Founders Fund

Founders Fund, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that invests across various stages and sectors globally. It focuses on companies developing transformative technologies, with a particular interest in science and engineering ventures. These include consumer internet, biotechnology, aerospace and transportation, energy, artificial intelligence, and health. The firm's investment size ranges from $500,000 to $300 million, providing maximum support with minimum interference to its portfolio companies. Founders Fund is known for its founder-friendly approach and has been an early backer of prominent companies like SpaceX, Palantir, Facebook, and Airbnb.

Leigh Marie Braswell

Principal

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Bridget Harris

Associate

Joey Krug

Partner

Sean Liu

Partner

Jeffrey Lonsdale

Managing Director, Asia

John Luttig

Principal

Amin Mirzadegan

Principal

Luke Nosek

Managing Partner

Stephen Oskoui

Venture Partner

Neil Ruthven

CFO

Eric Scott

Principal

Matias Van Thienen

Partner

Past deals in Aerospace

Northwood Space

Series A in 2025
Northwood Space is a hardware solution that dramatically increases the number of orbits and frequency bands available for satellite communications from the ground.

Amca

Seed Round in 2025
Amca acquires and develops critical aerospace and defense products and then scales them to deliver what the industry needs next. The company emphasizes rapid prototyping and delivery of new products, aiming to respond promptly to customer needs. Amca is committed to deploying top engineering and manufacturing talent to assist customers in building new products and solving complex problems.

Magdrive

Seed Round in 2025
Magdrive Limited, founded in 2019 and based in Didcot, United Kingdom, focuses on developing advanced spacecraft propulsion systems specifically for small satellites. The company has created a next-generation plasma thruster technology that merges the high thrust capabilities of chemical rockets with the efficiency of electric thrusters. This innovation allows spacecraft to achieve faster speeds and extend mission durations while minimizing the amount of propellant needed for various maneuvers. By improving fuel efficiency, Magdrive aims to provide satellite operators and manufacturers with a more cost-effective means of accessing space, particularly for missions in Low Earth Orbit.

Impulse Space

Series B in 2024
Impulse Space is an in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, focused on expanding access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its innovative fleet of transportation vehicles. The company operates the Mira vehicle, which utilizes a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to provide services such as orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry for clients across various orbits. Additionally, the Helios vehicle, equipped with the powerful Deneb engine, facilitates payload deliveries to orbits beyond LEO, including medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and even lunar and other planetary orbits. With a team that has a proven track record in developing some of the most reliable rockets, Impulse Space aims to offer economical and efficient transportation solutions for space payloads, enabling clients to manage costs while achieving rapid operational improvements.

Anduril Industries

Series F in 2024
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Varda

Series B in 2024
Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Hadrian

Series B in 2024
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

Northwood Space

Seed Round in 2024
Northwood Space is a hardware solution that dramatically increases the number of orbits and frequency bands available for satellite communications from the ground.

Gecko Robotics

Series C in 2023
Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Impulse Space

Series A in 2023
Impulse Space is an in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, focused on expanding access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its innovative fleet of transportation vehicles. The company operates the Mira vehicle, which utilizes a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to provide services such as orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry for clients across various orbits. Additionally, the Helios vehicle, equipped with the powerful Deneb engine, facilitates payload deliveries to orbits beyond LEO, including medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and even lunar and other planetary orbits. With a team that has a proven track record in developing some of the most reliable rockets, Impulse Space aims to offer economical and efficient transportation solutions for space payloads, enabling clients to manage costs while achieving rapid operational improvements.

SpaceX

Private Equity Round in 2023
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Hadrian

Series A in 2022
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

Impulse Space

Seed Round in 2022
Impulse Space is an in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, focused on expanding access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its innovative fleet of transportation vehicles. The company operates the Mira vehicle, which utilizes a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to provide services such as orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry for clients across various orbits. Additionally, the Helios vehicle, equipped with the powerful Deneb engine, facilitates payload deliveries to orbits beyond LEO, including medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and even lunar and other planetary orbits. With a team that has a proven track record in developing some of the most reliable rockets, Impulse Space aims to offer economical and efficient transportation solutions for space payloads, enabling clients to manage costs while achieving rapid operational improvements.

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.

