Drone-frying defense firm Epirus raises $250 million
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Epirus plans to expand production of its directed-energy weapons and jump into overseas and commercial markets on the heels of a $250 million funding round.
Why it matters: Powerful lasers and microwaves are exploding in popularity as militaries scramble to more effectively — cheaply, quickly, sustainably — counter drones.
- Widespread adoption, however, is still lacking.
Follow the money: This latest funding round, led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, pushes Epirus' venture account beyond $550 million.
- The company previously won a $66 million prototyping contract with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
How it works: Epirus makes Leonidas, which can be towed or mounted to combat vehicles like the Stryker. It zaps electronics with blasts of energy.
- This can bring down handfuls of drones and kill small motors.
- More than two dozen directed-energy initiatives are underway across the military, according to a study published by the Emerging Technologies Institute.
What they're saying: "A new era of threats mandates a shift from a 'one to one' mindset to a 'one to many' way of thinking for short-range air defense," CEO Andy Lowery said, "and we are primed to support the Department of Defense in this new way of warfare."
What's next: Epirus will open what it's calling an "immersive simulation center" later this year in Oklahoma, home to Fort Sill and the Joint Counter-Small UAS University.
Go deeper: Israel wants to deploy its Iron Beam within a year
