Reliable Robotics builds automation systems for airplanes to enable autonomous flight. They focus on both cargo and passenger aircraft (Part 23 small planes and Part 25 larger jets) and work with customers by selling or licensing their systems and providing maintenance and support. Their technology integrates into aircraft to enable gate-to-gate autonomous operations, using a certification-forward process that emphasizes meeting regulatory safety standards early in development. This makes their systems safer and more reliable from the start and helps them gain regulatory approval faster. The company differentiates itself through a proven track record of fully automated gate-to-gate operations on a Part 23 aircraft and by combining aerospace engineering with robotics know-how to align with aviation rules. The goal is to make air travel safer, more affordable, and more accessible, while transforming how goods and people are moved around the world.
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Industries
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$445.6M
Headquarters
Mountain View, CA
Founded
2017
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Total Funding
$445.6M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
8 Rounds
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Reliable Robotics has completed its first autonomous cross-country flight in an upgraded Cessna 208B Caravan. The two-day, 1,375 nautical mile trip started in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stopped in Shreveport, Louisiana, and ended with a fully autonomous landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft flew under instrument flight rules with the Reliable Autonomy System, handling taxi, takeoff, en route flight and landing while carrying hundreds of pounds of payload. A remote pilot in Mountain View, California, more than 1,000 miles away, spoke with air traffic control and commanded the plane. The onboard pilot made no interventions, even in poor weather with low visibility. "This operation was an important milestone toward certification and commercial operations," said chief executive officer Robert Rose. The company is certifying the system with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and holds the only FAA-accepted certification plan for continuous autopilot engagement.
Reliable Robotics, the leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced it has raised $115 million in new capital, upsizing its previously-announced $1...
Reliable Robotics, the leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced $160M in new funding to accelerate deployment and scale production of the Relia...
Reliable Robotics raises $115M more, pushing Series D to $275M and valuation above $1B. The autonomous aviation company will use the additional capital to expand aircraft production, grow its engineering workforce and advance FAA certification of its gate-to-gate flight automation system. Prefer on Google Reliable Robotics has raised an additional $115 million in capital, expanding its previously announced Series D funding round from $160 million to $275 million amid increased investor demand. The latest financing values the autonomous aviation company at more than $1 billion. The additional capital includes a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. Reliable Robotics said it has raised more than $380 million in equity capital to date. Discover more The company will use the funding to expand its aircraft fleet and production facilities, strengthen its engineering workforce and accelerate the development of its autonomous flight technology. Nimble Partners led the round as a returning investor. New participants include Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital and Sparkwave Capital, alongside continued investment from Island Green Partners. Allen & Company supported the fundraising process. Autonomous flight designed for existing aircraft. Reliable Robotics is developing autonomous aircraft systems intended to improve aviation safety while operating with existing certified aircraft and aviation infrastructure. Its core technology comprises the Reliable Autonomy System (RAS) and Reliable Radar. The company says the systems are designed to address major causes of aviation accidents, including loss of control (LOC) and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Reliable's approach aims to enable commercial autonomous operations without requiring changes to the US National Airspace System. The technology is designed to support automated flight operations from gate to gate, including taxiing, takeoff, en-route flight management and landing. The company has established partnerships across the aviation sector, including with aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers and operators. Commercial and military applications. Reliable's autonomy technology has potential applications in both commercial and military aviation. The company said it has secured contracts with multiple branches of the US military and completed several military airworthiness review processes with the US Air Force. Discover more electric vehicle (EV Electric Vehicles Its selection for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program also enables pre-certification operations in the National Airspace System. Under the programme, Reliable plans to deliver cargo to small and rural communities in New Mexico and Colorado. The initiative provides an opportunity to demonstrate the technology in practical operations as the company continues pursuing certification. FAA certification for Cessna Grand Caravan. Reliable is working with the FAA to certify its Reliable Autonomy System for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. The company describes RAS as the first FAA-certifiable system designed to enable full gate-to-gate automated aircraft operation. Reliable also says it has secured FAA acceptance of its certification plan and means of compliance, as well as closed issue papers concerning continuous autopilot engagement. The system combines high-integrity navigation, full-authority flight controls and four-dimensional flight planning. Its intended capabilities include automated taxiing, takeoff, en-route navigation and landing at airports across the United States. FAA certification remains a key milestone in bringing the system into commercial service. New offices support engineering expansion. Alongside the expanded Series D round, Reliable Robotics announced the opening of new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. The locations will complement its existing operations in Mountain View and San Martin, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company plans to recruit across engineering disciplines and establish a centre of excellence for its radar programme in Seattle. Reliable said its workforce has grown to more than 250 employees and that it is continuing to recruit across its office locations. The additional funding, expanded facilities and hiring plans are intended to help Reliable advance certification work while scaling production of autonomous aviation systems for commercial and defense applications. Discover more Electrified Compare EV Models electric vehicle
