Draper Associates

Draper Associates, established in 1985, is a California-based venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage investments. The company focuses on backing exceptional teams globally that are developing transformative technologies in sectors such as new media, gaming, SaaS, cloud, fintech, IoT, and mobile. Draper Associates aims to facilitate growth and industry disruption, with portfolio companies demonstrating significant market impact and potential for future fundraising.

Sahir Ali

Limited Partner

Maxime Bucaille

Investor

Megan Kurohara

Investor

Tyrone Lee

Venture Partner

Past deals in Aerospace

Firehawk Aerospace

Series C in 2025
Firehawk Aerospace Inc. is a private aerospace company founded in 2018, with headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, and an additional office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company specializes in advanced rocket propulsion technology, focusing on the development of custom rocket engines and innovative propulsion systems. Firehawk Aerospace aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the space industry by utilizing proprietary additive manufacturing techniques to produce 3D-printed rocket fuel grains. These custom fuel grains can be tailored to specific sizes and thrust profiles, allowing for precise mission requirements. The company's engine technology combines the efficiency and reliability of liquid bi-propellant engines with the safety and simplicity of hybrid engines, making space transportation more accessible and scalable for various applications.

Cognitive Space

Seed Round in 2023
Cognitive Space specializes in developing an artificial intelligence platform aimed at enhancing satellite constellation management. The company's technology enables effective mission management, collections planning, and communication link coordination, helping organizations maximize the revenue and operational capabilities of their satellite networks. By focusing on autonomous asset management, the platform allows commercial satellite operators to optimize capacity in response to evolving demands within a dynamic environment. This innovative approach enhances the organization and orchestration of intelligent machines, ultimately improving the management of Earth's monitoring for various sectors, including economic, environmental, and national security considerations.

Alef Aeronautics

Venture Round in 2023
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Rosotics

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Rosotics specializes in advanced metal 3D printing and additive manufacturing, focusing on creating solutions for the aerospace, naval, and defense industries. The company is a pioneer in induction-based metal 3D printing, which allows for the efficient production of complex structures that are typically challenging to manufacture. By utilizing a rapid induction printing platform, Rosotics can liquefy metal feedstock, resulting in a highly efficient manufacturing process that consumes significantly less energy and material compared to traditional methods. This innovative approach addresses critical challenges in industrial engineering, helping clients streamline production and implementation while overcoming existing bottlenecks.

Team Wildfire

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Team Wildfire specializes in developing innovative solutions for wildfire suppression and environmental protection. The company manufactures advanced jet engine sprays designed to effectively suppress fires, capture embers, defend structures, and enhance the safety of evacuation routes. Through the application of sophisticated engineering, tactics, and chemistries, Team Wildfire addresses a range of environmental challenges, including wildfire management, reforestation efforts, dust control, oil spill remediation, and protection against nuclear and biological threats. By focusing on these critical areas, the company aims to safeguard people, property, and the environment.

Team Wildfire

Seed Round in 2023
Team Wildfire specializes in developing innovative solutions for wildfire suppression and environmental protection. The company manufactures advanced jet engine sprays designed to effectively suppress fires, capture embers, defend structures, and enhance the safety of evacuation routes. Through the application of sophisticated engineering, tactics, and chemistries, Team Wildfire addresses a range of environmental challenges, including wildfire management, reforestation efforts, dust control, oil spill remediation, and protection against nuclear and biological threats. By focusing on these critical areas, the company aims to safeguard people, property, and the environment.

Slingshot Aerospace

Series A in 2022
Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. is a technology company that develops online tools and platforms to provide geospatial information for the aerospace and defense industries. With its suite of platforms, including Slingshot Earth, Slingshot Orbital, Slingshot Edge, and Slingshot Imagery, the company integrates data streams from various sources, such as satellites, drones, and ground-based sensors, to deliver critical insights that enhance decision-making for its clients. Operating from its headquarters in El Segundo, California, and an additional office in Austin, Texas, Slingshot Aerospace serves a diverse range of sectors, including energy, aerospace, insurance, military, government, engineering services, and emergency management. The company's mission is to empower both government and commercial space organizations by providing simulation and analytics solutions that improve mission success and ensure safe, reliable operations in complex environments.

