Radar · Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech in California
Best Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech Companies in California, United States
The 749 best Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: SpaceX.
By Riya SenguptaFinancials
749companies tracked
$34.4Bdisclosed funding
16unicorns
294have raised
FLIAR INTELLIGENCE · AEROSPACE, MARITIME AND DEFENSE TECH × CALIFORNIA
Our analysis of 50 Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies
$31.9b in tracked funding; 90% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2021.
50companies analysed
90%cloud-native stacks
2021funding peak (by rounds)
20unicorns
2017median founding year
5.5Mcombined LinkedIn audience
72%of audience held by top 3
15companies hiring publicly (12 mo)
Ranked: Best Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Employees | Founder | Tech stack | Web popularity | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpaceX 🦄 Provider of advanced aerospace and space transportation services 87Funding top 11%Partners top 13%News top 16%Market top 18% All 11 signals ▾Fundingtop 11% Partnerstop 13% Newstop 16% Markettop 18% Moattop 20% Growthtop 30% Techtop 30% Talenttop 35% Producttop 38% Innovationtop 46% Globaltop 48% Funding: Raised $11.9B across 27 rounds · 27 rounds over 24 yrs (1.1/yr) Partners: 5 partnership announcements in 12 mo (7 in 24 mo) · 34 contract events in 12 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 87/100 | $11.9B | 3 mo ago | 13,612 13,612 → 20,010 (+47%) · sector median +18% | Elon Musk Co-Founder & CEO | Cart FunctionalityShopifyApple iCloud Mail+25 | Top 100k | — | — |
| 2 | Anduril 🦄 Provider of AI-driven defense and autonomous systems across air, land, sea, and space domains 96Funding top 11%Innovation top 14%Patents top 14%Tech top 17% All 13 signals ▾Fundingtop 11% Innovationtop 14% Patentstop 14% Techtop 17% Markettop 21% Moattop 22% Growthtop 25% Partnerstop 26% AItop 30% Newstop 33% Producttop 38% Talenttop 41% Globaltop 47% Funding: Raised $3.8B across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 7 yrs (1.1/yr) Innovation: 329 patents (top 5% of patent-holders) · 300 filings since 2022 vs 29 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 96/100 | $3.8B | 1 mo ago | 2,193 | Matt Grimm Co-Founder & COO | MediumTypeScriptGraphQL+17 | Top 500k | 329 patents Patents concentrated in transport & manufacturing processes | — |
| 3 | Archer 🦄 Developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial use 67Funding top 18%Partners top 21%Growth top 24%Tech top 25% All 12 signals ▾Fundingtop 18% Partnerstop 21% Growthtop 24% Techtop 25% Innovationtop 28% Moattop 31% Producttop 32% Newstop 34% Markettop 47% Globalbottom 46% Talentbottom 40% Fin. healthbottom 26% Funding: Raised $1.5B across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 3 yrs (1.7/yr) Partners: 3 partnership announcements in 12 mo (6 in 24 mo) · 15 contract events in 12 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $1.5B | 6 mo ago | 424 | Brett Adcock Co-Founder | PrismicApple iCloud MailNode.js+19 | Top 5M | — | 1 job opening |
| 4 | Relativity Space 🦄 Provider of AI-powered 3D printed launch vehicles for small payloads 90Patents top 17%Funding top 20%Growth top 21%Innovation top 22% All 11 signals ▾Patentstop 17% Fundingtop 20% Growthtop 21% Innovationtop 22% Moattop 22% Talenttop 35% Markettop 36% Techtop 36% AItop 45% Globalbottom 42% Newsbottom 23% Patents: 124 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 107 filings since 2022 vs 17 in 2017-21 Funding: Raised $1.3B across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 10 yrs (0.7/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 90/100 | $1.3B | 17 mo ago | 631 | Tim Ellis Co-Founder | Squarespace CommerceSquarespaceApple iCloud Mail+24 | Top 5M | 124 patents Advanced metal additive manufacturing, process control, and large‑scale component assembly | 1 job opening · 1 launch · 1 expansion |
| 5 | CHAOS Industries 🦄 Manufacturer of advanced sensing, detection, and effects technologies for defense 76Funding top 14%AI top 15%Growth top 28%Talent top 28% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 14% AItop 15% Growthtop 28% Talenttop 28% Moattop 37% Patentstop 46% Innovationtop 49% Markettop 50% Techbottom 49% Globalbottom 46% Funding: Raised $1.0B across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 3 yrs (1.3/yr) AI: Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 76/100 | $1.0B | 7 mo ago | 33 | Gavin Hood Co-Founder | Webflow EcommerceWebflowApple iCloud Mail+16 | Top 5M | 3 patents Patents concentrated in electrical & electronics | 1 partnership · 1 award |
| 6 | Shield AI 🦄 Developer of AI-powered platforms and software for defense applications 93Funding top 9%Product top 18%Talent top 22%Moat top 26% All 12 signals ▾Fundingtop 9% Producttop 18% Talenttop 22% Moattop 26% Markettop 28% Growthtop 29% AItop 30% Innovationtop 32% Techtop 33% Newstop 36% Partnerstop 43% Globaltop 48% Funding: Raised $930M across 16 rounds · 16 rounds over 11 yrs (1.5/yr) Product: 4 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series G rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 93/100 | $930M | 2 mo ago | 364 | Brandon Tseng Co-Founder | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+24 | Top 1M | — | 1 partnership |
| 7 | Astranis 🦄 Developer of satellite-based communication services 76Funding top 15%Product top 26%Moat top 26%Innovation top 27% All 11 signals ▾Fundingtop 15% Producttop 26% Moattop 26% Innovationtop 27% Growthtop 34% Talenttop 34% Markettop 40% Partnerstop 40% Techbottom 49% Globalbottom 39% Newsbottom 29% Funding: Raised $753M across 10 rounds · 10 rounds over 11 yrs (0.9/yr) Product: 3 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series E rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 76/100 | $753M | 1 mo ago | 195 | Ryan McLinko Co-Founder | WebflowApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+17 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 8 | Joby Aviation Manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 69Partners top 15%Product top 18%Funding top 25%Growth top 26% All 13 signals ▾Partnerstop 15% Producttop 18% Fundingtop 25% Growthtop 26% Moattop 32% Techtop 33% Newstop 33% Markettop 37% Fin. healthtop 46% Globaltop 47% Talentbottom 49% Innovationbottom 46% Patentsbottom 39% Partners: 5 partnership announcements in 12 mo (7 in 24 mo) · 15 contract events in 12 mo Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo, 1 the year before · Company stage: Public rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $690M | 12 mo ago | 1,777 1,777 → 2,088 (+18%) · sector median +18% | Joeben Bevirt Founder & CEO | Apache HTTP ServerCloudflareKlaro+13 | Top 5M | 23 patents Electric VTOL aircraft with pivoting/stowing rotors that mimic rigid-wing aerodynamics | 2 partnerships · 1 expansion |
