Radar · Drones in California
Best Drones Companies in California, United States
The 270 best Drones companies in California, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: Anduril.
By Riya SenguptaFinancials
270companies tracked
$8.7Bdisclosed funding
5unicorns
99have raised
FLIAR INTELLIGENCE · DRONES × CALIFORNIA
Our analysis of 50 Drones companies
$8.9b in tracked funding; 92% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2025.
50companies analysed
92%cloud-native stacks
2025funding peak (by rounds)
5unicorns
2016median founding year
1Mcombined LinkedIn audience
43%of audience held by top 3
8companies hiring publicly (12 mo)
Ranked: Best Drones companies in California
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Employees | Founded | Founder | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 | 2017 | Matt Grimm Co-Founder & COO | 329 patents Patents concentrated in transport & manufacturing processes | — |
| 2 | 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 | 2015 | Brandon Tseng Co-Founder | — | 1 partnership |
| 3 | Zipline 🦄 Provider of drones for on-demand delivery services 96Moat top 15%Funding top 19%Talent top 19%Market top 23% All 10 signals ▾Moattop 15% Fundingtop 19% Talenttop 19% Markettop 23% Producttop 24% Innovationtop 25% Growthtop 26% Customerstop 26% Techtop 32% Globaltop 36% Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 9/10 · Unicorn Funding: Raised $900M · 11 rounds over 14 yrs (0.8/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 96/100 | $900M | 37 mo ago | 496 | 2011 | Keller Rinaudo Cliffton Co-Founder & CEO | — | 1 launch |
| 4 | 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 | 2014 | Abraham Bachrach Co-Founder & CTO | 614 patents Autonomous drone navigation, perception, control, and adaptive communication for aerial robotics. | 2 job openings |
| 5 | 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 | 2017 | Nathan M Co-Founder | 122 patents Patents concentrated in electrical & electronics | 1 partnership |
| 6 | 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 +68% | 2012 | — | 129 patents Real-time GNSS correction, integrity monitoring, and outlier mitigation for precise positioning | 1 award |
| 7 | 3D Robotics Developer of consumer and commercial drones & autopilot systems | $179M | 109 mo ago | 105 | 2009 | — | 103 patents Automated food manufacturing and material handling equipment | — |
| 8 | DroneDeploy Provider of a cloud software platform for commercial drones | $142M | 64 mo ago | 238 238 → 375 (+58%) · sector median +68% | 2013 | Jono Millin Founder | 21 patents Patents concentrated in computing, sensing & instrumentation | 1 job opening |
| 9 | Dedrone Provider of AI-based smart airspace security solutions | $130M | 47 mo ago | 48 | 2014 | Ingo Seebach Co-Founder & COO | 61 patents UAV detection, tracking, and countermeasure technologies using RF, radar, and signal analysis | — |
| 10 | 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 | 2016 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Airware Develops an integrated platform for delivering drone-based solutions to enterprise clients | $116M | 112 mo ago | 55 | 2011 | — | 78 patents Optical spectroscopy and NDIR sensing technologies for liquid analysis and measurement | — |
| 12 | 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 | 2014 | Daniel Burton Co-Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 13 | Elroy Air Autonomous aircraft systems for cargo delivery purposes 62Growth top 18%News top 20%Funding top 27%Moat top 31% All 10 signals ▾Growthtop 18% Newstop 20% Fundingtop 27% Moattop 31% Talenttop 34% Partnerstop 40% Producttop 49% Techbottom 47% Marketbottom 40% Globalbottom 39% Growth: Headcount 18 → 48 (+167%) across vintages · Fresh capital in last 24 mo News: 6 BI events in 12 mo (of 31 tracked, 6 types) · +200% YoY rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $110M | 19 mo ago | 48 48 → 45 (-6%) · sector median +68% | 2016 | Clint Cope Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder | — | 2 launchs · 2 partnerships |
| 14 | Pyka Autonomous electric aircraft for agriculture, cargo, and defense applications 53Funding top 27%Moat top 31%Growth top 38%Innovation top 40% All 12 signals ▾Fundingtop 27% Moattop 31% Growthtop 38% Innovationtop 40% Patentstop 41% Producttop 49% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 44% Marketbottom 42% Techbottom 41% Partnersbottom 35% Newsbottom 23% Funding: Raised $88.1M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 9 yrs (0.4/yr) Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 8/10 · IP moat: 9 patents rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 53/100 | $88M | 20 mo ago | 44 | 2016 | Chuma Ogunwole Co-Founder and COO | 9 patents Autonomous UAV precision spraying systems and aircraft propulsion technologies | 3 launchs |
