Airware Secures $25M to Launch Commercial Drone OS for Enterprise Applications
Revolutionizing Commercial Drones with a Customizable Operating System
Building drones from scratch is both costly and complex, while open-source alternatives often lack flexibility. To bridge this gap, Airware has raised $25 million in Series B funding led by Kleiner Perkins. This investment will accelerate the launch of Airware’s commercial drone operating system, featuring autopilot hardware, advanced navigation, software, and cloud-based data analytics.
Key Highlights:
- Total funding now at $40M, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and First Round Capital
- Mike Abbott (Kleiner Perkins) joins the board, bringing expertise from Twitter’s engineering growth
- Focus on vertically integrated solutions for industries like agriculture, wildlife conservation, and industrial inspections
From Aviation Roots to Drone Innovation
The Visionary Behind Airware
Jonathan Downey, Airware’s founder and CEO, grew up in a family of pilots—his parents, grandfather, and uncle all took to the skies. His early exposure to aviation led him to MIT, where he founded a student drone club. There, he recognized the limitations of open-source drone frameworks for commercial applications.
After developing autonomous helicopters for Boeing, Downey identified a critical gap: a reliable, flexible drone platform that businesses could customize without reinventing the wheel. In 2012, he assembled a team of Boeing engineers and launched Airware.
Milestones & Growth
- 2013: Joined Y Combinator and secured $3M seed funding led by Google Ventures
- 2014: Raised $12.2M Series A from Andreessen Horowitz
- Beta tested drone technology in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy for anti-poaching surveillance
Preparing for Commercial Takeoff
Beta Testing & Industry Partnerships
Over the past six months, Airware has collaborated with drone manufacturers Delta Drone and Cyber Technology to refine its platform. Downey emphasizes reliability as a top priority, given the high stakes of drone operations.
“Building drones in-house is hard, expensive, and distracts from customer needs.” — Jonathan Downey
Expanding the Ecosystem
Airware’s platform is designed to enable an ecosystem of drone manufacturers and third-party developers. Post-launch, the company plans to focus on:
- Compatibility enhancements
- Strategic partnerships
- Global regulatory compliance
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
With the FAA set to release new drone regulations, Downey advocates for balanced policies that ensure safety without stifling innovation. He warns:
“Overly restrictive rules could push startups overseas or encourage non-compliance.”
The Future of Drones: Beyond Warfare
Downey envisions drones as tools for positive impact, from wildlife conservation to precision agriculture. He draws parallels to GPS technology, which evolved from military use to everyday applications.
“As drones help save rhinos, boost crop yields, and reduce pesticides, public acceptance will grow.”
Inside Airware’s Innovation Lab
Airware’s San Francisco lab features cutting-edge testing equipment, including the Ideal Aerosmith, a machine that simulates extreme flight conditions. The team also houses drones from compe*****s—jokingly referred to as a “sentience containment cage.”
Featured Drone Models:
- Delta Y: Parachute-landing drone
- UASUSA Tempest: Bungee-launched winged drone
Looking Ahead
With $40M in funding and a seasoned leadership team, Airware is poised to transform commercial drone operations—making them safer, smarter, and more accessible for businesses worldwide.
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