Founders AND 3

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to later-stage funding. The firm targets companies that are developing transformative technologies in sectors such as consumer internet, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, and health. Founders Fund has a diverse investment portfolio, having backed notable companies like SpaceX, Facebook, and Palantir. The firm employs a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to support entrepreneurs with minimal interference. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund continues to seek innovative solutions to global challenges, making investments typically ranging from $500,000 to $300 million.

Delian Asparouhov

Principal

Jennifer Campbell

Partner

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Bridget Harris

Associate

Sean Liu

Partner

Jeffrey Lonsdale

Managing Director, Asia

John Luttig

Partner

Amin Mirzadegan

Partner

Scott Nolan

Partner

Neil Ruthven

CFO

Trae Stephens

Partner

Napoleon Ta

Partner

Matias Van Thienen

Partner

Past deals in Aerospace

Freeform

Venture Round in 2023
Freeform is a stealth-mode additive manufacturing company. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in El Segundo, California.

Built Robotics

Series C in 2022
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Hadrian

Series A in 2022
Hadrian is a manufacturer of critical precision components tailored for the aerospace and defense industries. The company offers a platform that streamlines the production of these components, enabling factories to deliver high-quality parts quickly and efficiently. By focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with building rockets, satellites, engines, and drones. This approach supports frontier technology enterprises in developing innovative aerospace solutions at a more affordable rate, ultimately contributing to advancements in rocket and aircraft manufacturing.

Impulse Space

Seed Round in 2022
Impulse Space Propulsion is the developer of in-space transportation services for the inner solar system. Founded in 2021 by Tom Mueller, the company is based in El Segundo, California, United States.

Hermeus

Series B in 2022
Hermeus Corporation, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in the development of hypersonic aircraft designed to enhance global transportation. The company's Mach 5 jets are capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, significantly reducing travel times for long-haul flights. For instance, a journey from New York to London can be completed in just 90 minutes, compared to the typical seven-hour duration. Hermeus aims to improve safety and efficiency in business class air travel while allowing for seamless integration with existing aviation infrastructure. This innovative approach not only accelerates travel but also fosters enhanced connectivity among global cities.

Hermeus

Series B in 2022
Hermeus Corporation, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in the development of hypersonic aircraft designed to enhance global transportation. The company's Mach 5 jets are capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, significantly reducing travel times for long-haul flights. For instance, a journey from New York to London can be completed in just 90 minutes, compared to the typical seven-hour duration. Hermeus aims to improve safety and efficiency in business class air travel while allowing for seamless integration with existing aviation infrastructure. This innovative approach not only accelerates travel but also fosters enhanced connectivity among global cities.

Arceo Labs, Inc.

Series C in 2021
Arceo Labs, Inc. operates under the brand Arceo, specializing in cybersecurity and cyber analytics services tailored for the insurance industry. The company offers solutions to cyber insurance brokers and carriers, enabling them to assess, underwrite, and manage cyber risks through the use of artificial intelligence and workflow automation. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, Arceo Labs also maintains offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York. The firm is dedicated to providing organizations with the necessary tools and guidance to protect and insure their data effectively.

AirGarage

Series A in 2021
AirGarage, Inc. is a parking management company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm connects homeowners, businesses, and organizations with underutilized parking spaces to drivers seeking parking. As a full-stack operator, AirGarage offers a comprehensive platform that facilitates the management of parking lots and garages. This includes tools for user acquisition, payment processing, enforcement, and customer support. By streamlining the rental process, AirGarage enables property owners, such as churches and businesses, to monetize their extra parking spaces efficiently, allowing them to boost their revenue while providing drivers with convenient parking options on demand.

AREVO

Venture Round in 2021
AREVO, based in Silicon Valley, California, develops technology to enable direct digital additive manufacturing of ultra-strong, lightweight composite parts for end use applications in high volume. With the company's unique combination of breakthrough materials, powerful design/build software, and free motion robotics for the first “true 3D” construction, AREVO is moving beyond prototypes by enabling the design and fabrication of large, mass-produced parts and structures, quickly leading 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing. AREVO provides designers and manufacturers with unprecedented freedom to unlock the unparalleled strength and weight of composite materials for a wide range of consumer and industrial products, and has seen early success manufacturing CFRTP composite parts for OEM customers. With an initial focus on Aerospace, Defense, Consumer Electronics, Transportation, and Consumer Goods, Arevo is poised to optimize additive manufacturing services to OEM’s worldwide.