Reliable Robotics secures $115M to advance autonomous aviation. 21 October 2026 Key Takeaways * Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in additional capital, pushing its valuation above $1 billion. * The financing expands its Series D to $275 million, including $90 million in equity and $25 million in debt. * The company will expand aircraft production, engineering teams and efforts to secure FAA certification. Reliable Robotics secures $115M in Series D extension. Reliable Robotics has secured a $115 million funding round to develop its autonomous aircraft technology. Mountain View-based Reliable announced the new funding on 20 October. The financing increases the series D funding round to $275 million and values the company at more than $1 billion. Nimble Partners, a repeat investor, led the equity financing. The funding round also consists of $90 million in equity and a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. New investors such as Gideon Strategic Partners, Rock Creek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital also participated. Island Green Partners also invested once more. The company has accumulated over $380 million in equity funding to date. It intends to scale up its aircraft fleet and production facilities. The funds will also help accelerate engineering hiring and advance technology development. Crossing the billion-dollar valuation threshold is a major achievement. Autonomous flight technology targets aviation safety. Reliable Robotics' core technology combines the Reliable Autonomy System with its proprietary radar. The system is designed to manage aircraft operations from gate to gate. Its capabilities include taxiing, take-off, flight management and landing. The technology targets major aviation accident risks. These include loss of control and controlled flight into terrain. High-integrity navigation, automated flight controls and four-dimensional flight planning support its safety approach. Reliable is pursuing Federal Aviation Administration certification for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Its continuous autopilot engagement system is the first stage. CEO Robert Rose expects certification for this capability within 18 to 24 months. A later stage would allow pilots to operate aircraft from ground-control stations. Rose estimates that approval remains at least three years away. The company is also developing solid-state radar designed to improve collision detection. Rose expects radar certification by the end of 2027. Government partnerships support commercial development. Reliable Robotics is advancing autonomous aviation through government contracts, military partnerships, and FAA pilot programme participation. These initiatives support operational testing and potential commercial expansion across regional cargo routes. Source: Created by Ventureburn. Reliable Robotics is pursuing opportunities across commercial and military aviation. The company has secured contracts with multiple branches of the US military. It has also completed several military airworthiness review processes with the US Air Force. Its selection for the FAA's Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program supports pre-certification operations. These flights will deliver cargo to smaller communities across New Mexico and Colorado. The programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the technology under operational conditions. These activities provide operational experience alongside certification efforts. The company's technology is designed for existing aircraft rather than entirely new airframes. This approach could reduce barriers to adoption if regulators approve commercial deployment. Nimble Partners founder John Burbank said the opportunity extends beyond building a single autonomous aircraft. He believes the technology could eventually support different aircraft types. However, broad adoption will depend on certification outcomes and operational reliability. Reliable Robotics expands engineering and production capacity. The fresh funds will be used to accelerate the company's growth phase. Reliable Robotics has established new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. It also supports operations in Mountain View, San Martin and Albuquerque. Today the company has over 250 employees. It will continue hiring throughout engineering, and open a radar centre of excellence in Seattle. In addition, increased production capacity will accommodate the company's expanding aircraft programme. Reliable Robotics. Certification timelines may impact the pace of commercial deployment and revenue generation. Nevertheless, its expanded financing provides additional resources for engineering and operational development. To stay updated on crypto venture capital funding and market trends, visit its venture capital news section for more insights. Clinton Nwachukwu is a crypto and finance writer with an MBA in Artificial Intelligence and 6+ years of experience creating content for leading global brands. He turns complex topics into clear, actionable insights for readers worldwide. Disclaimer VentureBurn is a media platform covering the latest in cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, venture capital, and the startup ecosystem. Opinions expressed on VentureBurn are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Before making any high-risk investments in digital assets or emerging technologies, readers should conduct their own due diligence. All transactions and financial decisions are made at your own risk, and any losses incurred are solely your responsibility. VentureBurn does not endorse or recommend the buying or selling of any digital assets and is not a licensed investment advisor. Please note that VentureBurn may participate in affiliate marketing programs. Editor's Choice
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Industries
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$445.6M
Headquarters
Mountain View, CA
Founded
2017
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify.Browse all jobs