TechCrunch Startup News Seattle's Brinc just launched a drone it says can replace police helicopters; Arinna raises $4M seed round to solve the space power problem
Mar 26, 2026
A new 911-response drone with hour-long flight, thermal and 4K cameras, spotlight, loudspeaker and Starlink connectivity aims to transform public safety. A startup raised $4M to commercialize ultrathin, flexible space solar cells using novel materials for faster, lighter spacecraft power. Discussions cover market opportunities, manufacturing timelines and geopolitical shifts in drone demand.
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Brink's Origin Story And City Partnerships
- Brinc founder Blake Resnick built Brink into a public-safety drone company after early backing from Sam Altman.
- Resnick shows a 50,000 sq ft Seattle facility and describes partnerships with US cities and the National League of Cities to scale 911 drone programs.
Guardian Drone Packs Helicopter Capabilities
- Brink's new Guardian drone aims to replace police helicopters by combining speed, endurance, and integrated comms.
- Guardian flies 60 mph for an hour, includes thermal plus two 4K zoom cameras, a spotlight, loudspeaker, and an embedded Starlink panel for global connectivity.
Automated Charging Nests With Emergency Supplies
- Brink designed autonomous charging nests that swap batteries and store emergency gear to enable unattended 911 responses.
- Charging nests can stock defibrillators, flotation devices, and Narcan and perform automated battery swaps without human intervention.