| 9 | Skydio 🦄 Manufacturer of autonomous drones and related software, services, and accessories 94Patents top 13%Funding top 14%Tech top 16%AI top 20% All 13 signals ▾Patentstop 13% Fundingtop 14% Techtop 16% AItop 20% Moattop 22% Innovationtop 24% Talenttop 28% Markettop 30% Growthtop 30% Newstop 31% Producttop 38% Customerstop 49% Globalbottom 48% Patents: 614 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 513 filings since 2022 vs 98 in 2017-21 Funding: Raised $570M across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 11 yrs (0.6/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 94/100 | $570M | 1 mo ago | 332 | Abraham Bachrach Co-Founder & CTO | Cart FunctionalityShopifySentry+49 | Top 500k | 614 patents Autonomous drone navigation, perception, control, and adaptive communication for aerial robotics. | 2 job openings |
| 10 | Vast Developer of commercial space stations designed for long-term space habitation 64Funding top 18%Growth top 35%Talent top 38%Tech top 45% All 7 signals ▾Fundingtop 18% Growthtop 35% Talenttop 38% Techtop 45% Moattop 48% Markettop 49% Globalbottom 39% Funding: Raised $500M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 1 yrs (2.0/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $500M | 3 mo ago | 192 | Jed McCaleb Founder | WebflowApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+15 | Top 5M | — | 1 launch · 1 partnership |
| 11 | Planet 🦄 Provider of daily satellite imagery and geospatial data analytics services 62Funding top 16%Tech top 20%Moat top 28%Product top 35% All 11 signals ▾Fundingtop 16% Techtop 20% Moattop 28% Producttop 35% Newstop 37% Patentstop 39% Globaltop 40% Markettop 41% Innovationtop 47% Talentbottom 49% Growthbottom 38% Funding: Raised $484M across 11 rounds · 11 rounds over 15 yrs (0.7/yr) Tech: 88 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $484M | 9 mo ago | 25 | Robbie Schingler Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer | SanityApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+38 | Top 100k | 93 patents Satellite remote sensing: SAR imaging, HDR optics, antenna design, deployment mechanisms, RF interference mitigation | 3 launchs · 1 partnership |
| 12 | Epirus 🦄 Developer of high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare and air defense 78Patents top 17%Innovation top 22%Funding top 22%Moat top 22% All 11 signals ▾Patentstop 17% Innovationtop 22% Fundingtop 22% Moattop 22% Talenttop 28% Markettop 41% Techtop 45% AItop 45% Growthtop 50% Globalbottom 40% Newsbottom 24% Patents: 122 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 110 filings since 2022 vs 12 in 2017-21 Innovation: 122 patents (top 16% of patent-holders) · 110 filings since 2022 vs 12 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 78/100 | $289M | 8 mo ago | 218 | Nathan M Co-Founder | WebflowGSAPReact+20 | Top 5M | 122 patents Patents concentrated in electrical & electronics | 1 partnership |
| 13 | Spire Provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services using a large nanosatellite constellation in low… 64Partners top 17%Funding top 18%Moat top 29%Market top 30% All 13 signals ▾Partnerstop 17% Fundingtop 18% Moattop 29% Markettop 30% Patentstop 33% Talenttop 33% Newstop 37% Innovationtop 43% Techtop 44% Producttop 46% Globaltop 47% Growthbottom 45% Fin. healthbottom 45% Partners: 6 contract events in 12 mo · Named contractor/client in 6 deals Funding: Raised $246M across 18 rounds · 18 rounds over 13 yrs (1.4/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $246M | 2 mo ago | 132 | Peter Platzer Founder & CEO | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+25 | Top 5M | 147 patents Wearable physiological monitoring devices and low-cost satellite communication systems | 1 partnership |
| 14 | Impulse Space Provider of affordable in-space payload delivery services | $225M | 13 mo ago | 84 | Thomas Mueller Founder & CEO | SanityApple iCloud MailNode.js+17 | Top 5M | — | 1 job opening · 1 partnership · 1 award |
| 15 | Swift Navigation Provider of precise positioning solutions for automotive, mobile, and mass markets 74Funding top 19%Innovation top 20%Patents top 22%Tech top 24% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 19% Innovationtop 20% Patentstop 22% Techtop 24% Moattop 26% Producttop 29% Growthtop 45% Newstop 46% Marketbottom 47% Globalbottom 42% Funding: Raised $200M across 6 rounds · 6 rounds over 12 yrs (0.5/yr) Innovation: 129 patents (top 9% of patent-holders) · 97 filings since 2022 vs 31 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 74/100 | $200M | 10 mo ago | 102 102 → 130 (+27%) · sector median +18% | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+40 | Top 5M | 129 patents Real-time GNSS correction, integrity monitoring, and outlier mitigation for precise positioning | 1 award |
| 16 | Saildrone Developer of autonomous unmanned surface vehicle 55Funding top 23%Moat top 31%Growth top 35%Tech top 42% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 23% Moattop 31% Growthtop 35% Techtop 42% Markettop 47% Talentbottom 49% Patentsbottom 45% Globalbottom 43% Innovationbottom 37% Newsbottom 22% Funding: Raised $190M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 10 yrs (0.4/yr) Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 8/10 · IP moat: 18 patents rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 55/100 | $190M | 13 mo ago | 250 | Richard Jenkins Founder & CEO | WebflowSalesforceGSAP+17 | Top 5M | 18 patents Autonomous unmanned surface vehicles with flexible sensor mounts and square-wing sail propulsion. | 2 job openings · 1 launch |
| 17 | Mach Industries Developer of advanced military aviation platforms | $187M | 13 mo ago | — | Ethan Thornton Founder & CEO | — | — | 64 patents Patents concentrated in transport & manufacturing processes | — |
| 18 | SpinLaunch Provider of kinetic launch systems for small payloads | $150M | 10 mo ago | 63 63 → 51 (-19%) · sector median +18% | Jonathan Yaney Founder & CEO | WixSentryBootstrap+11 | Top 5M | 39 patents Optimizing repeat ground tracks and kinetic circular launch accelerators for low‑cost orbital launches | 2 partnerships · 1 expansion |
| 19 | Varda Space Industries In-orbit material testing and manufacturing | $145M | 11 mo ago | 51 | Trae Stephens Co-Founder | WebflowApple iCloud MailYouTube+16 | Top 5M | — | 4 job openings |