Gravitics

Seed Round in 2022
Gravitics, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of large-scale space structures, including orbital carriers, cargo logistics spacecraft, and modules for space stations. The company aims to redefine capabilities in space by providing advanced aerospace station technology that serves as foundational elements for human life in space. Utilizing next-generation hardware, Gravitics offers innovative solutions that incorporate interfacing options and robust space armor, facilitating shipyard-style fabrication within the aerospace sector. This enables clients to efficiently execute their missions in outer space and fosters the commercial development of activities in Earth orbit and beyond.

Alef Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2022
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Firehawk Aerospace

Series B in 2022
Firehawk Aerospace Inc. is a private aerospace company founded in 2018, with headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, and an additional office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company specializes in advanced rocket propulsion technology, focusing on the development of custom rocket engines and innovative propulsion systems. Firehawk Aerospace aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the space industry by utilizing proprietary additive manufacturing techniques to produce 3D-printed rocket fuel grains. These custom fuel grains can be tailored to specific sizes and thrust profiles, allowing for precise mission requirements. The company's engine technology combines the efficiency and reliability of liquid bi-propellant engines with the safety and simplicity of hybrid engines, making space transportation more accessible and scalable for various applications.

Outpost

Seed Round in 2022
Outpost Technologies is focused on advancing sustainable space exploration by developing reusable satellite technologies. The company aims to transform the space industry by providing efficient services for launching and returning payloads to Earth. By emphasizing reusable systems, Outpost seeks to reduce the costs and time associated with space missions, thereby fostering a more sustainable and iterative space economy. Their offerings include Earth return capabilities for satellites and support for orbital payload missions, catering to the needs of clients in the aviation and aerospace sectors. An inquiry form on their website facilitates customer engagement and service requests.

Rosotics

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Rosotics specializes in advanced metal 3D printing and additive manufacturing, focusing on creating solutions for the aerospace, naval, and defense industries. The company is a pioneer in induction-based metal 3D printing, which allows for the efficient production of complex structures that are typically challenging to manufacture. By utilizing a rapid induction printing platform, Rosotics can liquefy metal feedstock, resulting in a highly efficient manufacturing process that consumes significantly less energy and material compared to traditional methods. This innovative approach addresses critical challenges in industrial engineering, helping clients streamline production and implementation while overcoming existing bottlenecks.

M Aerospace RTC

Pre Seed Round in 2022
M Aerospace RTC is an aerospace company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2018. It specializes in advanced metal 3D printing technology, focusing on the development of large-scale metal printers. The company offers a diverse range of metal materials and combinations, enabling the production of significant components. M Aerospace RTC aims to support the 3D printing industry by providing rapid prototyping and cost-effective production solutions, thereby enhancing manufacturing capabilities in various sectors.

Venus Aerospace

Series A in 2022
Venus Aerospace is a startup aerospace company established in 2020 that specializes in hypersonic transportation. The company is dedicated to engineering solutions that enable one-hour global transport, aiming to connect the world more efficiently and safely. Venus Aerospace focuses on developing rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles for various applications, including research, defense, and commercial missions. With a team of experts that includes PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, the company addresses significant challenges in aerospace by achieving speeds of up to Mach 9.

Aquarian Space

Seed Round in 2022
Aquarian Space is focused on developing a high-speed communication network for interplanetary exploration. This innovative infrastructure addresses significant challenges in lunar and deep space communications, enabling enhanced data transfer and communication capabilities. By advancing existing communications technology, Aquarian Space aims to facilitate the next phase of human expansion throughout the solar system, supporting various clients in their efforts to explore and utilize space more effectively.

