JetZero announced it has raised approximately $175 million in Series B financing as the startup accelerates development of a full-size demonstrator prototype for its blended, all-wing commercial aircraft concept. The round was led by B Capital and included participation from United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, 3M Ventures, and RTX Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of RTX, among others. JetZero said it has now raised and secured commitments of more than $1.0 billion in total funding and support, including government grants, incentives, and commercial commitments.
The company said the new capital will be used to accelerate work on its full-size Demonstrator, which is designed to deliver at least a 30% improvement in aerodynamics over conventional tube-and-wing aircraft. JetZero said the Demonstrator remains on track to achieve a first flight in 2027.
JetZero is positioning its all-wing architecture as a step-change in efficiency and operating economics at a time when airlines and manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions while managing fuel-price volatility. The company claims its planned commercial aircraft, the Z4, could offer up to 50% better fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions than today’s commercial airliners, while also improving the passenger experience through a different cabin layout enabled by the aircraft’s shape.
Founded in 2020, JetZero was co-founded by CEO Tom O’Leary and aerospace veteran Mark Page. The company said it is working alongside the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration as it develops and validates its blended wing technology, with an eye toward entering commercial service in the early 2030s.
Investors framed the financing as a response to the scale of efficiency improvements needed in aviation, with JetZero’s backers highlighting both the technology’s potential and the strategic importance of advancing new aircraft architectures that could reshape manufacturing and supply chains.
JetZero said its investor group spans the aviation value chain, citing participation from airlines through United Airlines Ventures, as well as aerospace and industrial players that could support development, certification, and production. The company also pointed to the breadth of its funding base as evidence of growing momentum behind the blended-wing approach and a willingness among strategic partners to support a full-scale demonstrator program.
KEY QUOTES:
“The strength and diversity of our investor base reflects the momentum behind JetZero and the industry’s readiness to reshape the future of aviation. This round brings together key strategic partners across the value chain from demand to supply to implementation, including United Airlines Ventures and RTX Ventures, as well as longtime supporters of JetZero from our Series A financing and a new, lead investor in B Capital, focused on innovative, resilient technology. Together, we are delivering an efficient aircraft that elevates the passenger experience, drives American leadership in advanced manufacturing and exports, and strengthens the aviation supply chain.”
Tom O’Leary, Co-Founder and CEO, JetZero
“JetZero is redefining aviation with its all-wing aircraft, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, cost, and the passenger experience. As aviation faces rising emissions and fuel costs, the need for a step change in efficiency has never been greater. JetZero is positioned to reshape the industry, and we’re proud to partner with the team as they advance this groundbreaking technology.”
Jeff Johnson, General Partner, B Capital
