XTI Aerospace to Acquire Equity Interest in ReadyMonitor AI-Powered, Autonomous Drone Company
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA) has signed a non-binding MOU to acquire a 30% equity stake in ReadyMonitor, an AI-powered autonomous drone company, with an option to acquire the remaining 70% within 12 months. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025.
ReadyMonitor holds a unique FAA waiver allowing for drone operations beyond visual line of sight without human presence. The company provides Drone-as-a-Service solutions to enterprise customers, offering 100% turnkey solutions with remote autonomous operation through their 24/7 Operations Center.
The acquisition aims to combine drone technology with VTOL innovation, potentially accelerating XTI's development of both UAV and VTOL solutions. DroneNerds, the largest UAV dealer in the US and current 40% stakeholder in ReadyMonitor, supports the transaction and will continue providing customer access and service.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA) ha firmato un MOU non vincolante per acquisire una partecipazione del 30% in ReadyMonitor, un'azienda di droni autonomi potenziati dall'IA, con un'opzione per acquisire il restante 70% entro 12 mesi. La transazione dovrebbe chiudersi nel Q1 2025.
ReadyMonitor possiede un'esclusiva deroga della FAA che consente operazioni di droni oltre la linea visiva senza presenza umana. L'azienda offre soluzioni Drone-as-a-Service per i clienti aziendali, fornendo soluzioni chiavi in mano al 100% con operazioni autonome e remote tramite il loro Centro Operativo attivo 24/7.
L'acquisizione mira a combinare la tecnologia dei droni con l'innovazione VTOL, potenzialmente accelerando lo sviluppo da parte di XTI sia di soluzioni UAV che VTOL. DroneNerds, il più grande rivenditore di UAV negli Stati Uniti e attuale azionista del 40% in ReadyMonitor, supporta la transazione e continuerà a fornire accesso e assistenza ai clienti.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA) ha firmado un MOU no vinculante para adquirir una participación del 30% en ReadyMonitor, una empresa de drones autónomos impulsados por IA, con una opción para adquirir el 70% restante dentro de 12 meses. Se espera que la transacción se cierre en el primer trimestre de 2025.
ReadyMonitor tiene una exención única de la FAA que permite operaciones de drones más allá de la línea visual sin presencia humana. La empresa ofrece soluciones de Drone-as-a-Service a clientes empresariales, proporcionando soluciones llave en mano al 100% con operaciones autónomas remotas a través de su Centro de Operaciones 24/7.
La adquisición tiene como objetivo combinar la tecnología de drones con la innovación VTOL, lo que podría acelerar el desarrollo de soluciones tanto UAV como VTOL por parte de XTI. DroneNerds, el mayor distribuidor de UAV en EE.UU. y actual accionista del 40% en ReadyMonitor, apoya la transacción y continuará brindando acceso y servicio a los clientes.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA)는 ReadyMonitor의 30% 지분을 인수하기 위한 비구속 양해각서(MOU)를 체결했으며, 12개월 이내에 나머지 70%를 인수할 수 있는 옵션도 포함되어 있습니다. 이 거래는 2025년 1분기에 마감될 것으로 예상됩니다.
ReadyMonitor는 사람 없이 시각적 선을 넘어 드론을 운영할 수 있는 독특한 FAA 면허를 보유하고 있습니다. 이 회사는 기업 고객에게 드론 서비스 솔루션을 제공하며, 24/7 운영 센터를 통해 100% 턴키 솔루션을 원격 자율적으로 운영합니다.
이번 인수는 드론 기술과 VTOL 혁신을 결합하여 XTI의 UAV 및 VTOL 솔루션 개발을 가속화하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. DroneNerds는 미국에서 가장 큰 UAV 딜러이자 현재 ReadyMonitor의 40% 주주로, 이 거래를 지원하며 고객 접근 및 서비스를 지속적으로 제공할 것입니다.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA) a signé un protocole d'accord non contraignant pour acquérir une participation de 30% dans ReadyMonitor, une entreprise de drones autonomes alimentés par IA, avec une option pour acquérir les 70% restants dans les 12 mois. La transaction devrait être finalisée au premier trimestre 2025.