Gecko Robotics

Series C in 2022
Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

AREVO

Venture Round in 2021
Arevo, located in Silicon Valley, California, specializes in the development of advanced technology for direct digital additive manufacturing of lightweight, ultra-strong composite parts intended for high-volume end-use applications. By integrating innovative materials, robust design and build software, and free motion robotics, Arevo facilitates true three-dimensional construction, advancing 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing. The company empowers designers and manufacturers to leverage the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. Arevo has achieved early success in producing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and is well-positioned to enhance additive manufacturing services globally.

Zenith Aerospace

Venture Round in 2021
Zenith Aerospace Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializes in developing advanced aerial platforms capable of flying for extended periods without the need for landing. The company operates at the intersection of aerospace, electrical engineering, computer vision, and data science, aiming to transform earth imaging through innovative technology. By utilizing solar-powered unmanned aircraft, Zenith Aerospace provides real-time earth monitoring services, enabling operators to access accurate information both day and night. This capability allows for sustained observation and monitoring over days or weeks, offering a sustainable solution for various aerospace applications.

Varda

Series A in 2021
Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Anduril Industries

Series D in 2021
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Hadrian

Seed Round in 2021
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

Magdrive

Seed Round in 2021
Magdrive Limited, founded in 2019 and based in Didcot, United Kingdom, focuses on developing advanced spacecraft propulsion systems specifically for small satellites. The company has created a next-generation plasma thruster technology that merges the high thrust capabilities of chemical rockets with the efficiency of electric thrusters. This innovation allows spacecraft to achieve faster speeds and extend mission durations while minimizing the amount of propellant needed for various maneuvers. By improving fuel efficiency, Magdrive aims to provide satellite operators and manufacturers with a more cost-effective means of accessing space, particularly for missions in Low Earth Orbit.

Magdrive

Seed Round in 2020
Magdrive Limited, founded in 2019 and based in Didcot, United Kingdom, focuses on developing advanced spacecraft propulsion systems specifically for small satellites. The company has created a next-generation plasma thruster technology that merges the high thrust capabilities of chemical rockets with the efficiency of electric thrusters. This innovation allows spacecraft to achieve faster speeds and extend mission durations while minimizing the amount of propellant needed for various maneuvers. By improving fuel efficiency, Magdrive aims to provide satellite operators and manufacturers with a more cost-effective means of accessing space, particularly for missions in Low Earth Orbit.

Varda

Seed Round in 2020
Varda Space Industries, Inc. is a space manufacturing startup based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020 by Delian Asparouhov and Trae Stephens. The company specializes in creating products in space that are intended for terrestrial applications, leveraging the unique advantages of low gravity. Varda aims to establish an infrastructure for harvesting materials from asteroids, enabling the production of new products in space. This approach not only facilitates the manufacturing of innovative goods but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on the destructive extraction of Earth's resources.

Ayar Labs

Series B in 2020
Ayar Labs, Inc. specializes in the development of optical interconnect technology, focusing on high-density electronic-photonic chiplets and lasers designed to enhance data transmission capabilities. Its flagship product, TeraPHY, is a monolithic in-package optical I/O solution that enables high bandwidth, low latency, and power-efficient short-reach interconnects, making it suitable for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud computing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The company's innovative approach leverages industry-standard silicon processing techniques to create optical interconnect chiplets that replace traditional electrical-based I/O, addressing performance and efficiency challenges in the semiconductor and computing industries. By optimizing data movement within AI systems, Ayar Labs aims to alleviate compute and bandwidth bottlenecks associated with complex large language models, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while minimizing costs and power consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ayar Labs also has an office in Santa Clara, California.

Anduril Industries

Series C in 2020
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Manna Drone Delivery

Seed Round in 2019
Manna Drone Delivery is a provider of drone delivery services designed to enhance local businesses by offering a rapid three-minute delivery option within a 30-square mile area. The service targets suburban and rural communities, allowing consumers to receive products from restaurants, convenience stores, and pharmacies more quickly than traditional road-based delivery methods. By utilizing custom-developed aerospace-grade drones, Manna enables retailers to significantly reduce delivery times, thereby improving the overall consumer experience. The company operates under the regulations set by the relevant aviation authorities in both Europe and the United States.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Gecko Robotics

Series B in 2019
Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Anduril Industries

Series B in 2019
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Akash Systems

