and X8. Learn more at 3drobotics.com and via Twitter.
Comments
Truly amazing Chris. It's be fun being along for the ride and look forward to seeing where we go...
Very well done to you and the team.
Wow when I see post like this it makes me feel very special and privileged to work with 3DR for so many years.
Getting their products over here in Canada is always a pleasure and yes of course we will carry the Iris + (currently testing one!!) Getting to see Sir Branson impressed by what we do every days is not a small thing. This guy seen it all and has the option to get pretty much anything. Getting him in the investor side is for sure a huge plus for Chris and the 3DR Crew.
I see a lot of new marketing and exciting products coming this way, 3DR with their latest Iris + will finally make it to "almost walmart shelf" type of products. The DJI Phantom opened the way to make this accessible to non geeks like most of us here and it's only a matter of time before 3DR Iris reach similar sales volume.
Again congratulation to 3DR, it's an honor to work with you on the same path to success.
Very cool!
Congratulations to Chris and the other 3DR investors.
With Collin and backing by Sir Richard Branson I can't wait for the new and exciting products. I wonder how long until Virgin Air is piloted by a Pixhawk. Great to see your success and hope it keeps coming.
Yes, yes, the man with his own island couldn't afford a helicopter and film crew. Spaceships on the other hand.... ;)
I kid, somewhat. Mostly out of jealousy.
Very cool to see him involved!
This is great news...congrats Chris and 3DR! The future is a bright one :)
Awesome! Looking forward to continued innovation from 3DR!
John
@Chris,
Congratulations Chris and company!
Mr. Branson seems to know what products and the companies that produce them are a going concern and 3DR is one of them!:-)
Regards,
TCIII AVD