| 15 | AirMap Provider of planning software for drone collision avoidance and airspace information | $75M | 72 mo ago | 33 | 2014 | — | 9 patents Autonomous UAV flight path planning and control systems | — |
| 16 | Volansi Logistics delivery solutions with VTOL drone delivery | $75M | 69 mo ago | 70 | 2015 | — | 25 patents Hybrid heavy‑fuel VTOL UAV platforms with modular ISR payload capability. | — |
| 17 | Skycatch Developer of drone automation and data analysis software platform solutions | $74M | 62 mo ago | 10 | 2013 | Christian Sanz CEO | 46 patents UAV aerial photogrammetry: precise camera positioning, 3D mapping, mission planning, stockpile analytics | — |
| 18 | Kespry Provider of aerial intelligence platform | $61M | 86 mo ago | 57 | 2013 | — | 41 patents Autonomous UAV inspection, path planning, and recovery systems for infrastructure data collection | — |
| 19 | Cape Cloud-based drone telepresence platform for secure remote drone operation | $61M | 26 mo ago | 16 | 2014 | — | — | — |
| 20 | SkySafe Provider of cloud-connected drone detection systems 67Innovation top 28%Growth top 28%Funding top 30%Patents top 30% All 10 signals ▾Innovationtop 28% Growthtop 28% Fundingtop 30% Patentstop 30% Producttop 30% Moattop 32% Techtop 37% Marketbottom 40% Globalbottom 39% Newsbottom 22% Innovation: 40 patents (top 36% of patent-holders) · 29 filings since 2022 vs 11 in 2017-21 Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $45M | 17 mo ago | 47 | 2015 | — | 40 patents Drone detection, monitoring, and mitigation using edge computing and RF frequency-hopping technologies | 1 launch · 2 awards |
| 21 | 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 | — | 2011 | Andreas Raptopoulos Founder & CEO | 25 patents UAV logistics: ground stations and autonomous aerial transport systems | — |
| 22 | Matternet Developer of flying drones for last-mile logistics services | $34M | 58 mo ago | 31 31 → 56 (+81%) · sector median +68% | 2011 | Dimitar Pachov ex-Co-Founder | 25 patents Autonomous UAV logistics networks with ground stations for cargo transport | 2 partnerships |
| 23 | 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 | 2022 | Chad M Co-Founder | 33 patents Modular, additively‑manufactured UAV airframes and rapid‑assembly mission‑adaptable drone systems | 4 job openings |
| 24 | WhiteFox Defense Technologies Develops counter-drone systems | $32M | 60 mo ago | 14 14 → 35 (+150%) · sector median +68% | 2012 | Luke Fox Founder & CEO | 14 patents Cybersecurity and secure device management for connected/autonomous vehicles | — |
| 25 | B GARAGE Provider of drone-based warehouse inventory solutions | $30M | 35 mo ago | 13 | 2017 | Aiden Kim Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 26 | Eavision Tech Precision agriculture solutions provider specializing in autonomous drones and AI technology | $30M | 61 mo ago | 21 | 2015 | — | — | 2 expansions |
| 27 | Corvus Robotics Autonomous drone systems for warehouse inventory management and disinfection 35Product top 32%Funding top 34%Innovation top 37%Patents top 39% All 11 signals ▾Producttop 32% Fundingtop 34% Innovationtop 37% Patentstop 39% Moattop 42% Growthtop 48% Newsbottom 42% Techbottom 41% Talentbottom 40% Globalbottom 39% Marketbottom 25% Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo, 1 the year before · 12 distinct product lines Funding: Raised $28.1M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 9 yrs (0.3/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 35/100 | $28M | 21 mo ago | 10 | 2017 | Mohammed Kabir Co-Founder & CTO | 11 patents Autonomous material handling robots and aerial drone logistics, including navigation, docking, and extreme‑temp operation. | — |
| 28 | 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 | 2015 | Aleksey Matyushev Co-Founder & CEO | 2 patents Optimized cargo bay configuration for blended-wing-body aircraft | 1 job opening · 2 launchs |
| 29 | Hivemapper Network of contributors providing real-time street-level mapping data and applications 64AI top 15%Growth top 28%Tech top 28%Funding top 33% All 12 signals ▾AItop 15% Growthtop 28% Techtop 28% Fundingtop 33% Customerstop 34% Talenttop 41% Producttop 46% Moattop 47% Innovationbottom 40% Globalbottom 37% Marketbottom 34% Patentsbottom 29% AI: Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC) Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $23M | 11 mo ago | 23 23 → 43 (+87%) · sector median +68% | 2015 | Ariel Seidman Co-Founder | 2 patents 3D geo-registered mapping from imagery for autonomous navigation | — |
