FulcrumAir is the leader in aerial robotic solutions for the power line industry, revolutionizing how utilities approach power line construction and maintenance. Their innovative UAV and robotics-based systems dramatically increase safety, productivity, and efficiency for power line operations—eliminating the need for dangerous manual work for certain specialized installation tasks, and reducing reliance on expensive helicopter operations.
In 2024, as the company prepared to expand operations and increase global sales of its cutting-edge solutions, FulcrumAir engaged Thin Air Labs to build and execute a funding strategy that would fuel their growth ambitions.
While FulcrumAir had successfully established itself as the industry leader in aerial robotic solutions for power lines, expanding its solutions into the United States, Australia, and European markets required significant capital investment. The company needed funding to scale operations and increase sales of their UAV and robotics-based power line construction and maintenance solutions globally.
FulcrumAir's leadership needed a partner who could navigate the complex landscape of government funding programs and position their innovative robotics technology for maximum funding success. That's where Thin Air Labs' Funding Catalyst team came in.
Our Funding Catalyst team worked closely with Will Shlah, FulcrumAir's Canadian General Manager, to craft a comprehensive non-dilutive funding strategy. We quickly identified PrairiesCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program as an ideal match for FulcrumAir's expansion goals.
With deep expertise in aligning business outcomes with government priorities, we positioned FulcrumAir's project as a transformative opportunity to expand Canadian innovation in the global power line industry. Our scope of work included:
This tailored approach culminated in a successful application to PrairiesCan, resulting in $1.8 million in non-dilutive funding to support FulcrumAir's operational expansion and international market penetration.
On March 21, 2025, the Government of Canada announced an $8.3M investment in Alberta's technology sector—of which FulcrumAir received a substantial $1.8M share. This repayable funding of $1.8 million will enable Calgary-based FulcrumAir to expand operations and increase sales of its UAV and robotics-based power line construction and maintenance solutions in the United States, Australia, and European markets.
The funding directly supports FulcrumAir's mission to make power line operations safer and more efficient through their innovative robotic devices, positioning the company to capture greater market share in the rapidly growing global power line services industry.
"Working with Ania and Thin Air Labs' Funding Catalyst team was a fantastic experience. Ania's expertise in the funding landscape, application processes, and reporting requirements, combined with her impressive network within various funding bodies, made a significant difference in our ability to navigate complex funding opportunities. Her guidance and support were invaluable throughout the engagement, and I gained a wealth of knowledge during the process." --- Will Shlah, Canadian General Manager, FulcrumAir
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