Verge Aero

Manchaca, TX (Austin metro) Aerospace & Defense Private

Verge Aero is a drone show technology company providing an integrated hardware-and-software system for designing, choreographing, and flying large-scale drone light shows. Founded in 2016 in suburban Philadelphia and now headquartered in the Austin, Texas area, Verge Aero is recognized by airspace authorities including the FAA and EASA. Its platform (including the Verge Aero X1 drone and Composer/Designer software) is used by professional production teams worldwide for events ranging from sports celebrations and major brand activations to political and broadcast events. The company has powered shows for the Philadelphia Eagles, Macy's 4th of July, the 2020 Biden victory celebration, AT&T, T-Mobile, Motorola, Justin Bieber, and America's Got Talent: Extreme.

Overview

Company data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Founded

2016

Employees

25–30

Total Funding

$3.55M

3 rounds

Latest Valuation

$0.03B

2023

Funding

Total raised $3.55M across 3 rounds

Funding data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Last updated 06-25-2026

Latest Round

Type

Crowdfunding

Date

2023

Amount

Not disclosed

Valuation

$0.03B

Lead Investors

Regulation Crowdfunding
DateRoundAmount RaisedValuationLead Investors
2023 Crowdfunding Not disclosed $0.03B Regulation Crowdfunding
July 1, 2022 Seed $3.2M
June 2, 2017 Seed $350K eLab Ventures

Leadership

  • Anthony Merlino

    CEO & Co-Founder

  • Chris Franzwa

    CTO & Co-Founder

  • Tony Samaritano

    VP of Flight Operations & Co-Founder

  • Nils Thorjussen

    Executive Chairman & Co-Founder

    LinkedIn

Competitors

Competitor list is illustrative and may be incomplete, stale, or erroneous.

  • Sky Elements

    Texas-based drone show operator known for high-volume entertainment shows and frequent Guinness World Records attempts; competes directly with Verge Aero for live entertainment and brand-activation drone shows.

  • Pixis Drones

    Alexandria, VA-based drone show company; one of the largest U.S. operators with offices in multiple major cities, competing for sports, brand, and municipal drone shows.

  • UVify

    Manufacturer of light-show drones (e.g., IFO platform) used by many show operators including Sky Elements and Pixis; competes with Verge Aero on the drone-hardware side of the stack.

  • Intel Drone Light Shows (Nova Sky Stories)

    Intel's pioneering Shooting Star drone show business, divested in 2024 to Nova Sky Stories (backed by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte); historically the highest-profile drone show franchise (Olympics, Super Bowl).

  • High Great / EHang (drone show systems)

    Chinese drone manufacturers that supply hardware and full-stack systems for many of the world's largest record-setting drone shows; competes with Verge Aero on the technology platform side internationally.

  • Firefly Drone Shows

    Michigan-based drone show operator offering custom drone light shows across North America; direct services-side competitor to Verge Aero's show production business.

Verge Aero Investment FAQ

Public status and buying access

No. Verge Aero is a private company and does not have a public stock ticker or trade on a public stock exchange. Its shares are generally held by founders, employees, investors, and other private shareholders. Buyers and sellers may be able to transact in Verge Aero shares through private secondary transactions, but any transaction depends on share availability, buyer and seller agreement, transfer restrictions, company approval rights, and any applicable right of first refusal. There is no guarantee that Verge Aero will complete an IPO or other liquidity event.

Yes, it is sometimes possible to buy Verge Aero shares pre-IPO through private secondary transactions. This depends on finding a willing seller, company approval, and satisfying any transfer restrictions or rights of first refusal.

Buyers interested in buying Verge Aero shares on the secondary market typically do so through SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, subject to eligibility requirements, share availability, transfer restrictions, and issuer approval. Buyers may need to satisfy sophistication, accreditation, institutional, platform, regulatory, or other eligibility requirements before participating. Once eligible, buyers may be able to view listings, make bids, and work with a licensed broker through the transaction process. Buyers should ensure they have appropriate legal and financial advisors guiding them before completing any transaction.

The company's latest round valuation was approximately $26.5M as of 2023. The latest round valuation is often used as one reference point in secondary-market pricing, but secondary prices may be above or below that valuation at any given time. Secondary pricing can shift significantly based on post-round conditions, such as changes in company performance, supply-demand dynamics, share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, or broader market shifts. Any implied valuation from a past round should be confirmed with a broker or through live market listings before relying on it.

Valuation and funding

Verge Aero was most recently valued at approximately $26.5M as of 2023. This is a private valuation and may differ from secondary pricing. Secondary shares may trade above or below this mark based on various factors. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy of these valuations. Buyers and sellers should always confirm current valuations before completing any transaction.

SetterVC currently shows one valuation mark for Verge Aero based on funding rounds, tender offers, secondary-market indications, and other reported or collected valuation marks. Verge Aero's valuation was approximately $26.5M as of 2023. Secondary-market prices may differ from this valuation based on share class, transaction size, transfer restrictions, supply and demand, company performance, and broader market conditions. SetterVC and Setter Capital does not verify the accuracy or completeness of valuation data, and buyers and sellers should confirm current information before relying on it.

Verge Aero's latest disclosed funding round was a Crowdfunding round in 2023. The round raised approximately Not disclosed at an approximately $26.5M valuation, with Regulation Crowdfunding listed as disclosed lead or major investors. Primary funding rounds are different from secondary transactions: in a primary round, capital goes to the company, while in a secondary transaction, investors buy existing shares from current shareholders. Funding-round data reflects publicly reported or collected information and may be incomplete. The latest round valuation should be confirmed before it is used as a pricing reference.

