Skyryse Achieves Unicorn Status with $300M Series C to Advance Aviation Automation Technology
Skyryse, an El Segundo, California-based aviation automation startup, has secured over $300 million in Series C funding, propelling its valuation to $1.15 billion and achieving unicorn status. The funding round, led by Autopilot Ventures and announced Tuesday, arrives as the company approaches completion of a comprehensive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process for its advanced flight control system.
The capital injection will support the integration of Skyryse's proprietary operating system, SkyOS, across multiple aircraft platforms, including U.S. military Black Hawk helicopters. The investment round included participation from prominent institutional investors:
• Fidelity Management & Research Company
• ArrowMark Partners
• Atreides Management LP
• BAM Elevate
• Baron Capital Group
• Durable Capital Partners
• Positive Sum
• Qatar Investment Authority
• RCM Private Markets Fund managed by Rokos Capital Management
• Woodline Partners
Since its founding in 2016, Skyryse has raised over $605 million in total equity capital.
Technology Overview
Skyryse has developed significant traction with investors, U.S. military branches, emergency medical service (EMS) operators, law enforcement agencies, and private aviation operators through its simplified flight control architecture. The company's approach involves replacing traditional mechanical flight controls—including analog gauges and manual switches—with an integrated system featuring multiple flight computers that automate complex and high-risk flight operations.
While not a fully autonomous solution, the system is engineered to automate the most challenging aspects of flight operations, augment pilot capabilities, and enhance overall safety metrics. The intuitive interface, featuring touchscreen-based controls, has attracted partnerships with organizations including United Rotorcraft, Air Methods, and Mitsubishi Corporation, which have contracted Skyryse to integrate SkyOS across various helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft platforms.
Product Development and Applications
Skyryse initially focused development efforts on helicopters—among the most dynamically unstable aircraft to operate—with the strategic vision of scaling SkyOS across all aircraft categories. The initial implementation, designated Skyryse One, provides automated takeoff and landing sequences, fully automated hover functionality, and automated emergency landing procedures during engine failure scenarios.
The company has subsequently expanded integration to include Black Hawk helicopter platforms, demonstrating the system's adaptability to military-grade aircraft.
Regulatory Progress
Skyryse has achieved significant milestones in its FAA certification pathway. In the previous year, the FAA granted final design approval for the company's SkyOS flight control computers. The remaining certification requirements include completion of formal flight testing protocols and verification procedures to achieve full type certification.
