Reliable Robotics Secures $115M to Advance Autonomous Aviation

Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in funding to advance its autonomous aircraft technology. The Mountain View-based company announced the Series D extension on October 20th, increasing its total funding to $275 million and valuing the firm at over $1 billion. Nimble Partners, a repeat investor, led the round, with additional participation from Gideon Strategic Partners, Rock Creek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Island Green Partners also invested again, bringing the total equity funding to over $380 million.

Reliable Robotics' technology integrates its Reliable Autonomy System with proprietary radar, managing aircraft operations from gate to gate. The system targets risks such as loss of control and controlled flight into terrain. Its safety approach includes high-integrity navigation, automated flight controls, and four-dimensional flight planning.

The company is pursuing FAA certification for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, with certification expected within 18 to 24 months. A later stage would allow pilots to operate aircraft from ground-control stations, potentially three years away.

The funds will also accelerate engineering hiring and technology development. Reliable Robotics aims to scale up its aircraft fleet and production facilities. Government partnerships, including military contracts and FAA participation in the Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, support operational testing and potential commercial expansion. The company is developing solid-state radar to improve collision detection, expecting certification by the end of 2027.

Reliable Robotics is pursuing commercial development through partnerships with multiple US military branches and completion of military airworthiness review processes. Its approach supports autonomous operation on existing aircraft, which could reduce adoption barriers if regulators approve commercial deployment. The expanded financing enables hiring throughout engineering and the opening of a radar center of excellence in Seattle.

The company currently employs over 250 people across its operations in Seattle, San Diego, Mountain View, San Martin, and Albuquerque.