XTEND

XTEND, founded in 2018 by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira, along with Rubi Liani and Adir Tubi, operates at the intersection of defense technology and robotics. The company's genesis was a direct response to the incendiary balloon threat on the Israeli-Gaza border, with the founders believing drones could provide a safe, remote solution. Aviv and Matteo Shapira previously co-founded Replay Technologies, a volumetric video company acquired by Intel in 2016 for a reported $175 million, which earned them two Emmy Awards. This background in aerospace engineering, computer graphics, and advanced user experience laid the groundwork for XTEND.

The core of XTEND's offering is its proprietary XOS operating system, which is designed to simplify the control of drones and other robotic systems. XOS combines artificial intelligence with human guidance, allowing operators with minimal training to execute complex missions in hazardous environments. The system employs a user-friendly interface that incorporates virtual and augmented reality, giving the operator an immersive, first-person view and the ability to control the machine with intuitive hand gestures. This "human-machine teaming" approach is central to the company's philosophy, aiming to enhance an operator's capabilities while minimizing physical risk.

XTEND's business model involves both the sale of its hardware, such as the SKYLORD and Wolverine drone lines, and the licensing of its XOS software to other hardware manufacturers. The company primarily serves the defense and homeland security sectors, with major clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and other agencies in Europe and Singapore. Initially focused on military applications, XTEND has expanded its target market to include civilian uses like public safety, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response. Revenue is generated through hardware sales and significant development contracts, such as a $20 million deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop a multi-drone operating system. The company has successfully raised $90 million in total funding, including a $70 million Series B round completed in July 2025, to scale production and expand its global presence, which includes a U.S. headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

Keywords: drone operating system, human-machine teaming, tactical drones, robotics software, defense technology, counter-UAS, C-UAS, autonomous systems, AI-robotics, virtual reality drone control, remote operations, XOS, SKYLORD, military drones, public safety drones, homeland security, ISR, reconnaissance, human-guided autonomy, unmanned aerial systems