AR.Drone

Henri Seydoux stands out as a remarkable entrepreneur with a flair for the unconventional, blending his aristocratic French roots with groundbreaking ventures. Not only did he revolutionize remote-controlled aviation with the launch of a pioneering app-controlled drone, but he also played a crucial role in the creation of the iconic red-bottomed footwear brand, Christian Louboutin. The debut of the iPhone in 2008 sparked a surge in app-integrated devices, leading to the development of the Parrot AR.Drone. This innovative device was crafted as a cutting-edge 'tech toy for gamers', offering teenagers the chance to engage in augmented reality (AR) games 'in the real world' by combining aerial maneuvers with app-based gameplay.

After spearheading the Parrot AR.Drone's introduction at CES 2010, it became evident that this first-of-its-kind consumer drone would carve out a new category in the market within just 18 months. As the 'Americas' Director of go-to-market strategy, I noticed an intriguing trend: numerous early adopters were sharing GoPro footage on YouTube, showcasing their aerial adventures (the initial drone model lacked a built-in recording camera). Seizing this opportunity, I minted the company's YouTube channel, fostering connections with the enthusiastic DIY community and showcasing their content on our platform. This strategy quickly paid dividends, as our channel exploded in popularity, amassing millions of views and a substantial subscriber base, eventually earning us a spot among YouTube's featured channels and significantly amplifying our visibility.

The company was quickly recognized by governmental agencies who were curious about how to leverage this technology. It was not uncommon for a member of these agencies to walk through my office door, unannounced, and request a demo of the product which would result in a robust discussion about its potential civilian use. Not surprisingly, Parrot SA eventually pivoted to providing its technology to the U.S.Military and Department of Defense.