SeekOps

About SeekOps

SeekOps provides drone-based methane leak detection and quantification (LDAQ) services, leveraging proprietary sensor technology originally developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The company was founded in 2017 by Andrew Aubrey and Brendan Smith, who were part of the Mars Curiosity rover project. They adapted the sensitive methane-detection technology for commercial use on Earth, combining it with unmanned aerial systems to serve the energy industry.

The founders' journey began at NASA JPL, where Andrew Aubrey managed the Applied Sciences program and engaged with the energy industry, while Brendan Smith was a specialist in Laser Spectroscopy Applications. Recognizing the commercial potential for a highly sensitive methane sensor, they licensed the technology from JPL, founded the company in Pasadena, California, and later relocated headquarters to Austin, Texas, to be closer to their primary market. The company focused on scientific validation early on, working with Stanford University to build credibility. Brendan Smith, who served as COO and later CTO, was appointed CEO in March 2025, succeeding Iain Cooper.

SeekOps' core offering is a comprehensive emissions monitoring solution centered around its SeekIR® sensor. This sensor is mounted on enterprise-grade drones to survey client assets, providing detection, localization, and precise quantification of methane leaks. The company's business model is service-oriented, deploying its own FAA-certified pilots and field teams to conduct inspections for clients. They also partner with drone service providers to scale operations globally, enabling them to be commercially active on six continents. Their client base includes the onshore and offshore oil and gas industry, renewable natural gas facilities, and the waste management sector. By providing actionable data, SeekOps helps companies enhance safety, ensure asset integrity, meet ESG reporting requirements like OGMP 2.0, and reduce their carbon footprint.

The company's technology is noted for its high sensitivity, which is reportedly 1,000 times more sensitive than competing miniature technologies, and its ability to deliver results with virtually no false positives. This allows for rapid and efficient inspections, completing a full well-pad survey in as little as 15 minutes. SeekOps has secured a total of $17.3M in funding over three rounds, with major investors including Schlumberger, Equinor Ventures, OGCI Climate Investments, and Caterpillar Venture Capital.