Corvus Drones receives a boost to soar across the globe
Corvus Drones is on a mission to digitalise every plant in every greenhouse worldwide using autonomous drones. Their technology already operates in 15 countries — and, if it’s up to the ambitious founders, that number will grow to 150. Oost NL supports this international ambition, which contributes to healthy, affordable food.
What does Corvus Drones do?
Frans-Peter Dechering, co-founder of Corvus Drones: “We build drones that enable growers to monitor crop growth and health. We work with international clients in greenhouse horticulture. Our drones allow crop managers to perform remote measurements of growth and ripeness. They also help detect diseases and pests in crops. Through artificial intelligence and automated image recognition, each flight generates new data and insights. Growers save time, reduce crop risks, and fine-tune their production to better match market demand.”
Wout Morrenhof, Investment Manager Food at Oost NL: “Frans-Peter and his co-founder Gerhold ter Voorde developed an impactful solution for growers in just five years — with limited resources. They built a strong and close-knit team, and through their vision and realistic ambition, they continue to achieve impressive results.”
Which societal challenge does Corvus Drones address?
Dechering: “Entrepreneurs around the world face a shortage of labour. With our drones, growers work and produce more efficiently. Our drones also help detect diseases and pests earlier. This means growers use fewer pesticides and fertilizers. In this way, Corvus contributes to reducing the ecological footprint of the horticulture sector.”
Morrenhof: “Corvus has a circular business model and critically reflects on its own footprint. They rent out drones based on the ‘drones as a service’ model. This means that customers return the drones to Corvus Drones in Ede after the usage period. There, the electronics are refurbished and the casing is recycled.”
Dechering: “We retrieve the drones after a few years to ensure the customer always works with the most advanced version. Developments in this field are moving incredibly fast.”
Oost NL contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals
Oost NL recognises our international ambitions, bold vision, and drive to act.
Frans-Peter Dechering - Co-founder of Corvus Drones
How does Oost NL support Corvus Drones?
Morrenhof: “In 2021, we made an initial investment in the company through ION+. After the positive steps taken by Frans-Peter, Gerhold and their team, we made a follow-up investment through our Participation Fund.”
Dechering: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned about applying for subsidies and investments, it’s this: whenever we needed funding, I consistently asked for too little. We’re realists, but as Dutch people, often too modest. Fortunately, Oost NL recognises our international ambitions, bold vision, and determination. In addition to financial support, they help us with coaching and business development. They challenge us to think about the future. Where do we want to go? How do we want to get there? And who do we need along the way? Oost NL might then suggest a company from their network we had never even considered. What seems small at first can set big things in motion.”
What are the ultimate ambitions within this partnership?
Morrenhof: “To scale and market a product successfully, you have to think big. Oost NL aims to fully support Corvus in its ambition to supply the global greenhouse horticulture market with drones within five years.”
Dechering: “What I value in the partnership with Oost NL is how, as an entrepreneur, you're constantly encouraged to keep thinking big. That mindset enabled us to scale rapidly and become a significant company in a short time.”
Visit the Corvus Drones website.