| 30 | 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 | 2016 | Chris Eheim Founder + CTO | 18 patents Autonomous multicopter drones for security surveillance, auto‑landing, and sensor‑network integration | — |
| 31 | 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 | 2015 | — | — | — |
| 32 | BrightAI Developer of an AI platform for infrastructure monitoring and management 72AI top 18%Growth top 28%Patents top 31%Funding top 32% All 10 signals ▾AItop 18% Growthtop 28% Patentstop 31% Fundingtop 32% Innovationtop 34% Techtop 38% Moattop 38% Talentbottom 49% Marketbottom 41% Globalbottom 33% AI: Classified as an AI company · Holds AI/ML patents (G06N-family CPC) Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 72/100 | $14M | 12 mo ago | 49 | 2019 | Alex Hawkinson Founder & CEO | 24 patents AI-driven multi-sensor environmental mapping and real-time object/feature detection | — |
| 33 | Bone Developer of autonomous drones and integrated AI systems for deployment 69Innovation top 16%Patents top 20%Funding top 43%Talent bottom 49% All 5 signals ▾Innovationtop 16% Patentstop 20% Fundingtop 43% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 42% Innovation: 294 patents (top 8% of patent-holders) · 146 filings since 2022 vs 74 in 2017-21 Patents: 294 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 146 filings since 2022 vs 74 in 2017-21 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $12M | 7 mo ago | — | 2024 | D Lee Founder & CEO | 294 patents Orthopedic fixation implants and bone preparation/augmentation devices for spine and pelvis | — |
| 34 | LaunchPoint Provider of hybrid electric propulsion systems and modeling software | $11M | 26 mo ago | 35 | 1992 | Brad Paden Co-Founder | 42 patents Advanced electromagnetic energy storage and high-efficiency electric machine technologies | 9 job openings |
| 35 | Neros Manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles and ground control station systems 50Growth top 28%Funding top 30%Talent top 38%News top 49% All 8 signals ▾Growthtop 28% Fundingtop 30% Talenttop 38% Newstop 49% Techbottom 42% Moatbottom 38% Globalbottom 37% Marketbottom 36% Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo Funding: Raised $10.9M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 2 yrs (1.5/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $11M | 7 mo ago | — | 2023 | Soren Monroe-Anderson Co-Founder & CEO | — | 2 launchs · 1 partnership · 1 expansion |
| 36 | Rain Industries Provider of fire detection drones for environmental monitoring | $10M | 32 mo ago | 13 | 2019 | Ephraim Nowak Co-Founder | — | — |
| 37 | Ulysses Ecosystem Engineering Developer of autonomous underwater drones 27Talent top 38%Funding top 48%Global bottom 48%Tech bottom 45% All 5 signals ▾Talenttop 38% Fundingtop 48% Globalbottom 48% Techbottom 45% Marketbottom 31% Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $9.5M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 2 yrs (1.0/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 27/100 | $10M | 14 mo ago | — | 2023 | Jamie Wedderburn Co-Founder | — | — |
| 38 | Buzz Solutions Platform to process the data acquired by third-party drones | $10M | 28 mo ago | 7 | 2017 | Vikhyat Chaudhry Founder | 7 patents Patents concentrated in health & consumer products | 1 job opening |
| 39 | Vantage Robotics Creates unmanned aircraft systems | $9M | 37 mo ago | 19 19 → 34 (+79%) · sector median +68% | 2013 | Joe Niekerk Co-Founder & CTO | 23 patents Patents concentrated in transport & manufacturing processes | — |
| 40 | 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 +68% | 2019 | Manal Habib Founder & CEO | 8 patents Autonomous drone logistics with payload transport and aerial collision‑avoidance systems | — |
| 41 | Avion Developer of drones for delivery | $5M | 34 mo ago | 21 | 2018 | Brook A Co-Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 42 | Theseus GPS denied navigation for drones | $5M | 14 mo ago | — | 2024 | Ian Laffey Co-Founder | 4 patents AI-driven spinal surgery planning and pedicle screw placement prediction systems | — |
| 43 | Paladin Drones Drone management tool to give first responders a live feed of emergencies 40Growth top 35%Funding top 38%Tech top 38%Moat top 48% All 7 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 38% Techtop 38% Moattop 48% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 32% Marketbottom 28% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Funding: Raised $4.4M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 8 yrs (0.5/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 40/100 | $4M | 10 mo ago | 10 | 2018 | Divy Shrivastava Founder & CEO | — | 2 job openings · 1 launch |
| 44 | Birdstop Builds automated docking stations for commercial drones | $2M | 10 mo ago | 4 | 2017 | Keith Miao Co-Founder & CEO | 3 patents UAV navigation and large-scale drone communication network infrastructure | — |