Varda

Series A in 2021
Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on creating products in space that can be utilized for terrestrial applications, leveraging the advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure that facilitates the harvesting of materials from space, particularly through asteroid mining, to produce new products. The founders of the company are Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens.

Anduril Industries

Series D in 2021
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Anduril commits top technical talent to solving the most complex national security challenges. We’re building the next generation of technology that will aid and protect those who serve on the front lines defending the nation and its interests. Our mission is to develop cutting edge technology that enables America and its allies to maintain global leadership now and into the future.

Hadrian

Seed Round in 2021
Hadrian is a manufacturer of critical precision components tailored for the aerospace and defense industries. The company offers a platform that streamlines the production of these components, enabling factories to deliver high-quality parts quickly and efficiently. By focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with building rockets, satellites, engines, and drones. This approach supports frontier technology enterprises in developing innovative aerospace solutions at a more affordable rate, ultimately contributing to advancements in rocket and aircraft manufacturing.

Magdrive

Seed Round in 2021
Magdrive Limited develops a next generation of spacecraft propulsion for small satellites. The company offers technology of new plasma thruster that combines both high thrust of chemical rockets and the high efficiency of other electric thrusters. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Didcot, United Kingdom.

Magdrive

Seed Round in 2020
Magdrive Limited develops a next generation of spacecraft propulsion for small satellites. The company offers technology of new plasma thruster that combines both high thrust of chemical rockets and the high efficiency of other electric thrusters. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Didcot, United Kingdom.

Varda

Seed Round in 2020
Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on creating products in space that can be utilized for terrestrial applications, leveraging the advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure that facilitates the harvesting of materials from space, particularly through asteroid mining, to produce new products. The founders of the company are Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens.

Anduril Industries

Series C in 2020
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Anduril commits top technical talent to solving the most complex national security challenges. We’re building the next generation of technology that will aid and protect those who serve on the front lines defending the nation and its interests. Our mission is to develop cutting edge technology that enables America and its allies to maintain global leadership now and into the future.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. develops and manufactures advanced nano-laminated metals designed for a variety of applications across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Founded in 2006 and based in Seattle, Washington, with a sales office in The Woodlands, Texas, the company specializes in producing corrosion-resistant alloys that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional metals. By utilizing low-cost electrochemical methods to grow metals, Modumetal creates materials that enhance structural integrity and thermal performance. Their product offerings include customized alloys, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, all aimed at improving asset returns and reducing corrosion in diverse production environments. This innovative approach to material science positions Modumetal as a leader in the development of high-performance materials that can replace conventional metals and composites.

ISEE

Series A in 2019
ISEE, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software and hardware solutions for autonomous vehicles. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ISEE focuses on creating humanistic AI that can navigate complex driving scenarios and unfamiliar situations. The company draws inspiration from computational cognitive science, aiming to ensure that its technology integrates seamlessly into society and enhances human lives. The team at ISEE comprises leading technologists and researchers from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a commitment to innovative thinking in the field of AI autonomy.

Arceo Labs, Inc.

Venture Round in 2019
Arceo Labs, Inc. operates under the brand Arceo, specializing in cybersecurity and cyber analytics services tailored for the insurance industry. The company offers solutions to cyber insurance brokers and carriers, enabling them to assess, underwrite, and manage cyber risks through the use of artificial intelligence and workflow automation. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, Arceo Labs also maintains offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York. The firm is dedicated to providing organizations with the necessary tools and guidance to protect and insure their data effectively.

Built Robotics

Series B in 2019
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Anduril Industries

Series B in 2019
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Anduril commits top technical talent to solving the most complex national security challenges. We’re building the next generation of technology that will aid and protect those who serve on the front lines defending the nation and its interests. Our mission is to develop cutting edge technology that enables America and its allies to maintain global leadership now and into the future.

Akash Systems

Series A in 2019
Akash Systems is focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites (CubeSats), satellite transmitters, and the RF Power Amplifiers. The company uses new composite material, gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond, invented by Akash cofounder Ejeckam, for their products. GaN-on-Diamond provides a cooler state of operation which improves energy efficiency and reduces a system's size, weight, and operating costs. Akash Systems was founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

AirGarage

Seed Round in 2019
AirGarage, Inc. is a parking management company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm connects homeowners, businesses, and organizations with underutilized parking spaces to drivers seeking parking. As a full-stack operator, AirGarage offers a comprehensive platform that facilitates the management of parking lots and garages. This includes tools for user acquisition, payment processing, enforcement, and customer support. By streamlining the rental process, AirGarage enables property owners, such as churches and businesses, to monetize their extra parking spaces efficiently, allowing them to boost their revenue while providing drivers with convenient parking options on demand.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. develops and manufactures advanced nano-laminated metals designed for a variety of applications across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Founded in 2006 and based in Seattle, Washington, with a sales office in The Woodlands, Texas, the company specializes in producing corrosion-resistant alloys that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional metals. By utilizing low-cost electrochemical methods to grow metals, Modumetal creates materials that enhance structural integrity and thermal performance. Their product offerings include customized alloys, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, all aimed at improving asset returns and reducing corrosion in diverse production environments. This innovative approach to material science positions Modumetal as a leader in the development of high-performance materials that can replace conventional metals and composites.

