Vilde Wettergreen acquired into drones the identical manner her firm did: by pure happenstance.
However Vilde and her firm, Immerse Optics, are making a robust impression on the drone trade. Vilde Wettergreen is the C.E.O. of Immerse Optics, a Norwegian firm that began by making masks to create an immersive movie-watching expertise out of your cellphone. Nonetheless, after receiving buyer suggestions and inspiration–together with studying that drone pilots had been utilizing their product as an FPV software– the corporate entered the drone sector.
Vilde Wettergreen joined Immerse Optics quickly after.
In 2021, the corporate launched the DroneMask and has lately developed by including the DroneMask 2 into their lineup of merchandise. We reviewed the DroneMask 2, which you’ll be able to try right here.
Vilde stated that this shut buyer suggestions loop is her favourite a part of the job.“I really like sending our product to completely different folks within the drone trade and listening to their ideas about it,” she stated.“We acquired numerous good responses and I do imagine we’re the one FPV answer for digital camera drones which is admittedly, actually cool.”
Vilde Wettergreen went to the Norwegian College of Science and Know-how, the place she earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a Grasp’s of Science from the College of Entrepreneurship. And whereas she is new to the drone trade, she isn’t any stranger to the world of VR and working a enterprise.
Vilde Wettergreen shares extra about Immerse Optics, DroneMask, and the way she turned a CEO (notice this interview has been edited for readability and magnificence).
Caroline Dobrez: Turning into a CEO isn’t any simple feat. Are you able to inform me just a little about your background and what led you to Immerse Optics?
Vilde Wettergreen: I’ve a bachelor’s diploma in psychology. Earlier than I began my grasp’s diploma, I began an organization, known as Fornix, which is devoted to harnessing the potential of digital actuality publicity remedy to handle psychological well being challenges.
I believe it’s so thrilling to be part of the journey and construct one thing as an entrepreneur and see how far we will take it. I really feel like, each the entrepreneurship and the spirit round working in such a small and versatile firm and scaling it up with immersive know-how. This kind of work has been frequent all through my profession.
Caroline Dobrez: That’s very cool. Are you able to stroll us via a day within the life as CEO of Immerse Optics?
Vilde Wettergreen: Immerse Optics, began in 2016 after which they labored throughout the film market after which the VR market, and I began in 2021 and launched the product throughout the drone market, which is a drone masks. Presently, my day is different. I do numerous follow-up with my consultants and verify in with my two workforce members. We’re a extremely small workforce.
Additionally, it’s numerous technique planning and numerous speaking to clients and influencers within the drone trade. We have now used it lots as a result of they provide us nice suggestions on our product for different updates. We keep forward of what folks need and the place the trade is heading.
Caroline Dobrez: Are you able to speak just a little bit about your product, The DroneMask? I do know it has an attention-grabbing backstory…
Vilde Wettergreen: After going to the movie show in 2016, the founders had been impressed to recreate the expertise on smartphones so they may have the identical cinematic expertise anyplace at any time. That was the MovieMask.
However then some YouTubers ordered the MagiMask. They used it for drone flying and so they posted their opinions on YouTube. And immediately in a single month, we had $70,000 in our net retailer and we had been like, the place is that this coming from? And it was really from the YouTube opinions. So it was really the purchasers who found us and helped us enter the drone trade.
Caroline Dobrez: Speak about listening to clients’ suggestions. That’s unimaginable. Are you into drones? Do you fly drones in any respect?
Vilde Wettergreen: I hadn’t flown a drone till I began at Immerse Optics, however now I’ve tried and I believe it’s actually enjoyable. I carry a drone once I’m on trip. So, I’m going to Rondane, which is a nationwide nature park, in Norway. I intend to carry my drone. I’ve the DJI Mini 2 and the DroneMask, in fact. The DroneMask works with virtually all digital camera drones, so long as you’ve gotten the RC and one controller that makes use of your cellphone.
Caroline Dobrez: So, is it protected to say the DJI Mini 2 is your favourite drone?
Vilde Wettergreen: Up to now, sure. I actually wish to attempt the brand new drones just like the Mavic 3. The DJI Mini 2 is my favourite drone because it’s simple to carry round and journey and to get it with the drama.
Caroline Dobrez: When you might fly your Mini anyplace on the earth, the place would you fly it?
Vilde Wettergreen: I believe one in all my favourite locations on the earth is in Norway. I’d like to see the Northern lights. I believe that may be magical. That’s my dream and I believe I can notice it quickly as effectively.
Caroline Dobrez: Do you’ve gotten any recommendation for somebody who needs to get into the drone trade or begin their very own enterprise?
Vilde Wettergreen: Crucial is at all times to know your clients and to know which market you might be concentrating on first. So actually, perceive their ache factors and give attention to both. When you’re going to be in a B2C enterprise it is advisable to focus available on the market. I really feel it is crucial when beginning one thing after which you’ll be able to broaden additional. However I really feel just like the deep information of your buyer is crucial.
And don’t be afraid to speak to folks within the trade to share your concepts and get suggestions on it. I really feel that’s so invaluable and in addition it’s essential simply to belief your self.
Vilde Wettergreen: And I really feel like everybody within the drone neighborhood may be very welcoming. So, I really feel similar to reaching out whether or not it’s an Influencer, YouTuber, or anyone locally, they’re actually useful.
You possibly can join with Vilde Wttergreen by way of e mail at vilde@dronemask.com / vilde@immerseoptics.com and by way of LinkedIn
If you already know any nice drone women who should be profiled (together with you!) contact us right here.