Firestorm Labs, an innovative expeditionary manufacturing company, has secured $47 million in Series A funding, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and supported by major defense investors like Lockheed Martin Ventures and Booz Allen Ventures. This funding includes $12 million in venture debt from J.P. Morgan and builds on a previous $12.5 million seed round.
The funds will accelerate the development of Firestorm’s additive manufacturing platform, allowing for the hiring of engineers, expansion into a larger production facility, and enhancement of partnership programs. Firestorm aims to increase in-theater production of affordable Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to meet evolving defense needs.
In line with Executive Order 14307 on “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” Firestorm will scale its xCell factory-in-a-box, which produces modular airframes and mission-specific components at the point of need. This initiative enables combat units to quickly replenish drone fleets on-site for various missions without relying on centralized facilities.
Additionally, the funding will enhance Firestorm’s modularity suite, integrating essential tools into a single plug-and-play system. This solution is field-proven, promoting autonomy and adaptability without reliance on external systems.
Overall, this investment positions Firestorm to lead in defense technology, providing mission-ready airpower rapidly while addressing the challenges of traditional procurement.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re thrilled about this milestone, because it empowers Firestorm to deliver critical, battlefield-ready solutions faster and at scale. Our unique ability to 3D print modular airframes on-site dramatically reduces production timelines, costs, and logistical constraints, giving the U.S. and allied forces the adaptive technology they urgently need in complex and contested operational environments.”
Dan Magy, CEO of Firestorm
“Firestorm’s pioneering use of distributed, additive manufacturing for low-cost, adaptable, and open-architecture UAS solutions is critical for keeping our troops out of harm’s way and establishing the US at the forefront of unmanned systems. Their agility, unique capabilities, and focused approach align with our vision for transformative defense technologies. We are proud to be supporting them in their mission.”
Aaron Jacobson, partner at NEA
“Our military needs technology it can trust to be ready when the circumstances demand it. Deployable, on-site 3D drone printing is a powerful tool that further extends the warfighter’s ability to secure the battlespace, while advancing U.S. leadership on the frontiers of defense technologies.”
Chris Moran, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures
“Firestorm continues to deliver ground-breaking innovations, building the future of autonomous systems to meet the needs of full-spectrum combat operations. The combination of edge manufacturing, modularity in vehicles and payloads, and high-volume/low-cost production pathways has been quickly recognized as a force multiplier and operational necessity by various organizations across the DoD.”
Thomas Hendrix, general partner at Decisive Point
“One of the most pressing constraints to our military’s readiness and operational reach is our manufacturing capacity. Firestorm is filling that void by providing critical additive manufacturing capabilities that will contribute to the entire defense ecosystem, from the front line to the industrial base. Washington Harbour Partners is proud to back Firestorm and looks forward to working together into the future to deliver for warfighters and the mission.”
Mina Faltas, founder and chief investment officer of Washington Harbour Partners
“Sustaining a competitive advantage means investing boldly in technologies that match the pace and complexity of modern threats. Firestorm is delivering breakthrough technology designed for speed, scale, and survivability in the world’s most challenging environments. Their ability to move fast and solve hard operational problems is exactly what the U.S. and its allies need to stay ahead in the battlespace.”
Brian MacCarthy, managing partner of Booz Allen Ventures
“As a former senior commander focused on supply chains and reducing long logistics tails, I know amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics. Firestorm’s innovation is really helping that logistics chain to operate more efficiently.”
U.S. Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke (Ret.) – who recently toured Firestorm’s San Diego facilities and commended the team of innovators for easing supply-chain burdens through their determination and collaboration
“J.P. Morgan is thrilled to work with Firestorm as they enter their next phase of growth and work to develop affordable, modular and open-architecture drones. Our support for their company demonstrates J.P. Morgan’s commitment to supporting founders and next-generation defense companies that are actively helping to keep service members safe.”
Justin Krauss, Head of Applied Technology within J.P. Morgan’s Innovation Economy business
