Epirus, a defense tech startup specializing in anti-drone systems, has raised $250 million Series D funding round.
This investment will catapult the company’s production capabilities for its flagship Leonidas product, a cutting-edge high-power microwave (HPM) technology designed to counter drones, drone swarms, and other electronics. With the latest funding, Epirus aims to scale its defense systems to meet the surging global demand for non-kinetic, scalable counter-electronics solutions.
The Series D round was co-led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, with additional support from return investors such as Gaingels, General Dynamics Land Systems, and other strategic defense partners. General Dynamics, a major defense contractor, sees significant potential in Epirus’ technology, particularly its counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities.
Having raised over $550 million, Epirus has officially joined the ranks of unicorns in defense tech, alongside companies like Anduril and Shield AI. Strategic agreements with Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Land Systems further solidify Epirus’ role in advancing short-range air defense capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Epirus raises $250 million to scale its Leonidas production, increase manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and expand into international markets.
- Leonidas Technology is a solid-state, high-energy HPM system designed to neutralize drone swarms and electronic threats.
- Epirus is at the forefront of providing scalable, non-kinetic solutions for modern defense challenges.
- Epirus plans to open a state-of-the-art simulation center and expand U.S.-based innovation and production.
Leonidas counter-drone system
Epirus’ flagship technology, Leonidas, represents a major advancement in counter-electronics defense. The solid-state, software-defined HPM system is designed to counter the growing threat posed by drones and electronic warfare. Joe Lonsdale, one of Epirus’ co-founders and the managing partner of 8VC, described Leonidas as the “best protection against drone swarms today”.
Unlike traditional defense systems, which engage threats individually, Leonidas uses a “1 to many” strategy, capable of neutralizing entire swarms of drones and other threats in a single action. This approach is critical in an era where low-cost, highly networked threats are increasingly overwhelming traditional defense systems.
“A new era of threats mandates a shift from a ‘1 to 1’ mindset to a ‘1 to many’ way of thinking for short-range air defense, and we are primed to support the Department of Defense in this new way of warfare,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. “This funding will supercharge the manufacturing capability for our Leonidas™ high-power microwave product line and position us for our next stage of scaling growth.”
With its open architecture, unlimited magazine, and demonstrated non-kinetic effects, Leonidas is designed for scalability and adaptability. It can be integrated into a wide range of defense platforms—from military installations to critical infrastructure like airports and power plants.
Manufacturing & expansion plans
California-based defense technology startup Epirus has secured multiple U.S. military contracts, including $66.1 million deal in January 2023 from the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to deliver and support Leonidas prototypes. In November 2023, the company delivered the first of four Indirect Fire Protection Capability HPM systems based on Leonidas to the Army.
Epirus plans to use the funds to expand its manufacturing capacity, hire top-tier talent, and extend its footprint in both U.S. and international markets. Epirus has announced expanding its innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the United States. A key initiative is the opening of a new immersive simulation center in Oklahoma later this year. The center will provide realistic training environments for military personnel, preparing them for modern electronic warfare with cutting-edge technology.
The company’s focus on U.S.-based manufacturing and rapid prototyping is a key part of its strategy to deliver fast, effective solutions to meet the evolving needs of national security. Epirus’ speed and agility in deploying prototype systems, such as delivering a working system for the U.S. Army in just nine months, set it apart in the defense tech space.
With its breakthrough in high-energy, solid-state microwave technology, Epirus promises to transform short-range air defense systems and bolster protection for critical infrastructure across military and commercial sectors worldwide.
“The future of warfare demands defense technologies that are intelligent, agile, scalable, and cost-effective,” said Mina Faltas, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Washington Harbour Partners. “Epirus is delivering exactly that as the transformative leader in counter-electronics technology, delivering the only field-deployable solution capable of neutralizing drone swarms at scale.”
Epirus is part of a growing cohort of “neo-primes”—nontraditional defense tech companies blending Silicon Valley innovation with modern defense needs, leveraging software, agile manufacturing, and cutting-edge technologies to tackle future warfare challenges.