Slingshot Aerospace

Series A in 2022
Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. is a technology company that develops online tools and platforms to provide geospatial information for the aerospace and defense industries. With its suite of platforms, including Slingshot Earth, Slingshot Orbital, Slingshot Edge, and Slingshot Imagery, the company integrates data streams from various sources, such as satellites, drones, and ground-based sensors, to deliver critical insights that enhance decision-making for its clients. Operating from its headquarters in El Segundo, California, and an additional office in Austin, Texas, Slingshot Aerospace serves a diverse range of sectors, including energy, aerospace, insurance, military, government, engineering services, and emergency management. The company's mission is to empower both government and commercial space organizations by providing simulation and analytics solutions that improve mission success and ensure safe, reliable operations in complex environments.

Alef Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2021
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Alef Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2021
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Venus Aerospace

Seed Round in 2021
Venus Aerospace is a startup aerospace company established in 2020 that specializes in hypersonic transportation. The company is dedicated to engineering solutions that enable one-hour global transport, aiming to connect the world more efficiently and safely. Venus Aerospace focuses on developing rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles for various applications, including research, defense, and commercial missions. With a team of experts that includes PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, the company addresses significant challenges in aerospace by achieving speeds of up to Mach 9.

Precious Payload

Seed Round in 2020
Precious Payload offers mission management services designed to simplify the planning and execution of space missions. The company provides a unified format and set of APIs that help space entrepreneurs test business and technology hypotheses more efficiently, enabling them to achieve results ten times faster and at a significantly lower cost. By managing mission progress, outsourcing licensing and export regulations, and tracking mission roadmaps, Precious Payload supports clients in navigating the complexities of the space industry, ultimately facilitating a more streamlined approach to launching and managing space-related projects.

Precious Payload

Seed Round in 2020
Precious Payload offers mission management services designed to simplify the planning and execution of space missions. The company provides a unified format and set of APIs that help space entrepreneurs test business and technology hypotheses more efficiently, enabling them to achieve results ten times faster and at a significantly lower cost. By managing mission progress, outsourcing licensing and export regulations, and tracking mission roadmaps, Precious Payload supports clients in navigating the complexities of the space industry, ultimately facilitating a more streamlined approach to launching and managing space-related projects.

Alef Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2020
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

JetPack Aviation

Seed Round in 2019
JetPack Aviation is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Founded in 2015 and based in Chatsworth, California, it offers two main products: the Military/Commercial Speeder and the Recreational Speeder. These flying motorcycles are intended for various applications, including military operations, personal transportation, and medical supply delivery. The vehicles are powered by kerosene, diesel, and twin-turbo jet engines, allowing for rapid ascent and efficient transport. Their uses range from delivering medicines and critical supplies to military personnel, to providing swift transport in emergency situations. JetPack Aviation aims to revolutionize transportation by developing innovative jetpack technology that significantly reduces travel time between locations.

Alef Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2018
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Natilus

Seed Round in 2017
Natilus Inc., founded in 2016 and based in San Jose, California, develops innovative aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Co-founded by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to revolutionize the freight transport industry through advanced technology and design, leveraging a team with extensive experience in various aviation sectors. Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs, making goods more affordable and enhancing global trade by connecting underdeveloped regions. The market for autonomous cargo aircraft is estimated to exceed $280 billion, and Natilus projects that its cost-effective solutions could expand the total addressable market to $470 billion. The company’s drones utilize carbon fiber composites and existing engine technology, allowing for efficient operation with standard air cargo containers. Its product line includes several models tailored for varying ranges and capacities, providing a comprehensive solution for transport and delivery companies.

Gravity Industries

Venture Round in 2017
Gravity Industries Ltd, based in Barnet, United Kingdom, is a pioneering company specializing in human propulsion technology. Founded in 2017 by Richard Browning, the company has developed a revolutionary flight suit that integrates body-mounted miniaturized jet engines with an exoskeletal design. This innovative suit enables pilots to achieve vertical takeoff and flight by utilizing their body weight and arm movements for thrust control. Gravity's technology is aimed at both commercial and entertainment applications, showcasing its potential to reshape the future of human flight and aeronautical innovation. The company is committed to advancing this field through its unique design and engineering capabilities.