ReadyMonitor détient une dérogation unique de la FAA permettant des opérations de drones au-delà de la ligne de vue sans présence humaine. L'entreprise propose des solutions Drone-as-a-Service pour les clients professionnels, offrant des solutions clés en main à 100% avec une opération autonome à distance via leur Centre d'Opérations 24/7.
L'acquisition vise à combiner la technologie des drones avec l'innovation VTOL, pouvant ainsi accélérer le développement par XTI de solutions UAV et VTOL. DroneNerds, le plus grand revendeur d'UAV aux États-Unis et actuellement actionnaire à 40% de ReadyMonitor, soutient la transaction et continuera d'offrir un accès et un service aux clients.
XTI Aerospace (NASDAQ: XTIA) hat eine nicht verbindliche Absichtserklärung (MOU) unterzeichnet, um eine Beteiligung von 30% an ReadyMonitor, einem KI-gesteuerten, autonomen Drohnenunternehmen, zu erwerben. Außerdem besteht die Option, innerhalb von 12 Monaten die verbleibenden 70% zu erwerben. Der Abschluss der Transaktion wird im ersten Quartal 2025 erwartet.
ReadyMonitor verfügt über eine einzigartige FAA-Genehmigung, die Drohnenoperationen über die Sichtlinie hinaus ohne menschliche Präsenz erlaubt. Das Unternehmen bietet Drone-as-a-Service-Lösungen für Unternehmenskunden an und bietet 100% schlüsselfertige Lösungen mit remote-autonomer Bedienung über ihr rund um die Uhr betriebenes Operationszentrum.
Die Übernahme zielt darauf ab, Drohnentechnologie mit VTOL-Innovationen zu kombinieren, was möglicherweise die Entwicklung von UAV- und VTOL-Lösungen bei XTI beschleunigt. DroneNerds, der größte UAV-Händler in den USA und derzeit mit 40% an ReadyMonitor beteiligt, unterstützt die Transaktion und wird weiterhin den Kunden Zugang und Service bieten.
- Acquisition of unique FAA waiver for beyond visual line of sight drone operations
- Strategic expansion into autonomous drone market with established revenue potential
- Partnership with DroneNerds, the largest UAV dealer in US
- Zero CapEx impact for customers through subscription-based model
- 24/7 operational capability through state-of-the-art Operations Center
- Transaction subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals
- Non-binding MOU status indicates deal uncertainty
- Significant capital requirement for potential 70% remaining stake acquisition
Insights
This strategic acquisition represents a calculated move into the autonomous drone market. The 30% equity stake in ReadyMonitor, with an option for full acquisition, positions XTI Aerospace at the forefront of both VTOL and autonomous drone technologies. The deal's structure - an initial minority stake with a 12-month option for complete ownership - provides XTI with a measured approach to market entry while limiting immediate financial exposure.
ReadyMonitor's Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model offers recurring revenue potential through subscription packages, eliminating customer CapEx requirements. Their unique FAA waiver for BVLOS operations provides a significant competitive advantage in the commercial drone space. The partnership with DroneNerds, the largest UAV dealer in the U.S., ensures strong distribution channels and market access.
Key value drivers include:
- Zero CapEx impact for customers, enabling faster sales cycles
- 24/7 operational capability reducing human resource costs
- Manufacturer-agnostic approach allowing for optimal technology selection
- Vertical integration through DroneNerds partnership
The technological synergy between XTI's VTOL expertise and ReadyMonitor's AI-powered autonomous systems creates a powerful combination. ReadyMonitor's AI implementation for real-time decision-making, obstacle avoidance and mission optimization represents cutting-edge capabilities in the drone industry. Their Drone-in-a-Box (DIAB) solution, featuring remote deployment and autonomous operation, demonstrates practical application of advanced robotics and AI.