Series A in 2019
Akash Systems specializes in the development and supply of advanced small satellite technology, including CubeSats, satellite transmitters, and RF power amplifiers. Founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell and based in San Francisco, the company leverages a proprietary composite material known as gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond. This innovative material enhances energy efficiency by operating at cooler temperatures, which effectively reduces the size, weight, and operating costs of their products. Akash Systems' technology minimizes waste heat generated by power amplifiers, thereby allowing clients in the aviation and aerospace industries to lower launch costs, decrease cost-per-bit, and improve communication access.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Ayar Labs

Series A in 2018
Ayar Labs, Inc. specializes in the development of optical interconnect technology, focusing on high-density electronic-photonic chiplets and lasers designed to enhance data transmission capabilities. Its flagship product, TeraPHY, is a monolithic in-package optical I/O solution that enables high bandwidth, low latency, and power-efficient short-reach interconnects, making it suitable for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud computing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The company's innovative approach leverages industry-standard silicon processing techniques to create optical interconnect chiplets that replace traditional electrical-based I/O, addressing performance and efficiency challenges in the semiconductor and computing industries. By optimizing data movement within AI systems, Ayar Labs aims to alleviate compute and bandwidth bottlenecks associated with complex large language models, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while minimizing costs and power consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ayar Labs also has an office in Santa Clara, California.

Gecko Robotics

Series A in 2018
Gecko Robotics, Inc. specializes in industrial inspection services, focusing on the maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure through advanced robotic technologies. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates additional locations in Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as internationally in Seville, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Gecko Robotics employs wall-climbing robots equipped with ultrasound transducers and high-definition cameras to conduct non-destructive testing in various industries, including power, oil and gas, and pulp and paper. By integrating these robotic solutions with an AI-driven data platform, Gecko provides clients with real-time insights into the health of their assets, enabling better decision-making and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Anduril Industries

Series A in 2018
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Nanotronics Imaging

Series D in 2017
Nanotronics Imaging, Inc. is a high-tech company specializing in the manufacture of optical microscopes and advanced imaging solutions. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, with additional offices in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Hollister, California, the company develops a platform that integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and sophisticated imaging technology for industrial inspection. This platform automates the inspection of advanced technologies, including semiconductors, microchips, and medical devices. Key products include nSpec, an automated optical inspection system designed for analyzing transparent and semi-transparent wafers, and nSpec 3D, which provides surface topographies and quantitative roughness measurements. In addition to microscopy systems, Nanotronics Imaging offers hardware prototyping, production services, and a variety of related equipment, catering to industries such as aerospace, automotive, and materials science.

Anduril Industries

Seed Round in 2017
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Moon Express

Series B in 2017
Moon Express, established in 2010, is a pioneering commercial space company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It specializes in manufacturing and operating robotic spacecraft designed for lunar exploration and commercial development. The company's flagship product, the MX-1 commercial lunar lander, is capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express serves NASA as both a collaborator and customer, with partnerships involving lunar cargo delivery and the development of lunar landers to facilitate a U.S. return to the Moon's surface. The company aims to open up the Moon's resources for humanity, disrupt space transportation, and extend the economic sphere of Earth.

Ayar Labs

Seed Round in 2016
Ayar Labs, Inc. specializes in the development of optical interconnect technology, focusing on high-density electronic-photonic chiplets and lasers designed to enhance data transmission capabilities. Its flagship product, TeraPHY, is a monolithic in-package optical I/O solution that enables high bandwidth, low latency, and power-efficient short-reach interconnects, making it suitable for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud computing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The company's innovative approach leverages industry-standard silicon processing techniques to create optical interconnect chiplets that replace traditional electrical-based I/O, addressing performance and efficiency challenges in the semiconductor and computing industries. By optimizing data movement within AI systems, Ayar Labs aims to alleviate compute and bandwidth bottlenecks associated with complex large language models, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while minimizing costs and power consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ayar Labs also has an office in Santa Clara, California.

Plethora

Venture Round in 2015
Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2015
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Rescale

Venture Round in 2015
Rescale, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and operating cloud-based platforms for scientific and engineering simulations. Its offerings include the ScaleX Pro platform for independent professionals and small to medium-sized businesses, and ScaleX Developer, which allows external application developers to integrate their software directly with Rescale’s systems. Additionally, the ScaleX Enterprise platform provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise-level simulation needs, managing on-premise high-performance computing resources and software licenses. Serving a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and life sciences, Rescale facilitates more than 300 customers, from startups to large corporations, in accelerating their design processes and reducing time to market. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, Rescale also has offices in Tokyo, Munich, and Singapore, and it is supported by a variety of investors from the technology and venture capital sectors.

