Versaterm, the Ottawa-based public safety software provider, has acquired DroneSense, an Austin, Texas-based drone management platform, in a deal worth over $100 million USD (approx. $138.5M CAD) in cash and equity.
The acquisition significantly expands Versaterm’s footprint in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for public safety and first responder agencies.
From dispatch to drone launch — all in one platform
Founded in 1977, Versaterm provides software for computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management, and incident command. By integrating DroneSense’s drone orchestration technology, agencies will now be able to deploy drones to active incidents just as they would dispatch police, fire, or EMS units.
“This acquisition moves us closer to a future where drones are as routine as any patrol or fire unit,” said Warren Loomis, Versaterm’s CEO. “DroneSense helps responders visualize scenes faster, respond with greater precision, and improve community safety.”
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Drone as first responder: real-time control from anywhere
DroneSense offers a “drone as first responder” (DFR) platform that lets agencies dispatch, control, and monitor a wide range of drones either centrally or in-field. It has gained traction in both the U.S. and Canada as regulators loosen restrictions on beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) and medium-size drone operations.
Strategic timing as drone regulation shifts in North America
The acquisition comes amid regulatory tailwinds in both the U.S. and Canada. U.S. DoD policy changes are making it easier for domestic drone firms to sell directly to military buyers. In Canada, Transport Canada will allow more drone operations without a Special Flight Operations Certificate starting November 2025.
A decade of M&A strategy paying off
This marks Versaterm’s latest in a string of acquisitions since being acquired by Banneker Partners in 2020. Recent deals include wellness platform Mindbase and operations software provider Integrated Computer Systems.
Versaterm now has 525 employees, 1,700+ customers, and generates more than $100 million USD in annual revenue. DroneSense will add $10M+ in revenue and 1,300 customers, expanding its reach in drone-enabled emergency response.
