Nicholas Pilkington

Overview

An accomplished CTO and Founder at DroneDeploy, leading innovation in aerial data collection and analysis. With a strong academic background, including a PhD in Machine Learning from the University of Cambridge, he combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in software engineering and entrepreneurship. Nicholas has a diverse professional journey, having co-founded Luno, a pioneering cryptocurrency exchange, and worked as a Scout Investor at Sequoia Capital, focusing on machine learning and computer vision startups. His technical expertise spans various programming languages and technologies, including Python, C++, and cloud computing. He is passionate about leveraging algorithms and machine learning to solve complex problems, evidenced by his publications in top-tier journals. Nicholas's ability to navigate both startup environments and established corporations showcases his adaptability in the tech landscape. As the CTO and Founder of DroneDeploy since March 2013, Nicholas leads the development of a leading robotics and unified reality capture platform. Additionally, Nicholas serves as a Scout Investor at Sequoia Capital, focusing on early-stage investments in technology companies primarily in San Francisco and South Africa. Previous roles include co-founding Luno, the first BTC/ZAR exchange, and internships at Toshiba and NVIDIA, where Nicholas contributed to advancements in software engineering and graphics card drivers. Nicholas holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Machine Learning from the University of Cambridge, along with a BSc and BSc Hons. in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Systems from Rhodes University. Nicholas's professional journey reflects a commitment to technological innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on leveraging machine learning and computer vision to drive advancements in various sectors. His leadership at DroneDeploy underscores his dedication to advancing aerial data collection and analysis, while his investment activities highlight his interest in supporting early-stage technology companies. His diverse experiences across different roles and industries demonstrate a versatile and forward-thinking approach to technology and business development.

Investment Focus

• Innovative technology solutions
• Scalable business models
• Strong founding teams
• Clear market differentiation
• Potential for significant growth
• Alignment with personal values and interests
• Commitment to ethical business practices
• Focus on solving real-world problems
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions
• Demonstrated traction or proof of concept
• Clear exit strategy
• Strong intellectual property portfolio
• Sustainable competitive advantage
• Global market potential
• Positive social impact

Portfolio Companies