Anduril Industries

Series A in 2018
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Anduril commits top technical talent to solving the most complex national security challenges. We’re building the next generation of technology that will aid and protect those who serve on the front lines defending the nation and its interests. Our mission is to develop cutting edge technology that enables America and its allies to maintain global leadership now and into the future.

Built Robotics

Series A in 2017
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Anduril Industries

Seed Round in 2017
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Anduril commits top technical talent to solving the most complex national security challenges. We’re building the next generation of technology that will aid and protect those who serve on the front lines defending the nation and its interests. Our mission is to develop cutting edge technology that enables America and its allies to maintain global leadership now and into the future.

Moon Express

Series B in 2017
Moon Express Inc. is a commercial space company that designs and builds robotic spacecraft for lunar exploration and resource development. Founded in 2010, the company aims to unlock the Moon's vast resources for humanity while establishing new commercial opportunities beyond Earth's orbit. Its flagship product, the MX-1 lunar lander, is capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express has formed strategic partnerships with NASA, serving as both a collaborator and a contractor for lunar cargo delivery. The company was recognized as a leader in the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition and was selected for NASA's Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data program and the Lunar CATALYST program, which focuses on returning humans to the Moon. Headquartered at the NASA Ames Research Park in California, Moon Express also operates facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Through its innovative spacecraft, Moon Express seeks to significantly reduce the costs associated with robotic space activities, expanding the economic potential of lunar and asteroid resources.

Plethora

Venture Round in 2015
Plethora Corporation specializes in the design, manufacturing, and supply of precision machined parts, utilizing advanced robotics and software to enhance CNC machining processes. Established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, the company focuses on the milling and turning of various materials, including aluminum and copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, providing custom parts tailored to customer specifications. Its innovative manufacturing system integrates seamlessly with existing CAD and CAM software, allowing for increased efficiency in the production of custom components.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2015
Modumetal, Inc. develops and manufactures advanced nano-laminated metals designed for a variety of applications across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Founded in 2006 and based in Seattle, Washington, with a sales office in The Woodlands, Texas, the company specializes in producing corrosion-resistant alloys that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional metals. By utilizing low-cost electrochemical methods to grow metals, Modumetal creates materials that enhance structural integrity and thermal performance. Their product offerings include customized alloys, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, all aimed at improving asset returns and reducing corrosion in diverse production environments. This innovative approach to material science positions Modumetal as a leader in the development of high-performance materials that can replace conventional metals and composites.

Rescale

Venture Round in 2015
Rescale, Inc. is a provider of cloud-based infrastructure and software platforms that facilitate scientific and engineering simulations. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company offers several products, including ScaleX Pro for independent professionals and small to medium-sized businesses, and ScaleX Developer, which allows external developers to build and deploy applications on Rescale's platform. Additionally, ScaleX Enterprise provides a comprehensive simulation solution that integrates on-premise high-performance computing resources and software management. Rescale serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, electronics, oil and gas, and life sciences, leveraging advanced technologies to empower engineers and scientists in their research and product development efforts. With a global presence that includes offices in Tokyo, Munich, and Singapore, Rescale continues to expand its role as a leading provider of cloud simulation services.

Planet

Series C in 2015
Planet Labs, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company specializing in Earth imaging and analytics. Founded by former NASA employees in 2010, Planet operates the largest fleet of compact, high-capability satellites designed to image the entire planet daily. This extensive satellite coverage provides customers with unprecedented access to geospatial insights, enabling them to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Planet's offerings include a diverse range of satellite imagery and analytical solutions, all accessible through an online platform equipped with tools for data analysis. With additional offices in Germany and Canada, the company serves a global network of customers and partners across more than 100 countries, delivering market-leading geospatial imagery for businesses, governments, researchers, and journalists. Planet's mission is to make visible and actionable the changes occurring on Earth, providing crucial information to understand the physical world.

