SpaceX alum's aviation startup lands $115M, topping $1B valuation
What happened
- Reliable Robotics raised $115 million in an extension of its Series D and secured $25 million in debt, according to TechCrunch.
- The financing pushed Reliable Robotics’ valuation above $1 billion; its Series D now totals $275 million, TechCrunch reported.
- The company is opening an engineering hub in Bothell, Washington, to advance autonomous-flight technology. Sources differ on the equity split: $90 million versus $115 million.
Why it matters
The financing gives Reliable Robotics additional capital to pursue FAA certification for autonomous-flight systems, including its solid-state collision-avoidance radar. The deal is relevant to venture and private-credit investors tracking regulated aerospace technology and certification risk.
What to watch. FAA certification milestones: the first autonomous-flight system is expected in 18 to 24 months, while the solid-state radar is expected to be certified by the end of 2027.
Deal terms
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Timeline
- First reported by TechCrunchOct 20SpaceX alum's aviation startup lands $115M, topping $1B valuation
- GeekWire reportsOct 20Autonomous flight startup Reliable Robotics opens Seattle area radar hub as valuation tops $1 billion
- Techmeme reportsOct 21Reliable Robotics, which develops an autonomous flight system, raised a $115M extension for its $160M Series D, pushing its valuation to $1B+ (Kirsten Korosec/TechCrunch)
Who is involved
Sources (3)
- TechCrunchOct 20SpaceX alum's aviation startup lands $115M, topping $1B valuation
- GeekWireOct 20Autonomous flight startup Reliable Robotics opens Seattle area radar hub as valuation tops $1 billion
- TechmemeOct 21Reliable Robotics, which develops an autonomous flight system, raised a $115M extension for its $160M Series D, pushing its valuation to $1B+ (Kirsten Korosec/TechCrunch)
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