Emerging technologies continue to revolutionize how businesses operate, communicate, and innovate. Among these game-changers, drone technology holds immense potential, transcending sectors from logistics and retail to environmental conservation and defense. Callye Keen, host of The Startup Defense podcast, interviewed Pramod Raheja, CEO and co-founder of Airgility, a trailblazer in autonomous drone technology, to discuss this technology. Their conversation illuminated the future of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the challenges and triumphs of venturing into the complex world of defense technology startups.
Building an Anti-Fragile Team in a High-Stakes Arena
The complexity and unpredictability of the emerging tech sector call for an anti-fragile team. Pramod emphasized the importance of aligning potential hires with the company's core values from the start. In a startup scenario, resilience and adaptability are paramount, as the landscape is perpetually shifting. Pramod stated, "We look for people that really embrace our core values...that can roll with punches." This resilience becomes even more vital when your product portfolio includes multifaceted drone technologies designed for challenging defense and commercial applications.
For Airgility, hiring is not about filling a position but about fostering a dynamic team environment. The startup culture in emerging tech is not for everyone; it requires a unique blend of tenacity, flexibility, and a willingness to wear multiple hats. Through their hiring process, they've sought out and nurtured this anti-fragility in their team members.
The Power of Vision and Mission in a Startup Journey
The startup journey is often a path of passion and purpose rather than immediate financial gain. The key to attracting top talent and investment lies not in selling the big money, but in selling the big mission. This mission has to be genuine and driven by a conviction to make a difference, which is precisely what sets Airgility apart. From defending the country through Department of Defense solutions to supporting sustainability efforts and search-and-rescue operations, Airgility is leveraging its autonomous drone technology for significant social impact.
Pramod explained, "Those are the kind of things that drive us...those are things we want our technology to be able to do." For Pramod, his team, and Airgility, it’s not merely about creating impressive technology; it’s about how that technology can be used to effect tangible, positive change in the world.
The Pivotal Role of Persistence in Emerging Tech Startups
Finally, Pramod shared his valuable insight on one of the most crucial elements of a successful startup journey - persistence. It's particularly vital in the emerging tech or deep tech fields where adoption can be slow, and understanding of the technology's potential is often limited. Pramod mentioned, "You might think you have the greatest things in sliced bread and you have lightning in a bottle, but not everybody thinks that or knows that, and you've got to get it out there."
Persistence, in this case, does not mean pursuing an idea despite its lack of traction; instead, it's about continually seeking that product-market fit, refining your offering, and communicating its value effectively. Pramod's parting advice to other startups and entrepreneurs was to "keep talking to potential clients... go to where they are... go to those places to learn of their problems."
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
In the defense tech industry, understanding the regulatory landscape is vital. Pramod mentioned that dealing with the Department of Defense (DoD) could be daunting for startups. However, with a clear understanding of the system and patience, fruitful collaboration is possible. He urged startups to be prepared for rigorous scrutiny and lengthy procedures when dealing with regulatory bodies, especially when engaging with DoD contracts.
Unraveling the Intricacies of Deep Tech
Venturing into the realm of deep tech, particularly drone technology, presents its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Drones are still a largely untapped market, brimming with potential. Pramod was quick to dispel the notion that drone technology is already played out. "Oh, you do drones. Oh, that's, that's cool. But that's already played out, and it's so far, you know, nowhere near being played out yet," he commented. This underscores the vast untapped potential that still lies within drone technology, waiting for persistent and innovative minds to explore and exploit it.
Highlighting the Impact of Cleantech
While the conversation did not delve deep into the realm of clean technology, or Cleantech, Pramod and Callye acknowledged its significant overlap with national security issues. From power storage to food production, the solutions presented by Cleantech have direct implications for national security. Although a topic for future discussion, it illustrates the profound interconnectedness of these emerging sectors and their collective impact on a global scale.
Conclusion
The episode provides a compelling look into the challenges and rewards of navigating the emerging tech startup landscape, particularly in the defense sector. Pramod's insights about building an anti-fragile team, selling a mission rather than big money, and the crucial role of persistence offer valuable guidance to other entrepreneurs in this space.
Interested in the entire episode with Pramod Raheja? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 008 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Pramod Raheja
Pramod Raheja, is the CEO & Co-Founder of Airgility, Inc., a leader in artificial intelligence and aerial autonomous systems based in the Washington DC Metro area. He is a technology entrepreneur of 25+ years, angel investor and a longtime member and past president of the Entrepreneur's Organization of Washington DC, He is a graduate/mentor of the Founder's Institute, Mass Challenge US Air Force Labs and the Fedtech Accelerator Program.
He is also a commercial pilot with 14000+ hours in 30+ aircraft types. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Master's Program at MIT. Pramod has been involved as an organizer, judge and mentor for the past few years with the EO Global Student Entrepreneur’s Awards, the premiere global competition for college student entrepreneurs.
He is the 2022 award recipient of the University of Maryland Alumni “EnTERPreneur of the year” and a 2022 DCA Live “Red Hot Entrepreneur.” Pramod thinks of himself as half geek and half sales guy and is passionate about how innovative, deep tech technologies, particularly Aerospace tech, can solve problems.
Pramod Raheja - Airgility, Inc