| 20 | Arc Boats Manufacturer of electric ships 53Funding top 27%Growth top 35%Tech top 36%Moat top 39% All 9 signals ▾Fundingtop 27% Growthtop 35% Techtop 36% Moattop 39% Producttop 40% Newstop 45% Talentbottom 49% Marketbottom 38% Globalbottom 32% Funding: Raised $137M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 5 yrs (0.6/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 53/100 | $137M | 3 mo ago | 55 | Mitch Lee Co-Founder & CEO | SanityNode.jsTailwind CSS+24 | Top 5M | — | 2 job openings · 1 internship · 1 launch |
| 21 | Reliable Robotics Provider of automatic flight control systems 64Innovation top 23%Growth top 26%Patents top 27%Moat top 28% All 10 signals ▾Innovationtop 23% Growthtop 26% Patentstop 27% Moattop 28% Fundingtop 29% Talenttop 38% Newstop 43% Marketbottom 42% Techbottom 36% Globalbottom 33% Innovation: 47 patents (top 32% of patent-holders) · 36 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 Growth: Headcount 45 → 72 (+60%) across vintages · Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $134M | 1 mo ago | 72 | Juerg Frefel Co-founder & CTO | SanityApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+10 | Top 10M | 47 patents Autonomous UAV navigation, precision landing, and radar‑based sensing/control systems | — |
| 22 | LeoLabs Operator of a radar network providing orbital object tracking and intelligence | $129M | 11 mo ago | 116 | Edward Lu Co-Founder & CTO | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+27 | Top 500k | 98 patents Space situational awareness radar and phased‑array antenna technologies for tracking debris | 1 job opening · 1 launch |
| 23 | Helm Developer of AI-first software for advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving 78Funding top 19%Product top 21%Talent top 28%AI top 30% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 19% Producttop 21% Talenttop 28% AItop 30% Growthtop 31% Moattop 31% Innovationtop 32% Techtop 38% Marketbottom 41% Globalbottom 37% Funding: Raised $124M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 6 yrs (0.7/yr) Product: 9 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series D rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 78/100 | $124M | 1 mo ago | 37 | — | WebflowBugHerdBugSnag+21 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 24 | Apex 🦄 Manufacturer of configurable satellite platforms designed for various mission requirements | $118M | 9 mo ago | 35 | Maximilian Benassi Co-Founder & CTO | WebflowApple iCloud MailAmazon Web Services+16 | Top 5M | 63 patents Deterministic real-time shared-memory communication and memory allocation for embedded systems | 1 launch · 2 partnerships · 1 award |
| 25 | Scout AI AI-powered robotic systems for defense and related applications 53Funding top 19%AI top 25%Growth top 35%Moat top 48% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 19% AItop 25% Growthtop 35% Moattop 48% Techbottom 49% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 44% Innovationbottom 38% Patentsbottom 37% Marketbottom 35% Funding: Raised $115M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 1 yrs (2.0/yr) AI: Classified as an AI company · Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 53/100 | $115M | 1 mo ago | — | Collin Otis Co-Founder & CTO | SanityNode.jsThree.js+13 | Top 10M | 3 patents Advanced hyperspectral imaging sensors and adjustable hitch mechanisms for vehicles | — |
| 26 | Zeitview Provider of drone-based inspection software platform 76Funding top 18%Tech top 27%AI top 30%Moat top 31% All 9 signals ▾Fundingtop 18% Techtop 27% AItop 30% Moattop 31% Markettop 42% Growthtop 45% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 39% Newsbottom 32% Funding: Raised $114M across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 11 yrs (0.7/yr) Tech: 44 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 76/100 | $114M | 15 mo ago | 194 | Daniel Burton Co-Founder & CEO | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+31 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 27 | Muon Space Provider of integrated satellite constellation technology stack for Earth intelligence missions | $92M | 10 mo ago | 61 | Dan McCleese Co-Founder | Webflowcore-jsjQuery+14 | Top 5M | — | 3 job openings · 2 launchs · 1 expansion |
| 28 | Portside Cloud-based aircraft management systems 62News top 24%Funding top 25%Growth top 28%Partners top 31% All 11 signals ▾Newstop 24% Fundingtop 25% Growthtop 28% Partnerstop 31% Moattop 39% Techtop 40% Producttop 43% Innovationtop 45% Talenttop 46% Marketbottom 49% Globalbottom 36% News: 6 BI events in 12 mo (of 19 tracked, 4 types) · +100% YoY Funding: Raised $70.0M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 5 yrs (0.4/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $70M | 3 mo ago | 111 | Alek Strygin Co-Founder | Apple iCloud MailGoogle WorkspacePython+20 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 29 | Xona Space Systems Developer of positioning, navigation, and timing infrastructure for connected systems 57Funding top 23%Talent top 23%Growth top 26%Moat top 39% All 8 signals ▾Fundingtop 23% Talenttop 23% Growthtop 26% Moattop 39% Techbottom 44% Globalbottom 39% Marketbottom 34% Newsbottom 18% Funding: Raised $55.0M across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 6 yrs (1.3/yr) Talent: 5 named leaders on record · 5 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $55M | 2 mo ago | 41 | Jerami M Co-Founder | Framer SitesReactLenis+8 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 30 | Ulysses Developer of autonomous underwater vehicles and integrated hardware and software systems 45Talent top 28%Funding top 45%Global bottom 33% All 3 signals ▾Talenttop 28% Fundingtop 45% Globalbottom 33% Talent: 4 named leaders on record · 4 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $46.1M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 1 yrs (2.0/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 45/100 | $46M | 2 mo ago | — | Will Brien Co-Founder & President | — | — | — | — |
| 31 | Orbital Sidekick Platform offering space-based hyperspectral imaging and analysis solutions | $44M | 11 mo ago | 27 27 → 20 (-26%) · sector median +18% | Tushar Prabhakar Co-Founder & COO | — | — | — | 1 job opening |
| 32 | Morpheus Space Developer of electric propulsion systems for small satellite mobility solutions 50Talent top 28%Tech top 37%Funding top 39%Growth top 45% All 7 signals ▾Talenttop 28% Techtop 37% Fundingtop 39% Growthtop 45% Globalbottom 39% Moatbottom 38% Marketbottom 36% Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated Tech: 26 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Google Cloud rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $43M | 4 mo ago | 38 | Christian Schunk Electronics Manager & Co-Founder | Wix eCommerceWixSentry+19 | Top 10M | — | 1 launch |
