Auterion Secures $130M to Expand Drone Software Across Ukraine, Taiwan, and Europe
Swiss-founded defense software startup Auterion is raising $130 million to expand its global operations, including in Ukraine and Taiwan. Led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from Lakestar and Mosaic Ventures, the round values the company at over $600 million .
The $130 million total includes $25 million in non-dilutive capital from the United States Department of Defense , supported by its Office of Strategic Capital. Existing investors Mosaic Ventures and Costanoa Ventures also participated. The raise highlights growing investor interest in defense technology, as drones become central to modern military operations and European defense budgets climb.
Founded in Zurich in 2017, Auterion originally focused on delivery drones. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the company pivoted to defense, building software that enhances drone navigation, targeting, and coordination. Its autopilot system enables “swarming,” letting multiple drones operate in concert. Unlike hardware-focused rivals, Auterion’s platform works across different drone models, a strategy CEO Lorenz Meier compares to Microsoft Windows: one software layer powering many devices.
Auterion, based in Arlington, Virginia, is approaching $100 million in revenue and has turned cash flow positive. The new funding will support team growth, office expansion, and acquisitions of companies building compatible drone software. Auterion has already secured contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Taiwanese military, and European partners, while its platform coordinates dozens of drones in Ukraine.
By focusing on software rather than hardware, Auterion aims to become the operating system for drones worldwide. The bet is that militaries will increasingly rely on versatile, open platforms rather than single-vendor solutions—a strategy that, if successful, could make Auterion a central player in the next generation of defense technology.
Source:
Bloomberg
Resilience Media
A.M.