| 45 | Parallel Flight Provider of a drone platform for industrial applications | $1M | 15 mo ago | 14 | 2018 | — | 16 patents Hybrid propulsion and clutch systems for UAV thrust and payload handling | 2 launchs |
| 46 | Aerobotics7 Developer of technology for landmine detection and neutralization | $1M | 13 mo ago | 10 | 2016 | Harshwardhansinh Zala Co-Founder & CEO | 3 patents Aerial UAV-based detection and neutralization of landmines and unexploded ordnance | — |
| 47 | LineSpect Smart camera solutions for precision agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and biofuel production | $650K | 21 mo ago | — | 2014 | Ike van Cruyningen Founder & CEO | — | — |
| 48 | Aerhart Provider of advanced technological solutions for the aerospace and defense industries | $550K | 15 mo ago | — | 2017 | Kevin Burns Founder | 9 patents Air‑breathing electric propulsion and VTOL/folding‑wing aircraft structural technologies | — |
| 49 | Persistence Data Mining Provides aerial mapping, image processing and data analytics services for precision agriculture | $455K | 20 mo ago | 9 | 2012 | Brian Zamudio CEO & President | — | — |
| 50 | ChangeAerial Provides tools and services for using aerial pictures in automated change detection analyses | $275K | 23 mo ago | — | 2020 | Andrea Sotgiu Co-Founder | — | — |
Top 12 Drones companies in California
#1
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
#2
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 — 14.9% 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
#3
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 — 13.4% 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
#4
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
#5
Epirus 🦄Series D · Los Angeles, California · founded 2017 · 218 employees$288.7Mraised▾
Epirus 🦄
Series D · Los Angeles, California · founded 2017 · 218 employees
Developer of high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare and air defense. The company combines solid-state, long-pulse high-power microwave systems with artificial intelligence and advanced electronics. It offers systems for layered short-range air defense and maneuver short-range defense. The company also provides testing and validation for electronic effects on long-range targets. It develops capabilities to defend high-value assets and provides compact electronic warfare. The company delivers air domain awareness using perception capabilities.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 78how this company ranks against its industry peers
Patents
top 17%Innovation
top 22%Funding
top 22%Moat
top 22%Talent
top 28%Market
top 41%Patents: 122 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 110 filings since 2022 vs 12 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Innovation: 122 patents (top 16% of patent-holders) · 110 filings since 2022 vs 12 in 2017-21 · Deep-tech classification: Tech Hardware
Funding: Raised $289M across 6 rounds · 6 rounds over 7 yrs (0.9/yr) · Last round Series D (Oct 2025)
Audience (LinkedIn): 51k LinkedIn followers — 5.1% of this cohort's audience
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 partnerships (incl. Epirus + General Dynamics Land Systems) announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Oct 2025Series D—
- Mar 2025Series D$250M
- Jan 2022Series C$200M
- Dec 2021Grant (prize money)$243K
Founders & team
Investors
T. Rowe Price, 8VC, Bedrock, Broom Ventures, I Squared, Gaingels
Tech stack
CdnjsCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCloudflare TurnstileCore-JsDocusign
#6
Series A · Mountain View, California · founded 2011$40.1Mraised▾
Series A · Mountain View, California · founded 2011
Provider of autonomous drone networks. Its drones, such as the Matternet M2, enable the transportation of lab samples, pharmaceuticals, and other medical supplies, as well as consumer goods.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 42how this company ranks against its industry peers
Moat
top 34%Growth
top 35%Funding
top 42%Patents
top 43%Innovation
top 47%Talent
bottom 49%Moat: IP moat: 25 patents · 9 curated direct competitors tracked
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Funding: Raised $40.1M across 6 rounds · 6 rounds over 13 yrs (0.5/yr) · Last round Conventional Debt (Mar 2026)
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Conventional Debt$6M
- Aug 2021Series A—
- Jan 2020Series A$5.7M
- Jun 2018Series A$16M
Founders & team
Investors
Andreessen Horowitz, QueensBridge Venture Partners, UpHonest Capital, McKesson Ventures, Alchemist Accelerator, RattanIndia Finance
Tech stack
AngularApple Icloud MailCart FunctionalityCore-JsGoogle WorkspaceHsts
#7
