Drone Combat Ready! Epirus Nets $250M for Next-Level Defense Tech
The tech startup has raised the funds to enhance its drone swarms-countering technology.
Recent reports indicate that defense tech startup Epirus, specializing in anti-drone systems, has raised an oversubscribed $250 million Series D.
Epirus, based in Torrance, California, was previously valued at $1.35 billion for its $200 million Series C in 2022, according to its announcement at the time. While Epirus did not give a specific valuation for this round, it confirmed to various sources that it is over $1 billion. (Bloomberg reported in January 2025 that Epirus was raising this round at a lower valuation than its Series C.)
Raising the Bar
The Series D was co-led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, a D.C.-based investment firm. Other investors in the latest technology include Gaingels and General Dynamics Land Systems, a subsidiary of one of the U.S.’s biggest defense contractors. This brings the goal raised by Epirus to over $550 million.
Furthermore, Epirus's status as a unicorn puts it among relatively few defense techs in that league. There’s Anduril, which is raising a $28 billion valuation, Shield AI, which is reportedly raising $5 billion, and Saronic, which was valued at $4 billion in its latest round.
Epirus’ flagship product is Leonidas, designed to beam high-powered electromagnetic pulses at drones as they move across the battlefield. The company has several U.S. military contracts under its belt, including a $66 million Army deal from 2023, per its website. Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of Epirus and the managing partner of 8VC, touted Leonidas as the “best protection against drone swarms today.”
Epirus says it plans to use the raised funds to expand into international and commercial markets. The company also says it will invest in growing its team, improving its supply chain resiliency, and opening a new simulation center in Oklahoma to train soldiers.
