As surveillance needs intensify around critical infrastructure, borders and sensitive areas, a French startup is offering a new approach to aerial intelligence with a network operated entirely remotely, capable of executing a mission in a few minutes, without mobilizing teams on the ground. Founded in 2023 by Daniel Nef and Dorian Millière, Rift wants to position itself between satellites, which are too slow, and traditional aerial means, which are too expensive.
Rift’s ambition is based on an integrated architecture with long-endurance VTOL drones designed in-house, autonomous stations based on maritime container-type structures, and a software platform, RiftOS, which centralizes piloting and operational management. This combination makes it possible to launch an observation mission from a single site, without a local pilot, and to ensure continuous coverage thanks to the relay of drones hosted in each station. For public or industrial operators, the argument is financial as well as technical: an hour in the helicopter often exceeds 3,000 euros and requires teams on permanent duty when Rift promises a cost ten times lower and increased responsiveness.
Rift today announced a fundraising of 4.6 million euros to accelerate the deployment of its network. The round brings together 3 million euros in equity provided by AlleyCorp and OVNI Capital, supplemented by 1.6 million euros in public financing. The capital will be used to industrialize autonomous stations, strengthen analysis algorithms and deploy the first continuous coverage capabilities in priority areas in Europe.
