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

Zachary Cefaratti

Venture Partner

Megan Kurohara

Investor

Tyrone Lee

Venture Partner

James Walker

Principal

Past deals in Aerospace

Firehawk Aerospace

Series C in 2025
Firehawk Aerospace is a private aerospace company based in Melbourne, Florida, with an additional office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 2018, it specializes in advanced rocket propulsion technology, focusing on developing innovative solutions for rocket engines and propulsion systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the space industry. The company manufactures custom rocket engines and offers 3D-printed rocket fuel grains, utilizing proprietary additive manufacturing technology. This allows for precise mission tailoring by creating fuel grains customized for specific sizes and thrust profiles. Firehawk Aerospace aims to make space transportation safe, reliable, and affordable.

Cognitive Space

Seed Round in 2023
Cognitive Space is a company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence platform aimed at enhancing satellite constellation management. By leveraging machine intelligence, the platform facilitates mission management, collections planning, and communications link coordination for satellite operators. This innovative technology enables organizations to optimize their satellite capacity in response to dynamic market demands, thereby unlocking significant revenue and operational potential. Cognitive Space's solutions contribute to more effective monitoring of Earth, supporting economic, environmental, and national security initiatives within the rapidly evolving space industry.

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 additive manufacturing, focusing on induction-based 3D printing technology. This innovative approach allows the company to produce complex metal structures that are typically challenging or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods. By leveraging rapid induction printing, Rosotics efficiently liquefies metal feedstock, significantly reducing energy and material consumption compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. The company primarily serves the aerospace, naval, and defense industries, helping them overcome production bottlenecks and streamline implementation processes. Through its cutting-edge technology, Rosotics is positioned as a leader in addressing the demanding challenges of industrial engineering.

Team Wildfire

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Team Wildfire is a company dedicated to developing innovative technologies aimed at wildfire suppression and environmental protection. It manufactures specialized jet engine sprays designed to effectively suppress fires, capture embers, and defend structures while also hardening evacuation routes. The company's advanced engineering and tactics address various environmental challenges, including wildfire mitigation, reforestation, dust control, oil spill cleanup, and protection against nuclear and biological threats. Through its cutting-edge solutions, Team Wildfire enables organizations to safeguard people, property, and the environment.

Team Wildfire

Seed Round in 2023
Team Wildfire is a company dedicated to developing innovative technologies aimed at wildfire suppression and environmental protection. It manufactures specialized jet engine sprays designed to effectively suppress fires, capture embers, and defend structures while also hardening evacuation routes. The company's advanced engineering and tactics address various environmental challenges, including wildfire mitigation, reforestation, dust control, oil spill cleanup, and protection against nuclear and biological threats. Through its cutting-edge solutions, Team Wildfire enables organizations 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 manufacturing of large space structures, including orbital carriers, cargo logistics spacecraft, and space station modules. The company is focused on developing aerospace station technology that serves as the foundation for human life in space. Utilizing next-generation hardware, Gravitics' innovations facilitate shipyard-style fabrication within the aerospace sector, providing clients with versatile interfacing options and robust space armor. Through its advancements, Gravitics aims to redefine space superiority and promote commercial development 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 is a private aerospace company based in Melbourne, Florida, with an additional office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 2018, it specializes in advanced rocket propulsion technology, focusing on developing innovative solutions for rocket engines and propulsion systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the space industry. The company manufactures custom rocket engines and offers 3D-printed rocket fuel grains, utilizing proprietary additive manufacturing technology. This allows for precise mission tailoring by creating fuel grains customized for specific sizes and thrust profiles. Firehawk Aerospace aims to make space transportation safe, reliable, and affordable.

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 additive manufacturing, focusing on induction-based 3D printing technology. This innovative approach allows the company to produce complex metal structures that are typically challenging or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods. By leveraging rapid induction printing, Rosotics efficiently liquefies metal feedstock, significantly reducing energy and material consumption compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. The company primarily serves the aerospace, naval, and defense industries, helping them overcome production bottlenecks and streamline implementation processes. Through its cutting-edge technology, Rosotics is positioned as a leader in addressing the demanding challenges of industrial engineering.

M Aerospace RTC

Pre Seed Round in 2022
M Aerospace RTC is an aerospace company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing advanced metal 3D printing technologies and services, focusing on the production of large-scale metal components. M Aerospace RTC offers a diverse array of metal materials and material combinations, enabling efficient additive manufacturing solutions. By providing innovative rapid prototyping and production capabilities, the company aims to serve the growing demands of the 3D printing industry in a cost-effective manner.

Venus Aerospace

Series A in 2022
Venus Aerospace is a startup aerospace company founded in 2020, specializing in hypersonic transportation. The company focuses on engineering solutions that enable one-hour global travel, aiming to enhance connectivity and safety around the world. With a team comprising PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, Venus Aerospace addresses significant challenges in the aerospace sector, developing technologies such as rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles. These innovations cater to research, defense, and commercial missions, providing space businesses with cost-effective and high-performance transport options.

Aquarian Space

Seed Round in 2022
Aquarian Space is a developer focused on creating a high-speed communication network for interplanetary exploration. The company addresses significant challenges in lunar and deep space communications, aiming to build the essential infrastructure that will facilitate human expansion throughout the solar system. By enhancing current communications capabilities, Aquarian Space enables exponentially greater data transmission and communication, thereby supporting the aerospace industry's progress into new frontiers.

