Spexi

About Spexi

Spexi operates a decentralized network for high-resolution aerial imagery, functioning as a two-sided marketplace connecting drone pilots with clients requiring detailed geospatial data. Founded in September 2017 by CEO Bill Lakeland, the Vancouver-based company aims to provide a more detailed and frequently updated alternative to traditional satellite and airplane imagery. Lakeland brings over two decades of experience from the geospatial imagery sector, having previously co-owned and exited two aerial survey firms. His background in aerial photography using airplanes informed his vision to leverage drone technology for greater efficiency and resolution. He is joined by CCO Alec Wilson, a former professional helicopter pilot and co-founder of Canada's largest drone training company, who sold his shares in that venture to join Spexi in 2021.

The company's business model is centered on a "Fly-to-Earn" system that incentivizes a global network of drone pilots to capture standardized aerial imagery. Pilots use Spexi's proprietary mobile app, which automates flight paths over predefined 24-acre hexagonal zones called "Spexigons," ensuring consistent data collection. This approach allows the company to rapidly build a vast, high-resolution database of the Earth. Pilots are rewarded with cash and Reputation Points (RP) for their contributions, with a future utility token planned to further power the ecosystem, pending regulatory approval. This model crowdsources data collection, eliminating the need for clients to own drones or hire pilots directly. Revenue is generated by selling this imagery and derived data products to a diverse client base that includes government bodies, insurance companies, and technology firms.

Spexi's core service provides on-demand, ultra-high-resolution imagery (up to 1cm resolution) that is 900 times more detailed than standard satellite images at a fraction of the cost. The collected data is immediately accessible and can be integrated into clients' existing GIS tools. Beyond raw images, the platform generates products like 3D models, point clouds, and up-to-date map tiles. These resources serve numerous industries, including public safety for disaster preparedness, urban planning for smart cities, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and insurance for remote risk assessment. The imagery is also valuable for training AI systems and developing realistic environments for gaming and metaverse applications. Since its seed funding round in late 2022, Spexi has expanded its operations to Canada, the US, the UK, and Mexico, imaging over 140 cities.