Mothership Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2017
Mothership Aeronautics Limited specializes in developing and manufacturing solar-powered airships designed for inspection, surveillance, and monitoring applications. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company provides a range of services including infrastructure inspection, magnetic sensing, terrain mapping, thermal sensing, and inspections of solar panels and wind turbines. Mothership Aeronautics also offers data processing services such as 3D and digital modeling, mapping, and planimetrics. Its solutions cater to various industries, including oil and gas, transportation, mining, and renewable energy, utilizing innovative technologies that combine lighter-than-air lifting methods with high power density photovoltaics.

Alef Aeronautics

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Alef is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger vehicle capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef’s goal is to enable faster, easier commutes and alleviate the burden of urban congestion thanks to proprietary technology that elevates their vehicle safely and quietly above everyday traffic. Alef Aeronautics was established in 2015 by Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Constantine Kisly in Santa Clara, California.

Mothership Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2017
Mothership Aeronautics Limited specializes in developing and manufacturing solar-powered airships designed for inspection, surveillance, and monitoring applications. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company provides a range of services including infrastructure inspection, magnetic sensing, terrain mapping, thermal sensing, and inspections of solar panels and wind turbines. Mothership Aeronautics also offers data processing services such as 3D and digital modeling, mapping, and planimetrics. Its solutions cater to various industries, including oil and gas, transportation, mining, and renewable energy, utilizing innovative technologies that combine lighter-than-air lifting methods with high power density photovoltaics.

Positron Dynamics

Private Equity Round in 2017
Positron Dynamics, LLC is a technology company based in Port Angeles, Washington, founded in 2011 by Ryan Weed and Joshua Machacek. The company specializes in the development of advanced positron production and storage technologies. It offers semiconductor diagnostic tools designed to detect defects at the atomic level and focuses on applications such as non-destructive testing for aerospace and defense components. Positron Dynamics has developed innovative methods for generating and moderating cold positrons, which are also utilized in propulsion systems aimed at transforming spacecraft operations. The company's propulsion technology harnesses intense beams of cold positrons, potentially enabling the creation of efficient, anti-matter-powered spacecraft for deep space exploration. With several patents awarded for its pioneering technologies, Positron Dynamics is positioned at the forefront of research and development in the field of positron applications.

Natilus

Seed Round in 2016
Natilus Inc., founded in 2016 and based in San Jose, California, develops innovative aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Co-founded by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to revolutionize the freight transport industry through advanced technology and design, leveraging a team with extensive experience in various aviation sectors. Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs, making goods more affordable and enhancing global trade by connecting underdeveloped regions. The market for autonomous cargo aircraft is estimated to exceed $280 billion, and Natilus projects that its cost-effective solutions could expand the total addressable market to $470 billion. The company’s drones utilize carbon fiber composites and existing engine technology, allowing for efficient operation with standard air cargo containers. Its product line includes several models tailored for varying ranges and capacities, providing a comprehensive solution for transport and delivery companies.

Tempo Automation Holdings

Seed Round in 2015
Tempo Automation Holdings, established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in manufacturing low-volume electronics products. The company's core business involves designing and assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs) using a proprietary, software-automated platform. This platform enables Tempo to provide its customers, predominantly from industries such as aerospace, medical technology, and automotive, with unparalleled speed, quality, and transparency during the critical prototype and new product introduction stages. By optimizing the complex PCB manufacturing process, Tempo Automation empowers its clients to iterate quickly and bring innovative products to market more efficiently.

Reaction Dynamics

Reaction Dynamics is a company focused on developing innovative launch technologies that utilize hybrid propulsion systems to provide efficient and environmentally friendly access to space. The company's approach aims to reduce the ecological footprint associated with space travel, distinguishing it from traditional methods. Their first suborbital launch vehicle, Aurora, is currently undergoing qualification testing, with its inaugural flight planned for 2023. By incorporating additive manufacturing and specialized supply chains, Reaction Dynamics seeks to offer agile and cost-effective solutions for launching small satellites into orbit, thereby making space more accessible for a variety of customers.
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