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Drone Show Pioneers
Drone Show Pioneers
As early pioneers in drone show technology with the first commercially available integrated solution, Verge Aero continues to set the industry standard by powering the world's largest operator network with a turnkey platform of purpose-built hardware, award-winning software, and groundbreaking safety technology, backed by expert support.
Vision
To establish drone light shows as a staple of live entertainment and a universal expression of celebration.
Mission
To equip operators worldwide with purpose-built tools to execute spectacular drone shows — driven by continuous innovation, uncompromised safety, and hands-on partnership.
Story
Founded in 2016 in a Philadelphia suburban garage, Verge Aero has grown into the world's leading drone show technology provider. Today, operating globally from Texas, our platform powers iconic visual moments across the globe—from world-record performances and international milestones in Mexico and Malta to high-profile spectacles like Macy's 4th of July, America's Got Talent: Extreme, and Presidential celebrations.
Led by founders Chris Franzwa, Anthony Merlino, Tony Samaritano, and Nils Thorjussen, our team brings over a decade of innovation and expertise to the industry. Trusted by airspace authorities including the FAA and EASA, Verge Aero delivers a fully integrated, turnkey system backed by hands-on support. Continuing to push aerial entertainment into the mainstream, our relentless drive for innovation was recognized at ISE 2026, winning Best of Show for introducing generative design tools into our software to make spectacular drone shows easier, safer, and more accessible than ever.
Drone Show Designers
Kacey
[Mother Of Drones]
Storytelling through light while striving to push the boundaries of aerial art. Specializing in the design and execution of large scale shows.
Trudy
[Master of the Third Plane]
Leveraging the art of drone design to reshape the very fabric of reality.
Customer Success
Joel
[Chief Happiness Officer]
Lead Customer Success initiatives, train clients, provide technical support, and leverage pyro expertise to drive satisfaction and retention.
Peter
[Swiss Army Knife]
Orchestrate shows, ensuring seamless performances while guiding clients every step of the way. "I put out fires all around the world."
Shawn
[Calculated Drone Crasher]
Constantly testing and training to ensure flawless shows across the whole Verge ecosystem.
Owen
[Robot Babysitter]
Expert pilot and drone repair specialist. Seen it all. Done it all.
Verge Aero Founders
Chris
[CTO]
My mission is to (as my college professor would say) "do good thangs". Through its highs and lows, I am devoted to delivering industry-leading drone show software, unleashing creativity with intuitive and powerful design tools. Our technology merely serves as a conduit for the visionaries and storytellers of the world.
Anthony
[CEO]
Armed with a passion for robotics, and a burning entrepreneurial spirit, what started as a mission to build a drone from scratch in college has turned into a mission to deliver the very best drone show system in the world: allowing the world's leading creatives and producers to inspire the world with their art.
Tony
[VP of Flight Operations]
To create awe-inspiring art using cutting edge technology
Nils
[Executive Chairman]
Here to do cool stuff with drones! Over thirty years’ experience as a serial entrepreneur developing pioneering products for the entertainment industry, with clients ranging from the Rolling Stones to Coldplay to the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, among many others.
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