Imagine a battlefield that is full of AI-powered drones flying through the tight corridors and identifying the threats in real-time, and saving lives as well. This is no longer a video game but a real work of XTEND, which is known as one of the most popular defence tech startups. XTEND has recently mentioned that it would be integrating more artificial intelligence and virtual reality into its products and even make autonomous robots to revolutionise the battlefield.
Today, we shall be taking a look at the $30 million extension of it to its Series B funding round, which has boosted the Series B financing to $70 million. The total is approximately $95 million, which is considered a very impressive amount for the defence tech startups. The investment signifies a milestone for it as it tries to expand its U.S. presence and even prepares to become popular globally.
XTEND and Series B Extension
The $30 million Series B extension that is co-led by Aliya Capital Partners and Protego Venture, and further participation from investors like Claltech, Union-Tech Ventures, and Chartered Group, made headlines all over the world. The investment from these companies has pushed its funding to $95 million, underscoring the confidence in the trajectory of the company from investors. Ross Kestin, who is the CEO of Aliya Capital, has joined the Board of Directors of XTEND and mentioned his enthusiasm as “XTEND’s mission to deliver drones and robotics systems for risky, critical environments aligns with our vision to support technologies to enhance life.”
Avi Fisher, who is the Chairman of Clal Industries and Claltech, said, “What convinced us to invest was not just the technology, but it was their feedback.” He further mentioned that XTEND’s systems have saved many lives and reduced AI training time by 99%. The backing from these investors is not just about money, but it is a signal that XTEND is combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and defence into the security sector.
XTEND and XOS Platform
XOS is the heart of its company technology, and it has now become a signature software platform that allows different users to control and use multiple drones all at once by using a virtual reality headset. It is similar to the display of Iron Man, but for defence, and users can see what the drones see and even command them in real-time to interact and simulate them on the battlefield. The system heightens the use of artificial intelligence by enhancing video feeds and highlighting key objects, and automating routine drone tasks.
The best part is that XOS is compatible with a wide range of systems and can be used through third-party drones and XTEND’s own fleet. This includes Honey Badgers, which is known as the company’s flagship unmanned aircraft and is capable of covering more than four miles at 44 mph. This includes four infrared sensors and advanced optics that make it one of the best surveillance and operations tools.
XTEND and U.S. Expansion
XTEND has been making efforts to expand in the United States, and it even officially inaugurated a new headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on July 1. The new site is not just an office, but it is also the foundation of the company’s U.S. expansion and a testament to its popularity. The Chairman of the Board at XTEND mentioned that “The facility represents the vision of the comapny to bring a groundbreaking technology closer to the United States and its defence ecosystem.”
The co-founder and General Partner at Protego Venture mentioned that “The grand opening of XTEND at Tampa signifies more than just a physical expansion, and it is a new phase of operational scale and engagement with the U.S.” In the coming months, its expected to upgrade its facility in Tampa and begin producing upstream drone components.
AI that Saves Lives
XTEND has now made headlines with its investments, but it is more than just a startup and has accomplished a lot of missions in dangerous environments. It has more than 50 customers all over the U.S., Israel, Singapore, Europe, and the UK. Since the time it closed its first Series B, it has received over $50 million in contracts and reduced the learning time of artificial intelligence by 99%.
The drones manufactured by XTEND are built to last and feature very protective design elements that can shield and protect themselves from propellers and other sensitive components. It uses a mesh networking module to share data between different units, and the best part of this is that it is completely wireless, and hence, improved performance in dynamic environments.
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Looking Forward at XTEND and Smart Robotics
The Managing Director at Union-Tech Ventures mentioned, “With its successful completion in investing, XTEND has now become a global leader in defence technology.” This is a very true statement, as the leadership extends beyond drones and goes up to AI-enabled autonomous robotic systems as well.
It is not just imagining the future of defence, but it is also building it, and the $30 million investment is a great proof of it. As it continues to grow and build an empire of artificial intelligence, robotics, and U.S.-based operations, XTEND is leaving its mark on history.