Verge Aero has raised approximately $3.55M in disclosed funding across 3 rounds. These figures reflect primary capital raised by the company and do not include every possible secondary transaction, undisclosed round, debt facility, or private transfer. Reported funding totals can change as new rounds are announced or older round details are corrected. Eligible users can use SetterVC to track Verge Aero's funding history alongside private-market activity where available.

Verge Aero's disclosed investors include Regulation Crowdfunding and eLab Ventures. Investor lists are based on public reporting, company announcements, and collected funding-round data, and may be incomplete. Participation in a prior funding round does not mean those investors are currently buying or selling shares. On SetterVC, eligible users can review Verge Aero's funding history, valuation history, and private-market activity alongside other venture-backed companies.

Market context

Verge Aero's most-cited competitors include Sky Elements, Pixis Drones, UVify, Intel Drone Light Shows (Nova Sky Stories), High Great / EHang (drone show systems) and Firefly Drone Shows. Investors often compare these companies by sector, product focus, valuation, funding raised, growth signals, investor base, and private-market activity.

Secondary-market demand for Verge Aero shares can be affected by company performance, revenue growth, profitability, funding history, valuation, investor interest, sector momentum, public-market conditions, expected timing of a liquidity event, and the availability of shares for sale. Demand can also be affected by transfer restrictions, company approval rights, right of first refusal processes, limited information, and the price expectations of buyers and sellers. Strong demand does not guarantee strong pricing, liquidity, or investment returns. Weak demand does not necessarily reflect the company's long-term prospects. Demand signals should not be treated as a recommendation or prediction of investment performance. Buyers and sellers should treat demand signals as informational and conduct their own diligence before transacting.

Selling and transaction mechanics

Sellers often rely on intermediaries and platforms, such as SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, to identify potential buyers. The exact process varies by company and transaction, but sellers often begin by confirming their ownership, desired price, transferability, and any company approval or notice requirements. If the seller agrees with a buyer on acceptable price and terms, the company may need to be notified through a share transfer notice or similar process. If a right of first refusal, company approval right, or other transfer restriction applies, the seller may need to wait until that process is completed. The parties may then execute a purchase and sale agreement, complete required transfer documentation, and close if all required conditions are satisfied. Sellers should always seek proper legal and financial advice before completing the transaction.

Yes, current and former Verge Aero employees, early investors, and other existing shareholders may be able to sell vested shares before an IPO through a private secondary sale. This is not automatic; it depends on whether the shareholder has transferable shares, whether there is buyer demand, and whether the company's governing documents permit the transfer. Many companies require prior notice, company approval, or a right of first refusal before shares can be sold. Sellers should also seek proper legal and financial advice before proceeding.

A Verge Aero secondary transaction usually involves an existing shareholder selling shares to a buyer before a public listing. The buyer and seller typically agree on price, number of shares, share class, and closing conditions. The seller may then need to notify Verge Aero through a share transfer notice or similar process. If Verge Aero or existing investors have approval rights, transfer restrictions, or a right of first refusal, those steps may need to be completed before the transfer can close. The parties typically enter into a purchase and sale agreement, complete any required transfer documentation, and close only if the necessary conditions are satisfied. Timing and certainty can vary by company and transaction.

In most private secondary transactions, parties commonly use a purchase and sale agreement that outlines price, terms, and conditions. They may also use share transfer documentation, often a stock transfer notice, share transfer notice, transfer instruction, or similar document, along with any required company approval or right of first refusal materials. Proof of ownership, such as a cap table entry, share certificate, brokerage statement, issuer confirmation, or administrator confirmation, may also be important. Buyers often request recent company financials, but private companies may limit disclosure. Since every deal varies, buyers and sellers should consult legal and financial advisors to understand which documents are needed.

Risk, diligence, and investor caution

Buying Verge Aero shares pre-IPO is risky. Shares are illiquid, no IPO or liquidity event is guaranteed, valuations can change, transfers may require company approval, and private companies may provide limited financial disclosure. Be prepared for total loss. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, verify information, and seek independent legal and investment advice before proceeding.

Private secondary shares are typically illiquid. Unlike public stocks, there is no active public market, so selling them can be difficult and time-consuming. Sales depend on finding a willing buyer and often require company approval. Investors should be prepared to hold the shares for an extended period, with no guarantee of a future sale. Always assess your need for liquidity before investing.

SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, including verifying ownership, transferability, legal structure, company approval, and assessing the company's prospects. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide advice on whether an investment is good, what price to pay, or what the best bid or ask is. SetterVC and Setter Capital may share documents in some circumstances, but it does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Before buying Verge Aero shares, a buyer should try to review the share class, price per share, implied valuation, transfer restrictions, ROFR process, company approval rights, seller ownership evidence, recent financing or tender-offer information, available financial information, information rights, resale restrictions, tax considerations, and expected liquidity paths. Not all information may be available for a private company. Buyers should confirm available diligence, process details, and information needs with their own legal, tax, and investment advisers.

SPVs carry risks. Examples include the need to confirm the company allows SPV-based transfers, verify that the SPV truly owns the shares or interests it claims to own, and ensure it has not sold more interests than it holds. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Forward contracts carry risks. Examples include the seller refusing to transfer the shares at the future date, even if the seller owns them, the seller going bankrupt with creditors claiming the shares, or the seller committing the same shares to multiple parties. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Access live market data

Sign Up

Data collected with AI, which can make mistakes. Please double-check this information.