The integration potential between VTOL and autonomous drone technologies could accelerate development in both sectors. ReadyMonitor's experience with AI-driven flight control and remote operations could be invaluable for XTI's future unmanned VTOL development. The FAA waiver for beyond visual line of sight operations indicates regulatory confidence in their autonomous technology, potentially paving the way for broader autonomous aircraft applications.
The drone services market is experiencing rapid growth, with particular demand in enterprise applications like utility inspection, security and infrastructure monitoring. ReadyMonitor's focus on these high-value segments with a turnkey solution addresses key market pain points. The combination of DroneNerds' distribution network and ReadyMonitor's autonomous technology creates a formidable market position.
The timing of this acquisition aligns with increasing enterprise adoption of drone solutions and regulatory evolution supporting autonomous operations. The deal structure suggests revenue acceleration potential in 2025, with ReadyMonitor's established enterprise customer base providing immediate market access. The vertical integration strategy, combining manufacturing, distribution and services, positions the combined entity to capture larger market share in the expanding commercial drone sector.
The Future of Drones is Fully Autonomous
ReadyMonitor is the recipient of a first-of-its-kind Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") Certificate of Waiver of 14 CFR § 107.31, which is the requirement for "visual line of sight for aircraft operations." This Waiver allows for small, unmanned aircraft (drones) to be launched and operated by ReadyMonitor without a human present, beyond the direct visual line of sight ("BVLOS") of the remote pilot in command. DroneNerds, the largest unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") dealer by volume of units sold in
ReadyMonitor was co-founded by Brandon Torres Declet and Jesse Stepler, proven leaders in the drone industry. Mr. Torres Declet is former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC), a leader in First Person View ("FPV") drones, a spin-off of Red Cat, producer of defense focused, technology-driven drones, and former CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems, an industry leader in full-stack drone solutions. Mr. Stepler is former Co-Founder and President of Measure, an early, leading Drone-as-a-Service provider in
"It is our singular mission at XTI Aerospace to deliver leading, business-focused solutions as we seek to shape the future across the Powered-Lift category," said Scott Pomeroy, CEO of XTI. "Expansion into autonomous, remotely operated drones is foundational to our strategic vision that incorporates unmanned VTOLs along with our uniquely configured TriFan 600 aircraft. By combining drone technology with VTOL innovation, we believe we're positioning XTI to accelerate the development of both UAV and VTOL solutions, expanding our market presence, and creating new opportunities across multiple industries. This Transaction will combine the innovation and experience of the XTI and ReadyMonitor teams; ReadyMonitor is poised to accelerate revenue realization in 2025."
"This Transaction will allow for collaboration between ReadyMonitor and XTI in a way that uniquely captures the opportunity presented by Powered-Lift operations," said Mr. Torres Declet, Co-Founder and CEO of ReadyMonitor. "The artificial intelligence ("AI") powering ReadyMonitor's autonomous drones leverages advanced machine learning algorithms and computer vision to enable real-time decision-making, obstacle avoidance, and mission optimization without human intervention. In our Drone-as-a-Service and Drone-in-a-Box operations, AI facilitates seamless remote monitoring by automating flight paths, analyzing collected data for actionable insights, and ensuring continuous and efficient operations. We expect application of AI and our approach to real-time, mission-critical decisions to benefit XTI in progressing next-generation VTOL technology."
"Together, we can advance the technology of AI-powered, autonomous drones and piloted and unmanned VTOLs, meeting critical customer needs across a wide variety of use cases, ranging from remote monitoring of important assets to air taxis, medevacs, and regional transportation," added Mr. Stepler, Co-Founder and President of ReadyMonitor. "ReadyMonitor and XTI leadership collectively understand that the power of this technology is unlocked by meeting specific customer needs through application of our combined resources; it's about execution and we have the winning formula."