Series B · San Diego, California · founded 2022 · 22 employees$32.5Mraised▾
Series B · San Diego, California · founded 2022 · 22 employees
Developer of modular, mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems and manufacturing solutions. The company provides adaptable aerial vehicles and aims to reduce total ownership costs through digital efficiencies. It offers manufacturing cells for unmanned aerial systems, spare parts, and polymer needs. The company's systems feature open architecture, extending modularity to the airframe.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 53how this company ranks against its industry peers
Patents
top 27%Talent
top 28%Innovation
top 31%Funding
top 36%Moat
top 38%Growth
top 45%Patents: 33 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 33 filings since 2022 vs 0 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated
Innovation: 33 patents (top 40% of patent-holders) · 33 filings since 2022 vs 0 in 2017-21 · Deep-tech classification: Tech Hardware
Audience (LinkedIn): 38k LinkedIn followers — 3.8% of this cohort's audience
Hiring (LinkedIn): 4 hiring posts in 12 mo (public) · momentum +4 · hiring: Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Systems Engineer, Metal Manufacturing
Funding rounds
- Feb 2026Series B$82M
- Jul 2025Series A$35M
- Jul 2025Venture Debt$12M
- Jun 2025Series A$10M
Founders & team
Investors
Lockheed Martin, Decisive Point, 645 Ventures, Marquee Ventures, Cubit Capital, Backswing Ventures
Tech stack
Apple Icloud MailCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementGodaddyGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Font Api
#8
Series A · Santa Clara, California · founded 2015 · 50 employees$15.8Mraised▾
Series A · Santa Clara, California · founded 2015 · 50 employees
Provider of drones. It offers various drone systems which can be used for a solution such as a drone surveying & mapping, UAV surveillance, underwater surveillance, and crop spraying.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 37how this company ranks against its industry peers
Growth
top 35%Funding
top 44%Partners
top 45%Innovation
bottom 46%Product
bottom 45%Market
bottom 40%Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Funding: Raised $15.8M across 4 rounds · 4 rounds over 9 yrs (0.4/yr) · Last round Series A (Apr 2026)
Partners: 0 partnership announcements in 12 mo (1 in 24 mo)
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Series A—
- Oct 2023Series A$6.9M
- Sep 2019Grant (prize money)$1.5M
- Sep 2017Grant (prize money)$59.3K
Investors
Nagoya Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation, Aisan Technology, Canon, KDDI, Mitsubishi Corporation, SHO-BOND Holdings
Tech stack
All In One SeoApache Http ServerCloudflareContact Form 7Font AwesomeGoogle Analytics
#9
Series E · San Francisco, California · founded 2012 · 102 employees$200Mraised▾
Series E · San Francisco, California · founded 2012 · 102 employees
Provider of precise positioning solutions for automotive, mobile, and mass markets. The company delivers GNSS positioning solutions designed for autonomous applications. It offers a suite of positioning solutions that are accurate, affordable, easily integrated, reliable, and secure. The company designs and assembles products to benefit customers across the globe.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 74how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 19%Innovation
top 20%Patents
top 22%Tech
top 24%Moat
top 26%Product
top 29%Funding: Raised $200M across 6 rounds · 6 rounds over 12 yrs (0.5/yr) · Last round Series E (Jul 2025)
Innovation: 129 patents (top 9% of patent-holders) · 97 filings since 2022 vs 31 in 2017-21 · 12 product lines
Patents: 129 patents matched (strict assignee match) · 97 filings since 2022 vs 31 in 2017-21 · Latest publication 2026
Audience (LinkedIn): 11k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 awards announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Jul 2025Series E$50M
- Oct 2022Series D$100M
- Feb 2021Series C$50M
- Jun 2017Series B$34M
Investors
First Round Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Eclipse, EPIQ, Global Brain, KDDI Open Innovation Fund
Tech stack
Amazon SesAmazon Web ServicesAtlassian StatuspageBootstrapCart FunctionalityCloudflare
#10
Series A · San Jose, California · founded 2015 · 17 employees$28Mraised▾
Series A · San Jose, California · founded 2015 · 17 employees
Develops a large unmanned aerial vehicle for cargo transport. It is a drone company that is developing a large fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle. The UAV has been designed for carrying cargo over large distances. It is an autonomous UAV that can fly at an altitude of 20000 ft.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 24how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 34%Product
