Da-Jiang Innovations, better known to most as DJI, is considered to be one of the top consumer drone makers in the world. After raking in $500 million in revenue last year (four times what it earned in 2013), the company is on pace to become the first billion dollar drone builder this year.
Sources familiar with the matter recently told The Verge that DJI is in talks with venture capital firms regarding a new round of funding. Based on its sales, it's a safe bet to assume DJI could be valued at several billion dollars although no deal has been finalized just yet.
DJI got its start in 2006 when founder Frank Wang started the company to build flight control systems for model helicopters. As multi-rotor drones began to surge in popularity, however, Wang shifted his focus to cater to the emerging market.
Wang managed to build a company that produces consumer-grade drones for the masses. Before DJI's Phantom line arrived, most quality drones were sold to hardcore hobbyists and weren't exactly turnkey.
Today, DJI employs more than 2,800 people with offices in Hong Kong, Kobe, Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Shenzhen and Tokyo. It offers a variety of drones that cater to all sorts of demographics and industries. Outside of hobbyists and casual users, their drones are popular with professional photographers and filmmakers.
Given the FAA's recent revised ruling on drones, now seems like the perfect time to invest.