| 33 | Orbit Fab Provider of in-space refueling services and hardware for spacecraft operations 62Innovation top 23%Patents top 25%Moat top 30%Growth top 35% All 9 signals ▾Innovationtop 23% Patentstop 25% Moattop 30% Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 36% Marketbottom 45% Techbottom 45% Newsbottom 42% Globalbottom 42% Innovation: 46 patents (top 33% of patent-holders) · 35 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 Patents: 46 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 35 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $43M | 3 mo ago | 100 100 → 93 (-7%) · sector median +18% | — | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+23 | Top 10M | 46 patents In-space fluid transfer, valve, propellant production, and fiducial marker technologies for spacecraft servicing | 1 launch |
| 34 | Matternet Provider of autonomous drone networks 42Moat top 34%Growth top 35%Funding top 42%Patents top 43% All 9 signals ▾Moattop 34% Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 42% Patentstop 43% Innovationtop 47% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 48% Techbottom 38% Marketbottom 35% Moat: IP moat: 25 patents · 9 curated direct competitors tracked Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 42/100 | $40M | 3 mo ago | — | Andreas Raptopoulos Founder & CEO | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+14 | Top 10M | 25 patents UAV logistics: ground stations and autonomous aerial transport systems | — |
| 35 | Momentus Space Developer of in-space transportation solutions | $34M | 8 mo ago | 103 103 → 61 (-41%) · sector median +18% | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+20 | Top 10M | 24 patents In-space microwave‑electrothermal propulsion and integrated thermal‑capacity management for satellite constellations | 4 job openings |
| 36 | Firestorm Developer of modular, mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems and manufacturing solutions 53Patents top 27%Talent top 28%Innovation top 31%Funding top 36% All 9 signals ▾Patentstop 27% Talenttop 28% Innovationtop 31% Fundingtop 36% Moattop 38% Growthtop 45% Techtop 49% Globalbottom 42% Marketbottom 33% Patents: 33 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 33 filings since 2022 vs 0 in 2017-21 Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 53/100 | $32M | 3 mo ago | 22 | Chad M Co-Founder | WebflowApple iCloud MailSplide+13 | Top 5M | 33 patents Modular, additively‑manufactured UAV airframes and rapid‑assembly mission‑adaptable drone systems | 4 job openings |
| 37 | Smack Technologies Developer of artificial intelligence solutions for national security applications | $32M | 3 mo ago | — | Dan Gould Co-Founder & CTO | Framer SitesApple iCloud MailThree.js+10 | Top 50M | — | 1 expansion |
| 38 | Natilus Develops a large unmanned aerial vehicle for cargo transport 24Funding top 34%Product top 41%Moat top 47%Tech top 48% All 11 signals ▾Fundingtop 34% Producttop 41% Moattop 47% Techtop 48% Newstop 48% Talentbottom 49% Growthbottom 40% Globalbottom 39% Patentsbottom 36% Marketbottom 31% Innovationbottom 31% Funding: Raised $28.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 9 yrs (0.1/yr) Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo · 3 distinct product lines rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 24/100 | $28M | 4 mo ago | 17 | Aleksey Matyushev Co-Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+26 | Top 5M | 2 patents Optimized cargo bay configuration for blended-wing-body aircraft | 1 job opening · 2 launchs |
| 39 | Grid Aero Developer of uncrewed, long-range cargo aircraft for resilient logistics networks 32Talent top 28%Funding top 31%Tech bottom 44%Global bottom 33% All 5 signals ▾Talenttop 28% Fundingtop 31% Techbottom 44% Globalbottom 33% Marketbottom 30% Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $26.0M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 2 yrs (1.0/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 32/100 | $26M | 4 mo ago | — | Chinmay Patel Co-founder & CTO | Node.jsTailwind CSSReact+8 | Top 50M | — | 1 launch |
| 40 | Surf Air Platform offering providing private arline services 78Tech top 13%Fin. health top 19%Funding top 26%Growth top 27% All 11 signals ▾Techtop 13% Fin. healthtop 19% Fundingtop 26% Growthtop 27% Producttop 29% Innovationtop 33% Talenttop 38% Moatbottom 41% Globalbottom 39% Marketbottom 38% Newsbottom 24% Tech: 85 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 Fin. health: Revenue ~$119M · Revenue +97% YoY rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 78/100 | $25M | 7 mo ago | 13 | Liam Fayed Co-founder & Chief Brand Officer | WordPressApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+43 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 41 | Sunflower Labs Provider of AI-driven home security solutions using smart lighting and drones 62Funding top 31%Innovation top 35%Growth top 35%Patents top 36% All 11 signals ▾Fundingtop 31% Innovationtop 35% Growthtop 35% Patentstop 36% Moattop 37% Talenttop 38% Techtop 43% Newstop 44% AItop 45% Globalbottom 39% Marketbottom 34% Funding: Raised $22.1M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 10 yrs (0.5/yr) Innovation: 18 patents (top 54% of patent-holders) · 5 filings since 2022 vs 3 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $22M | 7 mo ago | 30 | Chris Eheim Founder + CTO | Node.jsNext.jsstyled-components+10 | Top 10M | 18 patents Autonomous multicopter drones for security surveillance, auto‑landing, and sensor‑network integration | — |
| 42 | Prodrone Provider of drones 37Growth top 35%Funding top 44%Partners top 45%Innovation bottom 46% All 8 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 44% Partnerstop 45% Innovationbottom 46% Productbottom 45% Marketbottom 40% Globalbottom 36% Techbottom 32% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Funding: Raised $15.8M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 9 yrs (0.4/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 37/100 | $16M | 1 mo ago | 50 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+16 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 43 | Antaris Provider of cloud platform for satellite mission design, simulation, and operation | $14M | 3 mo ago | 11 | Tom Barton Co-Founder & CEO | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+24 | Top 10M | 14 patents On-orbit autonomous satellite recovery and software-defined space communication systems | 1 partnership |
| 44 | Sophia Space Developer of orbital compute and data centers powered by solar energy | $14M | 5 mo ago | — | Brian Monnin Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer | Framer SitesApple iCloud MailReact+9 | Top 50M | — | — |
