“It’s a great opportunity because, as Academy grads, we have a mutual level of trust in each other…Accumulating those types of graduates in this group is valuable for the entrepreneur so we can more quickly get the trust of different investors.” –Zachary Adams, USAFA ‘13

The Service Academy Investor Group is a network of U.S. Service Academy graduates who are investing in businesses and real estate projects led by other Academy grads. Join the group to discover investment opportunities and share your opportunities with the network. This is a great opportunity to invest with people who share the traits of intelligence, integrity and grit.

Today, we’re sharing the story of Zach Adams (USAFA ‘13) and Pitch Aeronautics (Pitch Aero). Zach has presented Pitch Aero to the investor group before and has been featured on the SABM Podcast.

Meet Zach Adams

Zach is a 2013 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and, after commissioning, continued his education as a graduate fellow through the Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. He earned his Master’s Degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. After completing his PhD, Zach went off to pilot training where he flew T-6s and T-38s. From there, he learned how to fly F-15E Strike Eagles and flew as a Strike Eagle pilot for almost four years. 

During that time, Zach was working on developing a company with a USAFA classmate. That led to Zach becoming the CEO and Co-Founder of Pitch Aeronautics. Pitch Aero received grant money from the state of Idaho that helped to propel its technology forward. Once Zach completed his tour with the Air Force, he took a sabbatical via the Career Intermission Program to pursue Pitch Aero full-time. 

Pitch Aero is an unmanned aircraft startup company based in Boise, Idaho that is commercializing cyclorotor propulsion technology to save money and save lives. The startup makes a drone that does the installation of components on transmission and distribution lines. Its prototype, “Astria”, can perform up-close, touch, and robotic tasks that can replace expensive rope, crane, and helicopter access inspections, which are among the most dangerous jobs in America. One of the sensors installed by Pitch Aero can help power companies push more power through existing transmission lines, which allows for a wider penetration of renewables into the power grid. The sensor can also be used to prevent wildfires and detect when there are faults on the power lines.

We are thrilled to have Zach as a part of the SABM Investor Group and are very impressed with the technology he is developing at Pitch Aeronautics. We look forward to continuing to support Zach as he works to become the industry leader in robotic drone technology. 

The Service Academy Investor Group is a dedicated community consisting of U.S. Service Academy graduates and military veterans who meet to explore new investment opportunities emerging from within our community.  Our monthly investor group meetings showcase 5-7 investment opportunities that span real estate, startups, investment funds, and tax strategies.  It’s not just about investments; it’s about connecting with peers who share the values of intelligence, integrity, and grit. Join today.