top 41%Moat
top 47%Tech
top 48%News
top 48%Talent
bottom 49%Funding: Raised $28.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 9 yrs (0.1/yr) · Last round Series A (Feb 2026)
Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo · 3 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series A
Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 5/10 · IP moat: 2 patents · 9 curated direct competitors tracked
Audience (LinkedIn): 23k LinkedIn followers — 2.2% of this cohort's audience
Hiring (LinkedIn): 1 hiring post in 12 mo (public) · hiring: Business Operations Project Manager
Activity (LinkedIn): 2 product launches announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Feb 2026Series A$28M
- Nov 2017Seed—
Founders & team
Investors
Starburst, Seraph Group, Outpost Capital, Draper, Gelt Venture Capital, Type One Ventures
Tech stack
BootstrapCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCore-JsElementorEssential Addons For Elementor
#11
Series B · San Francisco, California · founded 2016 · 30 employees$22.1Mraised▾
Series B · San Francisco, California · founded 2016 · 30 employees
Provider of AI-driven home security solutions using smart lighting and drones. The smart lights are integrated into a stick form factor that also contains motion sensors to detect intruders. The stick can be stuck on the grounds of a house and when a trespasser is detected. When unusual activity is detected, the companion drone can be sent to collect video. The drone is a quadcopter that flies autonomously and records video using a combined IR and optical camera.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 62how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 31%Innovation
top 35%Growth
top 35%Patents
top 36%Moat
top 37%Talent
top 38%Funding: Raised $22.1M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 10 yrs (0.5/yr) · Last round Series B (Nov 2025)
Innovation: 18 patents (top 54% of patent-holders) · 5 filings since 2022 vs 3 in 2017-21 · Deep-tech classification: Tech Hardware
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Audience (LinkedIn): 6k LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- Nov 2025Series B$16M
- Dec 2023Series A$1.5M
- Jan 2022Series A$15M
- 2019Seed—
Founders & team
Investors
General Catalyst, Stanley Ventures, Gentian Investments, Drone Fund, All Turtles, Pbfs.com
Tech stack
Framer SitesGoogle MapsGoogle Tag ManagerGoogle WorkspaceHstsHttp/3
#12
Series D · Santa Monica, California · founded 2014 · 194 employees$114Mraised▾
Series D · Santa Monica, California · founded 2014 · 194 employees
Provider of drone-based inspection software platform. It uses machine learning for data and image-based inspection, analytics, and lifecycle management. It also captures visual data for inspections of energy and infrastructure assets.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 76how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 18%Tech
top 27%AI
top 30%Moat
top 31%Market
top 42%Growth
top 45%Funding: Raised $114M across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 11 yrs (0.7/yr) · Last round Series D (Mar 2025)
Tech: 44 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare · Observability: Sentry
AI: Classified as an AI company · Product described with: machine learning
Audience (LinkedIn): 29k LinkedIn followers — 2.9% of this cohort's audience
Funding rounds
- Mar 2025Series D$60M
- Feb 2023Series C$55M
- Oct 2021Series C$20M
- Jun 2021Series C$12.5M
Founders & team
Investors
Valor Equity Partners, Union Square Ventures, Upfront Ventures, Energy Transition Ventures, Euclidean Capital, Hearst
Tech stack
AngularApple Icloud MailCart FunctionalityCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCore-Js
Funding & investor landscape
$8.7Btotal disclosed funding
92companies funded
283disclosed rounds
5rounds last 90 days
Most active investors
Y Combinator9 rounds
Notable founders
Matt Grimm
Co-Founder & COO · Anduril
Joseph Chen
Co-Founder · Anduril
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
Nathan M
Co-Founder · Epirus
Grant Verstandig
Co-Founder · Epirus
Andreas Raptopoulos
Founder & CEO · Matternet
Chad M
Co-Founder · Firestorm
Dan Magy
Co-Founder · Firestorm
Aleksey Matyushev
Co-Founder & CEO · Natilus
Prism market signals · United States · country-scoped Prism corpus, 738,292 docs
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Drones 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 Drones Uav in California is moving
A read on the academic research around Drones Uav in California — which themes are gaining ground, the institutions and researchers driving them, and how the tone is shifting. Based on 412 papers.
