Epirus Raises $250M to Counter Drone Threats
Epirus, a defense technology startup focused on anti-drone systems, has announced the successful closure of an oversubscribed $250 million Series D funding round. The company, based in Torrance, California, aims to deploy its technology to safeguard against the growing threat of drone swarms.
Epirus’s valuation is now above $1 billion, although the exact amount was not disclosed. The funding round was co-led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, with additional investment from Gaingels and General Dynamics Land Systems, a subsidiary of a major U.S. defense contractor. This brings Epirus’s total funding to over $550 million.
Epirus’s product, Leonidas, uses high-powered electromagnetic pulses to neutralize drones. The company has secured multiple U.S. military contracts, including a $66 million Army deal in 2023. Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Epirus and managing partner of 8VC, highlighted Leonidas as the “best protection against drone swarms today.”
Epirus plans to use the new capital to expand into international and commercial markets, invest in team growth, improve supply chain resilience, and establish a new simulation center in Oklahoma to facilitate soldier training.
Epirus’s flagship product is Leonidas, a high-powered electromagnetic pulse system designed to neutralize drones.
