Reliable Robotics secures $115 million, pushes valuation past $1 billion
Reliable Robotics raised $115 million in new financing, bringing its total funding to $380 million and valuing the startup at over $1 billion as it moves toward FAA certification of its autonomous flight system.
Reliable Robotics, founded by former SpaceX engineers Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, has closed a $115 million financing round that adds to a total Series D of $275 million and pushes its valuation beyond $1 billion. The round comprises $90 million of equity led by Nimble Partners and $25 million of debt from Silicon Valley Bank, with participation from investors such as Gideon Strategic Partners, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital and Sparkwave Capital.
The startup is targeting FAA certification for four key components: a continuous autopilot engagement system that automates engine start, taxi, takeoff and landing while keeping the pilot aboard; a future cockpit-free system operated from a ground station; an in-house solid-state radar designed for high-resolution collision avoidance; and a dedicated airline, Reliable Airlines, that will operate six Cessna Caravans out of Albuquerque. Rose expects the first system to be certified within 18-24 months and the radar by the end of 2027, positioning the company to offer its technology across multiple airframes.
Why it matters
The funding and certification roadmap could accelerate autonomous flight adoption, reshaping commercial aviation and logistics.
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