Aurelius Systems, a defense technology startup based in San Francisco, has secured $10 million in seed funding to accelerate the development of its autonomous laser platform designed to neutralize drone threats. The round was co-led by General Catalyst and Draper Associates, with the funding earmarked for scaling operations, expanding engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and launching field testing programs with operational partners.
The company’s laser defense system is built to counter the growing threat of small unmanned aerial systems, particularly Group 1 and Group 2 drones, which are increasingly used in modern warfare.
These drones are inexpensive, fast, and intelligent, creating an economic and tactical imbalance for defenders who often rely on costly, outdated systems. Aurelius aims to reverse that imbalance with a compact, fully autonomous laser unit that can identify, track, and eliminate drones in real time—without the need for remote operators or expensive missiles.
The system integrates advanced optics, AI-driven autonomy, and directed energy into a plug-and-play platform compatible with both mobile and fixed installations. Its low cost per shot and rapid response capabilities make it a scalable solution for protecting critical infrastructure and frontline forces.
The funding comes during a time of heightened global demand for counter-UAS technologies. The U.S. government recently allocated $1.3 billion toward these systems and established a Joint Interagency Task Force to accelerate deployment. Aurelius is positioned to meet this demand with a product that emphasizes speed, affordability, and adaptability.
Early demonstrations have shown successful engagements in varied conditions, and the company has received strong interest from defense leaders and technologists seeking alternatives to legacy systems. Investors see Aurelius as a key player in rebuilding the U.S. defense industrial base and advancing directed energy technologies from concept to battlefield deployment.
General Catalyst and Draper Associates bring strategic insight and technical expertise to support Aurelius’s growth. Both firms view the company’s autonomous laser solution as essential for modern conflict scenarios, including those unfolding in regions such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and potentially the South China Sea.
KEY QUOTES:
“Michael and John are tackling one of the toughest challenges in defense with speed, ingenuity, and precision. Aurelius is developing the affordable, adaptable defense layer the modern battlefield urgently needs.”
Paul Kwan, Managing Director at General Catalyst
“The nature of warfare has changed with the escalation ladder in both Ukraine and the Middle East, and that is now universally acknowledged to be the mass adoption of one-way loitering munition drones. In any future global conflict, whether in the South China Seas with Taiwan, or in Europe in the frontline NATO countries, we believe Aurelius’s autonomous laser solution will be crucial in keeping America and its allies safe.”
Tyrone Lee, venture partner at Draper Associates
“It’s clear the US and our allies are extremely under-prepared for this new era of drone warfare. We started Aurelius Systems to deliver to the world the first series of mass produced laser weapons systems. Rugged, autonomous and low SWAP is the name of the game for us. When we win we will have provided the answer to drone warfare and delivered the capacity to project force, defend critical infrastructure and lives.”
Michael Laframboise, CEO of Aurelius Systems
