Fundraising Fox

Jon Hegranes

Founder

Founder at Aloft

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

FoundedAloft

About

Jon Hegranes is a two-time founder who established Aloft in 2015, developing an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier and LAANC network that provided real-time airspace authorizations for enterprise, public safety, and government drone operations. Aloft was acquired by Versaterm in 2026. He has served on the FAA Drone Advisory Committee and the BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, working on policy related to Part 108, UTM, and advanced air mobility.

Founder at Aloft

Intro paths

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In turn, Jon can intro founders to Aloft's investors below.

Aloft's investors · 5

Bonfire VenturesLos Angeles · $2M – $4M checksDecisive PointWashington · $500K – $1M checksFifth WallLos Angeles · $250K – $100M checks · since 2021GENIUS NYSyracuse · $500K – $1M checksKluz VenturesRockville

Co-founders at Aloft

YD
Yongxing DengExecutive Officer
JZ
Joshua ZieringFounder

Experience

  1. …!?Independent Operatorcurrent2026 — presentWashington, District of Columbia, United States
  2. DAC (Drone Advisory Council)Founder, Executive Councilcurrent2023 — presentWashington DC-Baltimore Area
  3. AloftFounder & CEO (Aloft Acquired by Versaterm)2015 — 2026Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  4. Commercial Drone AllianceBoard Member2021 — 2022Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  5. National Business Aviation AssociationNBAA Emerging Technologies Committee2019 — 2022San Francisco Bay Area
  6. Global Press InstituteSpecial Advisor, New Media & Technology2016 — 2017San Francisco Bay Area
  7. CarrotAdvisor2016San Francisco Bay Area
  8. AirBearMaker2015 — 2016San Francisco Bay Area
  9. FantexDirector Product Management2013 — 2015San Francisco, CA
  10. Global Press InstituteVice President & Board of Directors2006 — 2014San Francisco, CA
  11. DisqusPlatform & Revenue Team2012 — 2013New York, NY
  12. Workables.comCo-Founder2010 — 2011Marina Del Rey
  13. WPT Enterprises (World Poker Tour)Director of Strategic Business Development2007 — 2008Los Angeles
  14. CogentConsulting Associate2006 — 2007San Francisco Bay Area
  15. BAMC, IncHedge Fund Analyst2001 — 2004Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Skills & more

Swift3Artificial Intelligence (AI)AviationAerospaceC-UASDefenseStart-ups91Strategy63Entrepreneurship51Strategic Planning21Social Media19Competitive Analysis11
+12 moreMarketing StrategyNew Business DevelopmentMarket ResearchSocial NetworkingBusiness PlanningNegotiationStrategic PartnershipsVenture CapitalLeadershipStrategic ThinkingStrategy DevelopmentProject Management

Languages Chinese · English

  • FAA License Part 107 — Federal Aviation Administration
  • Chartered Financial Analyst — CFA Institute

From Jon's professional profile.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jon Hegranes?
Jon Hegranes is a two-time founder who established Aloft in 2015, developing an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier and LAANC network that provided real-time airspace authorizations for enterprise, public safety, and government drone operations. Aloft was acquired by Versaterm in 2026. He has served on the FAA Drone Advisory Committee and the BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, working on policy related to Part 108, UTM, and advanced air mobility.
Where does Jon Hegranes work?
Jon Hegranes is Founder of Aloft.
What companies did Jon Hegranes found?
Jon Hegranes founded Aloft.
Where did Jon Hegranes go to school?
Jon Hegranes studied at Texas Christian University (BBA, Finance & Accounting); Thunderbird School of Global Management (MBA, Global Management).

Founder mafias

Thunderbird School of Global Management mafia9

Also came through, then founded or led a company.

John HewittMaster of Business Administration (M.B.A.)Founded Robertshaw +1Lucrecia PortaDisruptive Innovation for Family Businesses programFounded Wibond +1Jim WardM.I.M.Founded Meow WolfHoward LindzonFounded StockTwitsMatt OberFounded StockTwitsMiguel LaraMaster of Business Administration (MBA)Founded Microhealth

+ 2 more

Carrot mafia3

Also came through, then founded or led a company.

Rachel O’DriscollUS Product OperationsFounded Simbie AITammy SunFounderFounded Carrot Fertility

Same school

Also attended Texas Christian University60

Mason NystromInvestor at Pantera CapitalMarina BeveridgeDirector, Strategy & Network Development at Sapphire VenturesJack RobersonInvestor at 8VCMarshall PorterGeneral Partner at AlleyCorpConner LovelyInvestor at CapitalGLindel EakmanGeneral Partner at Foundry

+ 54 more

Also attended Thunderbird School of Global Management53

MarkInvestor at Eudemian VenturesJim WardInvestor at Alsop Louie PartnersGina DomanigManaging Partner, CEO at Emerald Technology Ventures AgAndrew OgawaManaging Partner and Founder at Quest Venture PartnersBrett McMickellAdvisor at Tall Grass VenturesAnna ShenMarketing at Raiven

+ 47 more

Shared employers

Also worked at Aloft2

Jim AndelmanCo-Founder and Managing Director at Bonfire VenturesTrip HawkinsFounder at Electronic Arts

Also worked at Commercial Drone Alliance2

Ken StewartLead Advisor at GENIUS NYGrant JordanCEO at SkySafe

Also worked at Carrot7

Stephanie PalmeriPartner at NextView VenturesReid ChristianGeneral Partner at CRV (Charles River Ventures)Dafina TonchevaGeneral Partner at US Venture PartnersMolly BonakdarpourPartner at Drive CapitalMolly McCartinPartner at Drive CapitalRachel O’DriscollFounder at Simbie AI

+ 1 more

Also worked at Fantex1

Darren LangerPartner at Hack VC