![]() ![]() As shown in the diagram above, racers in the simulator can participate in online competitions. They are also fueling their own platform. On DRL’s website, anyone can download a free simulator that lets users practice and fly drones on replicas of the tracks the pros are racing in the league:īy doing this, DRL is building competitive competencies in drone innovation / manufacturing (their high speed drones are proprietary), video game development, and sports/media entertainment. However, DRL has turned this seeming challenge into a scaling opportunity by developing a course simulation video game. This would seemingly pose as a major barrier to growing a community of dedicated fans because they cannot easily participate. Thirdly, having VR glasses that link to a first person view of the drone is another expensive requirement. Secondly, the types of courses built by DRL for these races are not accessible to novices. ![]() The high-fidelity custom drones built by DRL for these races are expensive (and currently unavailable to the general public). Secondly, DRL internally builds its own high speed drones, and sells drones through their website (they also sell gear).ĭRL’s strategy to fuel scaling its platform business is fascinating. Viewers tune in to watch their favorite racers compete in high stake competitions for prize money, and advertisers pay to promote their brands to these fans. ![]() The monetization strategy of DRL is similar to other sports industries. They have implemented a unique strategy to grow their platform:Īs depicted above, the DRL platform has two sides: one is the consumers of the content and the other are the Racers. Pathways to a Just Digital Future Watch this tech inequality series featuring scholars, practitioners, & activistsĭRL is capitalizing on the popularity of drones, newfound interest in virtual reality, and the emergence of eSports as high growth market opportunities. BI Intelligence expects consumer drone shipments to hit 29 million in 2021, which would indicate a CAGR of 31.3%.” (4). According to Business Insider, “Consumer drones are drones purchased by individuals for noncommercial and nonprofessional purposes. The league has ~ 750,000 Facebook, 85,000 Instagram, and 33,000 Twitter followers.įirst, a little about the market. “The league, which airs on big networks like ESPN and Sky, says it reached an audience of more than 30 million viewers during its inaugural season last year” (3). DRL is leveraging a multi-faceted strategy of media, content, sponsorships, and technology to scale up their platform business. The company has raised $21M in funding from strategic investors and VC funds (2). ![]() Here is a video of a race through the Miami Dolphins Football Stadium:įounded in 2015 by HBS alumni Nicholas Horbaczewski, DRL has signed partnerships with ESPN, Fox Sports, Swatch, and the U.S. The capabilities of these drones allow the league to produce stunning media content unlike anything seen before. These Pilots race through breathtaking courses in stadiums, abandoned warehouses, and buildings. DRL Pilots put on their VR helmets and enter a first person view of custom built drones that can fly at over 80 mph. Its a fusion of video gaming, virtual reality, and Formula 1 racing. Drone Racing League (DRL) is perhaps as close as humanity has come to the ‘Pod Racing’ seen in Star Wars. ![]()
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