SpaceX

Series G in 2015
Space Exploration Technologies is a space-transportation startup company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX develops crew and cargo capsules, engines, cryogenic tank structures, avionics, equipment, guidance, and control software. The company is developing the partially reusable launch vehicles Falcon 1 and Falcon 9. Founded in 2002, Space Exploration Technologies is headquartered in Hawthorne, California.

Accion Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Accion Systems Inc. is a manufacturer of satellite propulsion systems for the space industry, utilizing proprietary ion beam technology developed at MIT. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of products, including MIN-0 CubeSat and small satellite electric propulsion systems, MAX-1 small satellite electric propulsion systems, and TILE satellite electric propulsion systems. Accion Systems focuses on developing scalable, high-performance, and efficient in-space propulsion technologies to meet the evolving needs of the satellite market.

Plethora

Series A in 2014
Plethora Corporation specializes in the design, manufacturing, and supply of precision machined parts, utilizing advanced robotics and software to enhance CNC machining processes. Established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, the company focuses on the milling and turning of various materials, including aluminum and copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, providing custom parts tailored to customer specifications. Its innovative manufacturing system integrates seamlessly with existing CAD and CAM software, allowing for increased efficiency in the production of custom components.

Planet

Series B in 2013
Planet Labs, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company specializing in Earth imaging and analytics. Founded by former NASA employees in 2010, Planet operates the largest fleet of compact, high-capability satellites designed to image the entire planet daily. This extensive satellite coverage provides customers with unprecedented access to geospatial insights, enabling them to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Planet's offerings include a diverse range of satellite imagery and analytical solutions, all accessible through an online platform equipped with tools for data analysis. With additional offices in Germany and Canada, the company serves a global network of customers and partners across more than 100 countries, delivering market-leading geospatial imagery for businesses, governments, researchers, and journalists. Planet's mission is to make visible and actionable the changes occurring on Earth, providing crucial information to understand the physical world.

Plethora

Seed Round in 2013
Plethora Corporation specializes in the design, manufacturing, and supply of precision machined parts, utilizing advanced robotics and software to enhance CNC machining processes. Established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, the company focuses on the milling and turning of various materials, including aluminum and copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, providing custom parts tailored to customer specifications. Its innovative manufacturing system integrates seamlessly with existing CAD and CAM software, allowing for increased efficiency in the production of custom components.

Strateos

Seed Round in 2012
Strateos operates a robotic cloud laboratory that automates chemistry, biology, and tissue analysis to enhance drug discovery processes. By integrating advanced robotics, control systems, and sophisticated imaging and analytics software, Strateos allows pharmaceutical companies to discover new drug candidates more efficiently. The company emerged from a merger between Transcriptic, known for its pioneering robotic cloud laboratory platform, and 3Scan, which specialized in using automation and machine learning to analyze tissue samples. This combination enables Strateos to provide a comprehensive suite of technologies designed to streamline the drug discovery and early development phases. By transforming life science methodologies into data-driven processes, Strateos aims to create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to scientific research, positioning itself as a valuable partner to biotechnology firms seeking to innovate in the field.

SpaceX

Series F in 2010
Space Exploration Technologies is a space-transportation startup company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX develops crew and cargo capsules, engines, cryogenic tank structures, avionics, equipment, guidance, and control software. The company is developing the partially reusable launch vehicles Falcon 1 and Falcon 9. Founded in 2002, Space Exploration Technologies is headquartered in Hawthorne, California.

Moon Express

Venture Round in 2010
Moon Express Inc. is a commercial space company that designs and builds robotic spacecraft for lunar exploration and resource development. Founded in 2010, the company aims to unlock the Moon's vast resources for humanity while establishing new commercial opportunities beyond Earth's orbit. Its flagship product, the MX-1 lunar lander, is capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express has formed strategic partnerships with NASA, serving as both a collaborator and a contractor for lunar cargo delivery. The company was recognized as a leader in the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition and was selected for NASA's Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data program and the Lunar CATALYST program, which focuses on returning humans to the Moon. Headquartered at the NASA Ames Research Park in California, Moon Express also operates facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Through its innovative spacecraft, Moon Express seeks to significantly reduce the costs associated with robotic space activities, expanding the economic potential of lunar and asteroid resources.

SpaceX

Series D in 2008
Space Exploration Technologies is a space-transportation startup company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX develops crew and cargo capsules, engines, cryogenic tank structures, avionics, equipment, guidance, and control software. The company is developing the partially reusable launch vehicles Falcon 1 and Falcon 9. Founded in 2002, Space Exploration Technologies is headquartered in Hawthorne, California.
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