Vector, a drone manufacturer and “modern-warfare-as-a-service” company, iterates its technology on six-week cycles informed by real-world battlefield lessons from Ukraine and Israel.
Vector’s model is designed to keep the United States government on the cutting edge of a rapidly changing environment.
Utah is wiring itself to operate the same way.
CEO Andy Yakulis founded the company in Virginia after serving at the Pentagon.
“ Northern Virginia just didn't have that entrepreneurial vibe – that startup spirit. I was looking for an ecosystem that fostered that.”
A second-time founder, he contrasts Utah with his past experience in Silicon Valley:
“When you're building in Silicon Valley, it's very different. There's almost this rotational workforce that goes from startup to startup, and you don't see the collaboration between founders, between companies as much as you do here in Utah.”
“When people come to Utah, they stay. There's a mission and a purpose in certain values that people have here in Utah.”
Half of Yakulis’ team is prior military.
“They love the frontier spirit. They love the mountain air. They also love being outdoors.”
Vector immediately plugged into 47G, Utah’s statewide aerospace and defense organization.
“One of the first things I did when I moved to Utah was reach out to 47G to become a member because I wanted to be a part of this community.”
Why Utah works for Vector:
Proximity to major installations
Big open skies for testing
A culture and environment that attracts veterans and brings together entrepreneurs
