A YOUNG Glasgow-based “counter-drone” company has won more than £200,000 of funding from a business angel syndicate that specialises in backing high-risk ventures.

Gabriel Investments is hoping to reach for the skies with the “promising potential” of Gibson Robotics, which was established last year and develops drones to protect airspace from an aerial threat.

Its high-speed drones physically capture other drones in a net after being launched by a catapult. It is monitored by a human operator.

Founded by Joe Gibson, 23, an electronic and electrical engineering graduate from the University of Strathclyde, the company will receive a total £217,000.

The funding is led by Gabriel Investment Syndicate, and includes support from Scottish Enterprise, Strathclyde Inspire: Entrepreneurs Fund (SEIF), the University of Strathclyde’s dedicated early-stage investment fund, and two private investors.

It will enable the company to accelerate the development of its products.

The Gibson Robotics designed drone can also be used for surveillance, such as anti-piracy operations in merchant ship waters.

Gibson came up with the idea after hundreds of flights were famously cancelled at Gatwick Airport in December 2018 following reports of drone sightings close to the runway.

While this was never proven, massive and costly disruption can be caused by drone activity in our skies and at the moment, airports faced with malicious drones can only wait for the device’s batteries to run out.

Originally from Inverclyde, Gibson went through the pitching process entirely online, showing off his giant model counter-drone sitting on an ironing board in the background during the video calls.

Gill MacAulay, Director at Gabriel Investment Syndicate, said: “We were really impressed with Joe’s concept, not to mention his drive and determination to succeed.

“Gabriel is quite unique in that we don’t only provide financial support, the young companies in which we invest also receive a great deal of mentoring and expertise and experience from our business angels.”

Gibson said: “This is the first major investment we have had and it’s a real boost to the business at a key point in its development. It will allow the company to expand the team and move forward.

“I realised there was a need for an effective counter-drone four years ago while I was still a student - a flight I took from Gatwick was delayed by a drone. I started to think about how easy it is for a drone to do significant damage with little effort.”

Jan Robertson, interim director of growth investments at Scottish Enterprise said: “We’re committed to supporting young Scottish businesses that are developing innovative products with potential international appeal. Gibson Robotics definitely ticks those boxes and we look forward to working with Joe to turn his idea into a commercial reality.”

Olga Kozlova, director of innovation and industry engagement at the University of Strathclyde added: “The University is a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent and Gibson Robotics is prime example of a young company with a potentially exciting future.”