| 45 | Seasats Manufacturer of unmanned surface vehicles for sea inspection 48Funding top 33%Growth top 35%Tech top 37%Talent top 38% All 8 signals ▾Fundingtop 33% Growthtop 35% Techtop 37% Talenttop 38% Moattop 39% Newsbottom 48% Globalbottom 37% Marketbottom 29% Funding: Raised $11.0M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 4 yrs (1.2/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 48/100 | $11M | 5 mo ago | 20 | Michael Flanigan Co-Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+22 | Top 10M | — | 1 partnership · 1 expansion |
| 46 | Hamilton Provider of AI-based solutions for private aviation and marketing analytics 42Moat top 29%Patents top 31%Funding top 37%Innovation top 42% All 9 signals ▾Moattop 29% Patentstop 31% Fundingtop 37% Innovationtop 42% AItop 45% Globaltop 49% Talentbottom 49% Techbottom 44% Marketbottom 30% Moat: IP moat: 127 patents · 9 curated direct competitors tracked Patents: 127 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 18 filings since 2022 vs 86 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 42/100 | $10M | 2 mo ago | — | Wouter Witvoet Founder & CEO | WebflowApple iCloud MailGoogle Workspace+16 | Top 50M | 127 patents Automated liquid handling and disposable pipette tip technologies for laboratory automation | — |
| 47 | SkySelect Provider of an AI-powered platform for aircraft parts procurement and sourcing 50Talent top 28%Funding top 36%AI top 45%News top 46% All 8 signals ▾Talenttop 28% Fundingtop 36% AItop 45% Newstop 46% Moattop 48% Techbottom 46% Globalbottom 43% Marketbottom 38% Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $9.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 1 yrs (1.0/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $9M | 3 mo ago | 56 | Rain Opik Co-Founder | PrismicNode.jsAmazon Web Services+14 | Top 50M | — | 1 job opening · 2 partnerships |
| 48 | PteroDynamics Developer of autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft systems and platforms 40Moat top 31%Growth top 35%Innovation top 36%Patents top 36% All 10 signals ▾Moattop 31% Growthtop 35% Innovationtop 36% Patentstop 36% Techtop 49% Talentbottom 49% Fundingbottom 47% Globalbottom 36% Marketbottom 24% Newsbottom 22% Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 7/10 · IP moat: 18 patents Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 40/100 | $8M | 0 mo ago | 14 14 → 23 (+64%) · sector median +18% | Matthew Graczyk CEO and Board Director | WordPressMySQLPHP+25 | Top 10M | 18 patents Advanced control systems for autonomous VTOL aircraft and vertical lift drones | 1 partnership |
| 49 | MightyFly Offers autonomous drone vehicles providing end to end logistics services 35Patents top 39%Funding top 40%Innovation top 41%Moat top 42% All 12 signals ▾Patentstop 39% Fundingtop 40% Innovationtop 41% Moattop 42% Growthtop 45% Talentbottom 49% Newsbottom 45% Productbottom 45% Techbottom 42% Globalbottom 37% Partnersbottom 35% Marketbottom 24% Patents: 8 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 6 filings since 2022 vs 2 in 2017-21 Funding: Raised $5.1M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 5 yrs (0.6/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 35/100 | $5M | 3 mo ago | 10 10 → 14 (+40%) · sector median +18% | Manal Habib Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+20 | Top 10M | 8 patents Autonomous drone logistics with payload transport and aerial collision‑avoidance systems | — |
| 50 | Turion Space Developer of autonomous satellites for debris removal and situational awareness | $5M | 2 mo ago | 36 | Tyler James Pierce Co-Founder | Framer SitesApple iCloud MailReact+7 | Top 10M | — | 3 job openings · 2 internships |
Top 12 Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California
#1
SpaceX 🦄Series J · Hawthorne, California · founded 2002 · 13612 employees$11.9Braised▾
SpaceX 🦄
Series J · Hawthorne, California · founded 2002 · 13612 employees
Provider of advanced aerospace and space transportation services. It delivers advanced launch services using reusable rocket systems designed to transport crew and cargo for missions to orbit, the Moon, Mars, and deep space exploration. It also develops and operates large-scale satellite networks that provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity across the globe, including remote and underserved regions. It supports human spaceflight programs aimed at expanding long-duration space exploration and increasing access to space for both commercial and governmental missions.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 87how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 11%Partners
top 13%News
top 16%Market
top 18%Moat
top 20%Growth
top 30%Funding: Raised $11.9B across 27 rounds · 27 rounds over 24 yrs (1.1/yr) · Last round Series J (Mar 2026)
Partners: 5 partnership announcements in 12 mo (7 in 24 mo) · 34 contract events in 12 mo · Named contractor/client in 34 deals
News: 125 BI events in 12 mo (of 493 tracked, 16 types) · +102% YoY · 83 high-value events (IPO/M&A/funding/contracts) in 12 mo
Audience (LinkedIn): 3.6M LinkedIn followers — 64.9% of this cohort's audience
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Series J—
- Jan 2025Series J—
- Oct 2023Conventional Debt—
- Jan 2023Series J$750M
Founders & team
Investors
FCC, Legendary Ventures, Mirae Asset, NASA, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Founders Fund
Tech stack
AceAngularApple Icloud MailApple PayAzureAzure Front Door
#2
Anduril 🦄Series H · Costa Mesa, California · founded 2017 · 2193 employees$3.8Braised▾
Anduril 🦄
Series H · Costa Mesa, California · founded 2017 · 2193 employees
Provider of AI-driven defense and autonomous systems across air, land, sea, and space domains. It develops integrated platforms that enhance situational awareness, real-time decision-making, and operational effectiveness for defense and security applications. It delivers a range of autonomous systems and software-defined defense infrastructure, including surveillance systems, unmanned platforms, and command-and-control technologies designed to operate in complex and contested environments. Its solutions support modern military needs such as border security, force protection, and multi-domain mission coordination.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 96how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 11%Innovation
top 14%Patents
top 14%Tech
top 17%Market
top 21%Moat
top 22%Funding: Raised $3.8B across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 7 yrs (1.1/yr) · Last round Series H (May 2026)
Innovation: 329 patents (top 5% of patent-holders) · 300 filings since 2022 vs 29 in 2017-21 · Deep-tech classification: Artificial Intelligence, Tech Hardware