ReadyMonitor is currently deploying Drone-in-a-Box ("DIAB") assets to large enterprise customers including utilities, ranchers and other substantial landowners, security, infrastructure and construction businesses. Monitoring these assets from a centralized and remote location on behalf of its customers brings several advantages:
100% Turnkey. Corporate customers avoid capital expenditures ("CapEx") for drone equipment and have access to data obtained from drones operated remotely by professional ReadyMonitor pilots.- Remote Autonomous Operation and Monitoring. Drones, piloted from ReadyMonitor's 24/7 state-of-the-art Operations Center, remotely deployed from and returning to self-contained landing "boxes".
- Drone Manufacturer Agnostic. Delivery of best-in-class technology-enabled DIAB solutions designed to meet specific customer needs.
- Cost Savings, Predictability and Reliability. Zero CapEx impact required and no need for customers to hire and train pilots leads to shorter sales cycle. ReadyMonitor offers both all inclusive (hardware, software, service) and customer owned (software, service) subscription packages supported by 24/7 ReadyMonitor operators, ensuring availability, reliability, predictability, and safety.
"We partnered with and have been investing in ReadyMonitor because we have a long-standing relationship with their experienced management team and ReadyMonitor is making the ability to capture the benefits of drone technology easy and lucrative for customers, enabling businesses to have an instant live view of their assets and operations, anywhere and anytime," added Jeremy Schneiderman, CEO of DroneNerds. "Not only can we make certain that the best technology for ReadyMonitor and now XTI customers is available; with DroneNerds invested in ReadyMonitor, we have a vertically integrated approach, enhanced by providing drones remotely monitored by ReadyMonitor as a service; this should immediately be recognized as a dominant position by the industry."
The consummation of this Transaction, which is subject to the execution of definitive agreements and certain shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to expand XTI Aerospace's footprint in the growing drone segment of the Powered-Lift market and support its advancement of VTOL technology.
ThinkEquity is acting as M&A Advisor to the Parties with respect to the Transaction.
About ReadyMonitor, LLC
ReadyMonitor (ReadyMonitor.com) is a cutting-edge Drone-as-a-Service company ("DaaS"), specializing in providing scalable and reliable drone solutions for a variety of industries. The Company holds national FAA waivers, enabling it to offer services across the entire country. ReadyMonitor is positioned to revolutionize the drone market meeting critical customer needs across a wide variety of use cases, ranging from remote and security monitoring of infrastructure, construction, energy, education, and other important assets.
About XTI Aerospace, Inc.
XTI Aerospace, Inc. (XTIAerospace.com) (NASDAQ: XTIA) is the parent company of XTI Aircraft Company, an aviation business based near
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including without limitation, statements about the terms of the Transaction, the entry into definitive agreements with respect to the Transaction, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, the products under development by XTI and ReadyMonitor and the markets in which they plan to operate, the advantages of XTI's and ReadyMonitor's technology, XTI's and ReadyMonitor's competitive positioning, and XTI's and ReadyMonitor's customers, plans and strategies, are forward-looking statements.
Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including "believe," "continue," "could," "would," "will," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "projects," or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts, and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XTI and its management, are inherently uncertain, and many factors may cause the actual results to differ materially from current expectations, which include, but are not limited to: the inability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities, including the inability to successfully negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with ReadyMonitor on the terms set forth in the MOU or otherwise; the risk that, even if XTI enters into definitive agreements with ReadyMonitor, the Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of XTI's securities; the risk that the conditions to the closing of the Transaction are not satisfied, including the risk that required shareholder and regulatory approvals are not obtained; the inability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreements; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Transaction on XTI's or ReadyMonitor's business relationships, operating results, and businesses generally; costs related to the Transaction; the outcome of XTI's January 9, 2025, hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel to appeal Nasdaq's determination to delist XTI's common stock, including the risk that Nasdaq does not grant XTI additional time to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market's
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Email: XTIA@crescendo-ir.com
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SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc.
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