Verizon will shut down Portland drone company Skyward

Portland drone company Skyward will close down next month, corporate parent Verizon announced this week.

Verizon bought the Portland startup in 2017, aiming to connect Skyward’s drone management technology to the telecommunication company’s wireless services business. Skyward grew from fewer than 30 employees at the time of its sale to more than 80 in 2020.

Verizon didn’t explain Skyward’s closure, except to say in a statement that “This decision is about market agility and ensuring that Verizon continues to focus on areas that provide both near and mid-term growth opportunities.”

The company indicated it will focus on ground robotics, instead. Verizon said it will shut off Skyward’s services by June 30.

“We are working with employees and expect some will stay with Verizon Robotics, others will transfer to other positions within Verizon,” the company said.

Trade publication Drone Life and the Portland Business Journal reported Skyward’s pending closure on Thursday.

Founded in 2012, Skyward helped drone operators manage their fleets by offering aerial maps, ground control services and consulting. It targeted the construction, natural resources and energy industries.

Skyward sought to build a drone testing facility on industrial land in North Portland in 2020 but scrapped the plan amid outcry from people living nearby and from environmental activists. oregonlive.com