Patents: 329 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 300 filings since 2022 vs 29 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Funding rounds
- May 2026Series H$5B
- Dec 2025Series G$30M
- Jun 2025Series G$2.5B
- Aug 2024Series F$1.5B
Founders & team
Investors
Founders Fund, Sands Capital, Fidelity Investments, Baillie Gifford, Franklin Templeton Investments, Altimeter Capital
Tech stack
Amazon CloudfrontAmazon S3Amazon Web ServicesApolloAws Certificate ManagerCloudflare
#3
Astranis 🦄Series E · San Francisco, California · founded 2015 · 195 employees$753Mraised▾
Astranis 🦄
Series E · San Francisco, California · founded 2015 · 195 employees
Developer of satellite-based communication services. It provides users with a platform that develops small-sized, low-cost telecommunication satellites in the geostationary orbit and in a fixed location. It can provide internet connectivity as soon as the satellite is launched to rural areas and indigenous communities.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 76how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 15%Product
top 26%Moat
top 26%Innovation
top 27%Growth
top 34%Talent
top 34%Funding: Raised $753M across 10 rounds · 10 rounds over 11 yrs (0.9/yr) · Last round Series E (May 2026)
Product: 3 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series E
Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 9/10 · Unicorn · 9 curated direct competitors tracked
Audience (LinkedIn): 55k LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- May 2026Conventional Debt$155M
- May 2026Series E$300M
- Jul 2024Series D$200M
- Apr 2023Conventional Debt—
Founders & team
Investors
Venrock, Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, Fifty Years, Refactor Capital, TriplePoint Capital
Tech stack
Cart FunctionalityGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Font ApiGoogle Hosted LibrariesJqueryOpen Graph
#4
Series G · San Diego, California · founded 2015 · 364 employees$930.2Mraised▾
Series G · San Diego, California · founded 2015 · 364 employees
Developer of AI-powered platforms and software for defense applications. The company provides solutions for mission autonomy, surveillance, and object detection. Its offerings include autonomous pilot software, command and control toolkits, and autonomy development platforms. It also manufactures unmanned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 93how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 9%Product
top 18%Talent
top 22%Moat
top 26%Market
top 28%Growth
top 29%Funding: Raised $930M across 16 rounds · 16 rounds over 11 yrs (1.5/yr) · Last round Series G (Mar 2026)
Product: 4 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series G
Talent: Analyst team rating 5/5 · 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated
Audience (LinkedIn): 151k LinkedIn followers — 2.7% of this cohort's audience
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 partnerships (incl. Hivemind) announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Series G$2B
- Feb 2025Series F$591.8M
- Dec 2023Series F$100M
- Dec 2023Venture Debt$200M
Founders & team
Investors
Andreessen Horowitz, Homebrew, Bloomberg Beta, Founder Collective, Riot, Disruptive Ventures
Tech stack
Anime.JsApple Icloud MailCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCore-JsDocusign
#5
Skydio 🦄Series F · San Mateo, California · founded 2014 · 332 employees$570Mraised▾
Skydio 🦄
Series F · San Mateo, California · founded 2014 · 332 employees
Manufacturer of autonomous drones and related software, services, and accessories. It provides drone platforms, docking stations, attachments, and software for autonomous flight, data capture, and integration. These products serve sectors including public safety, utilities, national security, inspection, transportation, construction, and oil and gas. Services include regulatory and success support, along with developer tools and training.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 94how this company ranks against its industry peers
Patents
top 13%Funding
top 14%Tech
top 16%AI
top 20%Moat
top 22%Innovation
top 24%Patents: 614 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 513 filings since 2022 vs 98 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Funding: Raised $570M across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 11 yrs (0.6/yr) · Last round Series F (Apr 2026)
Tech: 90 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon Web Services · Devops: Envoy
Audience (LinkedIn): 136k LinkedIn followers — 2.5% of this cohort's audience
Hiring (LinkedIn): 2 hiring posts in 12 mo (public) · momentum +2 · hiring: Staff Global Supply Manager, Mechanicals, Senior Global Supply Manager, Camera
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Series F$110M
- May 2024Series E$170M
- Mar 2022Series E$230M
- Feb 2021Series D$170M
Founders & team
Investors
Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, IVP, Deep Learning, Playground Global, Linse Capital
Tech stack
AffirmAmazon CloudfrontAmazon Web ServicesAmerican ExpressApple Icloud MailApple Pay
#6
Archer 🦄Public · San Jose, California · founded 2018 · 424 employees$1.5Braised▾
Archer 🦄
Public · San Jose, California · founded 2018 · 424 employees
Developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial use. The company focuses on aircraft certification, safety, and defense applications. It provides updates through its newsroom and offers various resources. These resources include information for investors, media, and potential employees.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 67how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 18%Partners
top 21%Growth
top 24%Tech
top 25%Innovation
top 28%Moat
top 31%Funding: Raised $1.5B across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 3 yrs (1.7/yr) · Last round Post IPO (Dec 2025)
Partners: 3 partnership announcements in 12 mo (6 in 24 mo) · 15 contract events in 12 mo · Named contractor/client in 15 deals
Growth: Headcount 164 → 424 (+159%) across vintages · 6 acquisition/expansion moves in 24 mo · Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Audience (LinkedIn): 169k LinkedIn followers — 3.0% of this cohort's audience
Hiring (LinkedIn): 1 hiring post in 12 mo (public) · hiring: Staff GNC Engineer
Funding rounds
- Dec 2025Post IPO—
- Jun 2025Post IPO$850M
- Dec 2024Post IPO$430M
- Aug 2024Post IPO$220M
Founders & team
Investors
United Airlines, Stellantis, Boeing, ARK Investment Management, Wellington, 2PointZero
Tech stack
Amazon Web ServicesAnimate.CssApple Icloud MailBugherdCdnjsCloudflare
#7
Acquired · San Francisco, California · founded 2012 · 132 employees$246.5Mraised▾
Acquired · San Francisco, California · founded 2012 · 132 employees
Provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services using a large nanosatellite constellation in low orbit. The company collects and processes radio-frequency and atmospheric signals to deliver actionable insights for weather and climate, aviation, maritime, government, and security use cases, including RF geolocation, flight tracking, ship tracking, and greenhouse gas monitoring. It also offers space-as-a-service solutions that let customers deploy custom payloads and dedicated constellations on its platform, with end-to-end manufacturing, ground station network, and constellation management tools accessible via APIs and dashboards.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 64how this company ranks against its industry peers
Partners
top 17%Funding
top 18%Moat
top 29%Market
top 30%Patents
top 33%Talent
top 33%Partners: 6 contract events in 12 mo · Named contractor/client in 6 deals · Marquee-customer mentions: top 13% of tracked companies
Funding: Raised $246M across 18 rounds · 18 rounds over 13 yrs (1.4/yr) · Last round Post IPO (Apr 2026)
Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 6/10 · IP moat: 147 patents · 9 curated direct competitors tracked
Audience (LinkedIn): 68k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 partnerships (incl. Diehl Defence) announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Post IPO$70M
- Mar 2025Post IPO$40M
- Feb 2024Post IPO$10M
- Dec 2021Grant (prize money)$468K
Founders & team
Investors
Gov, Expon Capital, Luxembourg Future Fund, Scottish Enterprise, Signal Group, Grishin Robotics
Tech stack
Amazon CloudfrontAmazon Web ServicesApache Http ServerApple Icloud MailAutoptimizeBootstrap
#8
Series A · Long Beach, California · founded 2021 · 192 employees$500Mraised▾
Series A · Long Beach, California · founded 2021 · 192 employees
Developer of commercial space stations designed for long-term space habitation. The company is focused on building space stations and advancing technologies for living and working in space. It develops hardware and systems for space station modules, including primary structures, solar arrays, and environmental control systems. The company aims to provide platforms for government astronaut missions, private astronaut missions, and payload missions.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 64how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 18%Growth
top 35%Talent
top 38%Tech
top 45%Moat
top 48%Market
top 49%Funding: Raised $500M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 1 yrs (2.0/yr) · Last round Conventional Debt (Mar 2026)
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated
Audience (LinkedIn): 105k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 product launches · 1 partnerships (incl. UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Auxilium Biotechnologies, LambdaVision, Inc.) announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Conventional Debt$200M
- Mar 2026Series A$300M
- Nov 2025Seed—
Founders & team
Investors
In-Q-Tel, Balerion Space Ventures, Qatar Investment Authority, Mitsui, MUFG, Nikon
Tech stack
Apple Icloud MailCart FunctionalityCloudflareCookieyesDocusignDropbox
#9
Series D · Los Angeles, California · founded 2022 · 33 employees$1Braised▾
Series D · Los Angeles, California · founded 2022 · 33 employees
Manufacturer of advanced sensing, detection, and effects technologies for defense. It is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. Its products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks, empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 76how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 14%AI
top 15%Growth
top 28%Talent
top 28%Moat
top 37%Patents
top 46%Funding: Raised $1.0B across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 3 yrs (1.3/yr) · Last round Series D (Nov 2025)
AI: Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC)
Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Audience (LinkedIn): 17k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 2 partnerships · 1 awards (incl. Atlantic Council) announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Nov 2025Series D$510M
- Apr 2025Series C$275M
- Nov 2024Series B$145M
- Mar 2023Series A$70M
Founders & team
Investors
8VC, Alpha Wave Global, Lernern, Liquid 2 Ventures, Tamarack Global, Valar Ventures
Tech stack
Apple Icloud MailCdnjsCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementDocusignGoogle Analytics
#10
Series D · Redwood City, California · founded 2016 · 37 employees$124Mraised▾
Series D · Redwood City, California · founded 2016 · 37 employees
Developer of AI-first software for advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving. The company provides comprehensive artificial intelligence solutions for real-time deployment, offline training, and validation. It builds artificial intelligence models using unsupervised learning methods and generative artificial intelligence. The company's technology enables continuous improvement of autonomous driving software for mass production.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 78how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 19%Product
top 21%Talent
top 28%AI
top 30%Growth
top 31%Moat
top 31%Funding: Raised $124M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 6 yrs (0.7/yr) · Last round Series D (May 2026)
Product: 9 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series D
Talent: Analyst team rating 4/5
Funding rounds
- May 2026Series D—
- Dec 2022Series C$55M
- Jan 2022Series B$30M
- Nov 2021Series B$26M
Investors
Sound Ventures, Amplo, Fontinalis Partners, A.Capital Ventures, Binnacle Capital, SV Angel
Tech stack
Apple Icloud MailCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCloudflare TurnstileContentfulGatsby
#11
Series C · Mountain View, California · founded 2010 · 72 employees$133.5Mraised▾
Series C · Mountain View, California · founded 2010 · 72 employees
Reliable Robotics is a provider of automatic flight control systems. It provides automated operation of aircraft and commercialization of technologies for cargo and passenger vehicles.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 64how this company ranks against its industry peers
Innovation
top 23%Growth
top 26%Patents
top 27%Moat
top 28%Funding
top 29%Talent
top 38%Innovation: 47 patents (top 32% of patent-holders) · 36 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 · Deep-tech classification: Tech Hardware
Growth: Headcount 45 → 72 (+60%) across vintages · Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Patents: 47 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 36 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Audience (LinkedIn): 17k LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Series C$160M
