Mehdi Salehi

Mehdi Salehi is the founder of Drone City LLC, a drone delivery business focusing on "last-mile" delivery.1 He is an entrepreneur with a remarkable background:

1. Originally from Afghanistan, Salehi fled from the Taliban, traveling on foot to Turkey and then by boat to Greece before coming to the United States.1

2. He founded Drone City, which is based in Haverstraw, north of New York City.1

3. Salehi is also an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, where he lectures on drone technology.1

4. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when he founded Good Drones, an R&D lab focused on using drones for social good.1

5. He also started a nonprofit called Drones for Refugees, using technology to assist refugees crossing the Aegean Sea.1

6. Salehi's company evolved from Good Drones to Drone Labs, serving construction, media, and advertising industries, before finally becoming Drone City.1

7. Drone City's technology uses a vertical launch system and 100% renewable energy with rechargeable solar batteries.1

8. In 2022, Drone City won a Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award.12

Salehi's experience demonstrates his adaptability and perseverance in building a successful drone business that addresses market needs while maintaining a focus on social responsibility and environmental sustainability.1