UC Berkeley, USC, and UC Irvine lead California's UAV research, focusing on applications, path planning, and surveillance, with a predominantly optimistic tone toward breakthroughs and advancements.
412 papers · stance +0.50 · 44% breakthrough · 16% concern
top institutions
- University of California, Berkeley60
- University of Southern California40
- University of California, Irvine37
- University of California, Santa Barbara34
- California Institute of Technology32
leading researchers
Karen E. Joyce · Kate C. Fickas · Michelle Kalamandeen · Avideh Zakhor · Marco Levorato · YangQuan Chen
prism intelligence · tone & topics
93% positive · 5% critical tone
Artificial IntelligenceRoboticsEnvironmentComputer ScienceAviationAgriculture
▲
Breakthroughs161 · 39%
▲ 23%→40% share
▲1.7× share momentum3 median citations73% since 2021mostly methods-led
Computer vision research is surging — papers grew from 1 to 12 as UAV autonomy demands intensify in California.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Computer vision1→12
- Real-time computing1→8
- Aeronautics1→8
- Wing1→7
- Aerospace engineering2→6
Newly emergingSoftware deployment 0→8 · Trajectory 0→7 · Morphing 0→7
Landmark Soliton microcomb range measurement · 678 cites
◆
Advancements143 · 35%
▼ 36%→35% share
▲1.0× share momentum2 median citations73% since 2021mostly methods-led
Archaeological remote sensing is rising sharply — context (archaeology) papers grew 1 to 11, reflecting UAV survey adoption.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Context (archaeology)1→11
- Remote sensing1→7
- Wildlife1→5
- Photogrammetry1→4
- Aeronautics1→4
Newly emergingComputer vision 0→12 · Environmental resource management 0→9 · Sustainability 0→9
Landmark A Survey on Aerial Swarm Robotics · 620 cites
▼
Concerns58 · 14%
▼ 36%→11% share
▼0.3× share momentum8 median citations55% since 2021mostly position pieces
Drone cybersecurity research is cooling overall despite computer security papers rising 1 to 3 within a shrinking 36%→11% field-share.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Key (lock)1→4
- Computer security1→3
Newly emergingField (mathematics) 0→3
Landmark Drones: Innovative Technology for Use in Precision Pest Management · 271 cites
Common questions
How many Drones companies are there in California, United States?
Radar tracks 270 indexable Drones companies headquartered in California, United States that meet our profile-completeness bar.
What is the total funding raised by Drones companies in California, United States?
The Drones companies in California, United States on this list have raised a combined $8.7B in disclosed equity funding across 92 funded companies.
Which is the highest-funded Drones company in California, United States?
Anduril is the highest-funded Drones company in California, United States, with $3.8B in disclosed equity funding.
How many Drones companies in California, United States are funded?
92 of the 270 Drones companies in California, United States on this list have disclosed at least one equity funding round.
How many Drones unicorns are there in California, United States?
5 Drones companies in California, United States on this list are valued at $1B or more.
Who are the top investors in California, United States Drones companies?
The most active investors in California, United States Drones companies on this list include Techstars, Y Combinator, Andreessen Horowitz, Hemisphere Ventures, Alchemist Accelerator.
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.