Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in funding for the further development of autonomous aircraft technologies. The Mountain View-based company announced the funding on October 20th. This injection increases the Series D round total to $275 million and values the company at over one billion dollars.
Nimble Partners led this venture financing round as a repeat investor. Additionally, the round includes $90 million in equity capital and $25 million in a term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. New investors participating in the funding include Gideon Strategic Partners, Rock Creek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Island Green Partners also invested again.
The company has now accumulated over $380 million in equity financing. Plans include expanding its fleet of aircraft and manufacturing capabilities. The funds will also be used to accelerate hiring engineers and advancing technological development. Crossing the billion-dollar valuation threshold is a significant achievement.
Reliable Robotics' core technology combines the Reliable Autonomy System with a proprietary radar. This system is designed to manage aircraft operations from gate to gate. Its capabilities include taxiing, takeoff, flight control, and landing.
The technology aims to minimize serious risks in aviation, such as loss of control and controlled flight in rugged terrain. Safety is ensured through high-precision navigation, automated flight control systems, and support for four-dimensional flight planning.
Reliable is pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. The first phase involves implementing a continuous autopilot system. CEO Robert Rose expects to receive this certification within 18–24 months.
A later phase will allow pilots to operate aircraft from ground control stations. Rose forecasts that approval for this stage will take at least three years. Furthermore, the company is developing a solid-state radar intended to improve collision detection, and Rose anticipates radar certification by the end of 2027.
Reliable Robotics is exploring opportunities in both commercial and military aviation. The company has secured contracts with several US Armed Forces units and completed several flightworthiness verification processes for military purposes with the USAF. The company's participation in the FAA's Air Mobility Pilot Project supports pre-certification operations. These flights will involve cargo delivery to small towns in New Mexico and Colorado. The program allows for demonstrating the technology in real operational conditions.
These activities provide practical experience alongside certification efforts. The company's technology is designed for use on existing aircraft, not for creating entirely new airframes. This approach may lower barriers to technology adoption if regulators approve commercial use.
John Warburg, founder of Nimble Partners, noted that the potential extends beyond creating a single autonomous aircraft. He believes this technology could ultimately support various types of aircraft. However, widespread adoption will depend on certification results and operational reliability.
The new funding will be directed toward accelerating the company's growth phase. Reliable Robotics has opened new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California, while maintaining operations in Mountain View, San Martin, and Albuquerque. The company currently employs over 250 people and will continue to hire staff in the engineering department, as well as opening a radar center of excellence in Seattle. Moreover, increased production capacity will allow the company to meet its growing aircraft order book.
Although certification timelines may affect the pace of commercial deployment and revenue generation, the expanded funding provides additional resources for engineering and operational development.