SpaceX

Series G in 2015
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Planet

Series C in 2015
Planet is a startup based in San Francisco and founded by former NASA employees that collects information about its changing planet via a fleet of compact, highly capable Earth-imaging satellites. The broad coverage and high frequency of Planet's satellite imagery will enable customers with unprecedented access to global and local insights that currently are either impossible or cost-prohibitive to obtain. It designs, builds, and operates the largest fleet of satellites, as well as online software, tools, and analytics needed to deliver data to users. Planet offers a diverse selection of imagery and analytic solutions, all made available online through our platform and web-based tools. They provide geospatial insights at the speed of change, equipping users with the data necessary to make informed, timely decisions.

Accion Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Accion Systems Inc. is a Boston-based company that designs and manufactures advanced satellite propulsion systems utilizing its proprietary ion beam technology. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in in-space propulsion solutions that cater to the needs of the space industry. Accion's product lineup includes the MIN-0 and MAX-1 electric propulsion systems for small satellites, as well as the Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) technology, which provides efficient and scalable propulsion capabilities. The TILE system is versatile, enabling various satellite maneuvers such as attitude control, collision avoidance, orbit adjustments, and deorbiting. Accion's innovations serve a broad range of spacecraft, from small CubeSats to larger satellite platforms, advancing the capabilities and efficiency of modern space missions.

Plethora

Series A in 2014
Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

Planet

Series B in 2013
Planet is a startup based in San Francisco and founded by former NASA employees that collects information about its changing planet via a fleet of compact, highly capable Earth-imaging satellites. The broad coverage and high frequency of Planet's satellite imagery will enable customers with unprecedented access to global and local insights that currently are either impossible or cost-prohibitive to obtain. It designs, builds, and operates the largest fleet of satellites, as well as online software, tools, and analytics needed to deliver data to users. Planet offers a diverse selection of imagery and analytic solutions, all made available online through our platform and web-based tools. They provide geospatial insights at the speed of change, equipping users with the data necessary to make informed, timely decisions.

Nanotronics Imaging

Series B in 2013
Nanotronics Imaging, Inc. is a high-tech company specializing in the manufacture of optical microscopes and advanced imaging solutions. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, with additional offices in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Hollister, California, the company develops a platform that integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and sophisticated imaging technology for industrial inspection. This platform automates the inspection of advanced technologies, including semiconductors, microchips, and medical devices. Key products include nSpec, an automated optical inspection system designed for analyzing transparent and semi-transparent wafers, and nSpec 3D, which provides surface topographies and quantitative roughness measurements. In addition to microscopy systems, Nanotronics Imaging offers hardware prototyping, production services, and a variety of related equipment, catering to industries such as aerospace, automotive, and materials science.

Plethora

Seed Round in 2013
Plethora Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializes in precision machining services, particularly in CNC machining, milling, and turning. The company works with materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, primarily within the United States. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary software, Plethora transforms customer designs into custom parts and offers design feedback directly from clients' CAD models, enhancing the manufacturing process. Additionally, Plethora maintains an office in Marietta, Georgia, to support its operational capabilities.

SpaceX

Series F in 2010
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Moon Express

Venture Round in 2010
Moon Express, established in 2010, is a pioneering commercial space company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It specializes in manufacturing and operating robotic spacecraft designed for lunar exploration and commercial development. The company's flagship product, the MX-1 commercial lunar lander, is capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express serves NASA as both a collaborator and customer, with partnerships involving lunar cargo delivery and the development of lunar landers to facilitate a U.S. return to the Moon's surface. The company aims to open up the Moon's resources for humanity, disrupt space transportation, and extend the economic sphere of Earth.

SpaceX

Series D in 2008
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

EnduroSat

EnduroSat specializes in the design and engineering of nanosatellites and spacecraft for various business applications and space exploration missions. The company focuses on developing constellation and exploration programs, particularly for lower Earth orbit, which allows for efficient inter-satellite connectivity. EnduroSat builds customized satellites tailored to specific mission requirements and offers comprehensive support services throughout the entire mission lifecycle. This enables scientific and commercial teams to effectively implement satellite applications and enhance their capabilities in space.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.