Brian S.

Brian S. is an entrepreneur and technology leader working in computer vision, defence solutions, and drone systems. He is the CEO and Founder of Vermeer, a company based in the Greater New York City Area, which he has led since January 2019. At Vermeer, Brian focuses on using computer vision to solve complex defence challenges. The company works on advanced visual technologies that support defence and security needs, especially in environments where accuracy, speed, and reliability are critical.

Alongside his role at Vermeer, Brian has been active in the startup and innovation ecosystem. In 2023, he served as a Mentor at the New York University Tech Venture Accelerator. In this role, he supported early-stage founders by sharing practical experience in building technology companies, product development, and scaling ideas into viable businesses. He has also been involved with Techstars as an Entrepreneur, where he took part in the Air Force Ventures Technology Accelerator in 2020. This programme focused on technologies with both strong commercial value and clear use cases for defence and military applications.

Before founding Vermeer, Brian was the CEO and Founder of Aerobo, an aerial drone services company focused on the entertainment industry. From 2015 to 2018, he grew Aerobo into the largest drone cinematography company in the world. Under his leadership, the company worked on major film productions, including movies by Steven Spielberg, Oscar-winning Best Picture films, and the Fast and Furious franchise. During this time, Brian also played an important role in shaping drone policy in the United States. He testified in front of the US Congress on drone regulations and was among the first seven holders of the FAA Section 333 exemption.

Brian studied at New York University and has been recognised for his achievements. In 2017, he was named to Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list for his work with Aerobo. His career reflects a strong mix of technology, entrepreneurship, public policy involvement, and leadership across both commercial and defence sectors.

Brian S. was born and raised in the United States. From an early stage in his life, he developed a strong interest in technology, aviation, and problem-solving. This interest later shaped his work in drones, computer vision, and defence technology. He pursued higher education at New York University, where he gained academic knowledge that supported his future work as a technology founder and entrepreneur.

Brian’s professional journey began with a strong focus on drone technology. In February 2015, he became deeply involved in the commercial drone space during a time when drone regulations in the United States were still evolving. In the same year, he founded Aerobo, an aerial drone services company focused on the entertainment industry. As CEO and Founder, he led the company from January 2015 to January 2018.

At Aerobo, Brian played a central role in growing the business rapidly. Under his leadership, Aerobo became the largest drone cinematography company in the world. The company provided aerial filming services for major film productions, including Steven Spielberg films, Oscar-winning Best Picture movies, and films from the Fast and Furious franchise. Beyond commercial success, Brian also contributed to national policy discussions. In 2015, he testified before the United States Congress on drone regulations, helping lawmakers understand the practical and safety aspects of commercial drone use. During this period, Aerobo also became one of the first seven companies to receive the FAA Section 333 exemption, allowing legal commercial drone operations in the US.

In March 2017, Brian’s work at Aerobo was recognised when he was named to Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list. This recognition highlighted his role in building a high-impact technology company and influencing an emerging industry.

After completing his work with Aerobo, Brian shifted his focus towards defence and advanced technology. In January 2019, he founded Vermeer and took on the role of CEO and Founder. Based in the Greater New York City Area, Vermeer focuses on using computer vision to solve complex defence challenges. The company works on visual and data-driven technologies designed to support defence and security operations where accuracy and reliability are essential. Since 2019, Brian has continued to lead Vermeer, guiding its technical direction and long-term strategy.

Alongside building Vermeer, Brian has remained active in the startup and innovation ecosystem. In 2020, he participated as an Entrepreneur in the Air Force Ventures Technology Accelerator, powered by Techstars. This programme selected companies with strong commercial potential and clear use cases for military and defence needs. Brian’s involvement placed him at the intersection of private technology development and defence innovation.

In 2023, Brian contributed to the next generation of founders as a Mentor at the New York University Tech Venture Accelerator. From February to June 2023, he worked remotely with early-stage startups, offering guidance on company building, product development, and navigating complex technology markets. His mentorship reflected his commitment to sharing practical experience gained from years of building and scaling technology-driven businesses.

As of the present, Brian S. continues to serve as the CEO and Founder of Vermeer. His work remains focused on computer vision, defence solutions, and advanced technology systems. His career reflects sustained involvement in entrepreneurship, public policy, defence innovation, and mentorship, with a clear emphasis on building practical technologies that address real-world challenges.

Brian S.’s vision is to build practical and reliable technology that solves real problems in defence and security. He focuses on using computer vision to improve decision-making in complex and high-risk environments. His goal is to develop systems that are accurate, responsible, and useful in real-world operations. Brian believes technology should support people, not replace judgement. He also values clear rules, safety, and accountability, which is reflected in his past work with drone regulation. Through Vermeer, he aims to bridge innovation and defence needs while ensuring technology is developed with long-term impact, trust, and real operational value.

Brian S. has received recognition for his contributions to technology and entrepreneurship. In 2017, he was named to Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list for his work as Founder and CEO of Aerobo. This award recognised his role in building one of the world’s largest drone cinematography companies. He is also recognised for his contribution to public policy, having testified before the United States Congress on drone regulations in 2015. His participation in the Air Force Ventures Technology Accelerator, powered by Techstars, further reflects industry recognition of his work in defence-focused technology and innovation.