Blake Resnik, inspired by the tragic Las Vegas shooting, founded Brink, a drone company aimed at improving public safety by assisting first responders with advanced technology. With backing from Sam Altman, Brink has developed innovative drones that enhance emergency response capabilities and now serves over 600 agencies nationwide.
In the video, Zoya Husten interviews Blake Resnik, the founder and CEO of Brink, a drone company focused on enhancing public safety through advanced technology. Resnik, who started the company at just 18 years old, was inspired to enter the entrepreneurial realm after witnessing the tragic October 1 shooting in Las Vegas, where he grew up. This event motivated him to develop drones that could assist first responders in high-risk situations, providing them with critical information and capabilities to save lives.
Resnik’s journey began with a lunch meeting with the Vegas SWAT team, where he learned about their challenges during emergency situations. He realized that drones could provide a vital advantage by offering eyes and ears in dangerous environments. After developing an initial prototype, he faced skepticism from the SWAT team, which led him to refine his design based on their feedback. This iterative process ultimately resulted in the creation of the Lemur drone, which features capabilities like a glass breaker and a two-way audio system.
As Resnik navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, he faced difficulties in fundraising, particularly due to his young age. However, a serendipitous encounter with a TikTok influencer manager led to a connection with Sam Altman, who ultimately invested $2 million in Brink. This initial funding allowed Resnik to move out of his parents’ house, establish an office, and hire a team, setting the stage for further growth and success.
Brink has since expanded its operations, now serving over 600 first responder agencies across all 50 states. The company offers two main products: an interior tactical drone and a citywide 911 response drone network. The latter is designed to automatically dispatch drones to emergency calls, delivering medical supplies and providing real-time information to first responders, thereby improving response times and reducing risks during critical situations.
Resnik emphasizes the importance of building trust with both agencies and the public, highlighting Brink’s commitment to transparency through a public portal that tracks drone activity. He acknowledges the potential risks associated with drone technology but believes that its benefits in public safety far outweigh the concerns. As Brink continues to innovate and grow, Resnik remains focused on his mission to enhance emergency response capabilities while navigating the complexities of the drone industry and its implications for public safety.