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 founded in 2020, specializing in hypersonic transportation. The company focuses on engineering solutions that enable one-hour global travel, aiming to enhance connectivity and safety around the world. With a team comprising PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, Venus Aerospace addresses significant challenges in the aerospace sector, developing technologies such as rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles. These innovations cater to research, defense, and commercial missions, providing space businesses with cost-effective and high-performance transport options.

Precious Payload

Seed Round in 2020
Precious Payload is a provider of space mission management services designed to simplify the planning and execution of space missions. The company offers a unified format and a set of APIs that facilitate accelerated decision-making in the space industry. By managing mission progress, outsourcing licensing and export regulations, and tracking mission roadmaps, Precious Payload enables space entrepreneurs to test their business and technology hypotheses significantly faster and at a reduced cost. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of space missions, thereby supporting the growth of the space sector.

Precious Payload

Seed Round in 2020
Precious Payload is a provider of space mission management services designed to simplify the planning and execution of space missions. The company offers a unified format and a set of APIs that facilitate accelerated decision-making in the space industry. By managing mission progress, outsourcing licensing and export regulations, and tracking mission roadmaps, Precious Payload enables space entrepreneurs to test their business and technology hypotheses significantly faster and at a reduced cost. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of space missions, thereby supporting the growth of the space sector.

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 Corporation is a manufacturer based in Chatsworth, California, specializing in the design and production of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The company offers two primary products: the Military/Commercial Speeder, a flying motorcycle intended for military and commercial use, and the Recreational Speeder, designed for personal transportation. These innovative vehicles are equipped with kerosene, diesel, and twin-turbo jet engines, enabling rapid ascent and efficient movement. JetPack Aviation's products serve a variety of applications, including the swift transport of medical supplies, personnel insertion and extraction during military operations, and logistics support in challenging environments. Founded in 2015, the company aims to revolutionize transportation for both people and goods, significantly reducing travel times.

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. is a California-based company that specializes in manufacturing aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Founded in 2016 by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to transform the air cargo industry through innovative designs and advanced technology. With a team of engineering experts who have extensive experience in various aviation sectors, Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs and improve accessibility for underdeveloped areas, ultimately enhancing global supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Its aircraft, including the Kona short-haul UAV, Alisio medium/long-range UAV, and Nordes long-range UAV, are constructed from carbon fiber composites and utilize existing ground infrastructure and standard air cargo containers. This design allows for remote piloting capabilities and positions Natilus to capitalize on a significant market opportunity, projecting an expansion of the air freight sector to $470 billion through cost reductions and increased efficiency.

Gravity Industries

Venture Round in 2017
Gravity Industries Ltd is a British company founded in 2017 and based in Barnet, United Kingdom, specializing in human propulsion technology. The company has developed a pioneering flight suit that integrates miniaturized jet engines with an exoskeletal design, allowing pilots to achieve vertical takeoff and controlled flight through the manipulation of their body weight and arm movements. This innovative technology is designed for various applications, including commercial and entertainment purposes. Gravity Industries aims to redefine the future of human flight and is recognized for creating the world's first propulsion suit, showcasing significant advancements in aeronautical innovation.

Mothership Aeronautics

Seed Round in 2017
Mothership Aeronautics Limited is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of solar-powered airships designed for various inspection, surveillance, and monitoring applications. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company integrates lighter-than-air lifting technologies with high power density photovoltaics. Its offerings include infrastructure inspection, magnetic sensing, terrain mapping, thermal sensing, as well as the inspection of solar panels and wind turbines. In addition, Mothership Aeronautics provides data processing services that encompass 3D and digital modeling, mapping, and planimetrics. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, road and rail transportation, mining, and renewable energy.

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 is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of solar-powered airships designed for various inspection, surveillance, and monitoring applications. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company integrates lighter-than-air lifting technologies with high power density photovoltaics. Its offerings include infrastructure inspection, magnetic sensing, terrain mapping, thermal sensing, as well as the inspection of solar panels and wind turbines. In addition, Mothership Aeronautics provides data processing services that encompass 3D and digital modeling, mapping, and planimetrics. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, road and rail transportation, mining, and renewable energy.

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. is a California-based company that specializes in manufacturing aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Founded in 2016 by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to transform the air cargo industry through innovative designs and advanced technology. With a team of engineering experts who have extensive experience in various aviation sectors, Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs and improve accessibility for underdeveloped areas, ultimately enhancing global supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Its aircraft, including the Kona short-haul UAV, Alisio medium/long-range UAV, and Nordes long-range UAV, are constructed from carbon fiber composites and utilize existing ground infrastructure and standard air cargo containers. This design allows for remote piloting capabilities and positions Natilus to capitalize on a significant market opportunity, projecting an expansion of the air freight sector to $470 billion through cost reductions and increased efficiency.

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 unique, software-automated platform. This platform enables Tempo to provide unparalleled speed, quality, and transparency, particularly during the critical prototype and new product introduction stages. Serving leading innovators across industries such as aerospace, medical technology, and automotive, Tempo Automation empowers its customers to accelerate product development and time to market.

Reaction Dynamics

Reaction Dynamics is a pioneering rocket company focused on developing innovative launch technologies centered around hybrid propulsion systems. The company aims to provide agile and affordable access to space by utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and specialized supply chains. Their flagship product, Aurora, is a demonstration suborbital launch vehicle currently undergoing qualification testing, with its inaugural flight anticipated in 2023. Reaction Dynamics' hybrid propulsion technology significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with space launches, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. Through these advancements, the company seeks to facilitate regular and cost-effective access to orbit, particularly for small satellite launches.
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