Firestorm Labs, a San Diego-based company specializing in advanced drones for warfare, has successfully closed a $47 million Series A funding round. The round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and included participation from several defense-focused venture firms such as Lockheed Martin Ventures, Decisive Point, Washington Harbour Partners, and Booz Allen Ventures, alongside $12 million in venture debt from JPMorgan. This significant investment underscores the growing importance of adaptable and cost-effective unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern warfare.

Aaron Jacobson, a partner at NEA, highlighted the critical role of Firestorm’s distributed, additive manufacturing technology in safeguarding troops and maintaining U.S. leadership in unmanned systems. The company’s approach to drone manufacturing allows for rapid production and reconfiguration of drones on the battlefield, addressing immediate operational needs. Chris Moran of Lockheed Martin Ventures emphasized the strategic value of deployable, on-site 3D drone printing in enhancing the warfighter’s capabilities and advancing U.S. defense technologies.

Firestorm plans to utilize the Series A funding to expand its xCell platform, which enables combat teams to build and repair drones in the field. The xCell’s modular airframe platform is designed for versatility, supporting missions ranging from Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to electronic warfare and strike operations. Dan Magy, CEO of Firestorm, expressed enthusiasm about the funding’s potential to accelerate the delivery of battlefield-ready solutions, highlighting the advantages of reduced production timelines, costs, and logistical constraints.

Investors like Mina Faltas of Washington Harbour Partners and Thomas Hendrix of Decisive Point recognize Firestorm’s innovative manufacturing capabilities as a game-changer for military readiness and the broader defense ecosystem. The company’s ability to produce high-volume, low-cost drones with modular designs is seen as a force multiplier, offering strategic advantages in complex and contested environments.

This funding round not only marks a significant milestone for Firestorm Labs but also reflects the increasing investment in defense technologies that can provide tactical superiority and operational flexibility. The backing by prominent venture firms and the strategic application of the funds underscore the potential of Firestorm’s technology to transform military operations and strengthen national security.

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