- Oct 2021Series C$100M
- Sep 2020Series B$25M
- Series A$8.5M
Founders & team
Investors
Lightspeed Venture Partners, Pathbreaker Ventures, Teamworthy Ventures, Eclipse, Coatue, Nimble Partners
Tech stack
Amazon SesAmazon Web ServicesApple Icloud MailCloudflareFirebaseGoogle Analytics
#12
Series A · Sunnyvale, California · founded 2024$115Mraised▾
Series A · Sunnyvale, California · founded 2024
AI-powered robotic systems for defense and related applications. It enables natural language commands, robot-to-robot coordination, and mission-adaptive autonomy without cloud connectivity. Its technology enables unmanned platforms to perform tasks using vision, language, and action models. Its systems are designed for deployment across various domains. It focuses on creating adaptable and generalized decision-making capabilities for robotic systems.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 53how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 19%AI
top 25%Growth
top 35%Moat
top 48%Tech
bottom 49%Talent
bottom 49%Funding: Raised $115M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 1 yrs (2.0/yr) · Last round Series A (Apr 2026)
AI: Classified as an AI company · Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC) · Product described with: ai-powered
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Series A$100M
- Apr 2025Seed$15M
Founders & team
Investors
Align Ventures, Booz Allen Hamilton, Draper, Decisive Point, Perot Jain, Habitat Partners
Tech stack
GodaddyGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Tag ManagerGoogle WorkspaceGsapHsts
Funding & investor landscape
$34.4Btotal disclosed funding
281companies funded
844disclosed rounds
17rounds last 90 days
Most active investors
Notable founders
Elon Musk
Co-Founder & CEO · SpaceX
Matt Grimm
Co-Founder & COO · Anduril
Joseph Chen
Co-Founder · Anduril
Ryan McLinko
Co-Founder · Astranis
John Gedmark
Co-Founder & CEO · Astranis
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder · Shield AI
Ryan Tseng
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer & President · Shield AI
Abraham Bachrach
Co-Founder & CTO · Skydio
Matt Donahoe
Co-Founder · Skydio
Brett Adcock
Co-Founder · Archer
Peter Platzer
Founder & CEO · Spire
Jeroen Cappaert
Co-Founder & CTO · Spire
Prism market signals · United States · country-scoped Prism corpus, 1,706,034 docs
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
RESEARCH IN CALIFORNIA · Space & Defense
How research on Launch Vehicles in California is moving
A read on the academic research around Launch Vehicles in California — which themes are gaining ground, the institutions and researchers driving them, and how the tone is shifting. Based on 85 papers.
Caltech, UCLA, and Cal Poly lead California's cautiously optimistic launch-vehicle research, focusing on rocket propulsion and combustion dynamics with a mildly positive stance (0.28).
85 papers · stance +0.28 · 21% breakthrough · 23% concern
top institutions
- California Institute of Technology15
- University of California, Los Angeles13
- California Polytechnic State University12
- University of California, Irvine8
- California State Polytechnic University7
leading researchers
Mathias Ross · William A. Sirignano · Christopher Lietz · Frank O. Chandler · William A. Hargus · R. Mitchell Spearrin
prism intelligence · tone & topics
79% positive · 5% critical tone
Space ExplorationAutomotiveAerospaceAviationManufacturingTransportation
▲
Breakthroughs12 · 14%
▲ 10%→18% share
▲1.8× share momentum0 median citations50% since 2021mostly methods-led
Liquid-propellant rocket breakthroughs are rising sharply — papers quadrupled (1→4), driving field-share from 10% to 18%.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Rocket (weapon)1→5
- Liquid-propellant rocket1→4
- Rocket engine1→3
Newly emergingPropellant 0→3
Landmark Atomization and Dense-Fluid Breakup Regimes in Liquid Rocket Engines · 31 cites
◆
Advancements31 · 36%
▲ 36%→39% share
▲1.1× share momentum1 median citations42% since 2021mostly methods-led
Combustion advancements are intensifying — Injector, Detonation, and Combustor sub-topics all newly emerged with 3–4 papers each.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Liquid-propellant rocket1→4
- Rocket (weapon)5→7
- Rocket engine3→5
Newly emergingInjector 0→4 · Detonation 0→3 · Combustor 0→3
Landmark Mission Analysis for the EM-1 CubeSats EQUULEUS and OMOTENASHI · 19 cites
▼
Concerns13 · 15%
▼ 23%→0% share
2 median citations0% since 2021mostly empirical
Concerns segment collapsed from 23% to 0% field-share despite Aerospace engineering holding 7 papers — signal dissipating rapidly.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Aerospace engineering7
- Aeronautics4
- Spacecraft4
- CubeSat3
- Detonation3
Landmark ELaNa – Educational Launch of Nanosatellite: Providing Routine RideShare Opportunities · 43 cites
Common questions
How many Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies are there in California, United States?
Radar tracks 749 indexable Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies headquartered in California, United States that meet our profile-completeness bar.
What is the total funding raised by Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States?
The Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States on this list have raised a combined $34.4B in disclosed equity funding across 281 funded companies.
Which is the highest-funded Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech company in California, United States?
SpaceX is the highest-funded Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech company in California, United States, with $11.9B in disclosed equity funding.
How many Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States are funded?
281 of the 749 Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States on this list have disclosed at least one equity funding round.
How many Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech unicorns are there in California, United States?
16 Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies in California, United States on this list are valued at $1B or more.
Who are the top investors in California, United States Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies?
The most active investors in California, United States Aerospace, Maritime and Defense Tech companies on this list include Y Combinator, Techstars, Starburst, Soma Capital, In-Q-Tel.
Riya SenguptaFinancials
Riya reads income statements for fun. She covers the real money in a sector — revenue, growth, who actually earns — and never met a vague claim she didn't want a number for.