AEROSPACE · DEFENSE · AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

Capital from
Operators Who
Know the Mission.

Aviataix Ventures backs defense and aerospace founders building the next generation of autonomous systems, propulsion, and national security technology — with partners who have operated in the systems they fund.

2017 Founded
$95M AUM
2 Funds
8 Portfolio Companies
Our Approach

We back the
builders redefining
what defense can do.

Aviataix invests at the intersection of defense technology, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing — sectors where commercial capital has historically moved slowly and DoD relationships are the real moat.

We bring two things most investors cannot: partners who have held clearances, run acquisition programs, and shipped systems in theater; and a network that spans the prime contractors, program offices, and research labs where defense-tech companies must win.

Our check sizes range from $6M to $41M. We lead rounds, take board seats, and stay active through the full government-contract lifecycle — not just at initial investment.

Sectors We Cover

  • Autonomous Systems & Unmanned Platforms
  • Defense Autonomy & C4ISR
  • Hypersonic & Advanced Propulsion
  • Precision Manufacturing for Aerospace
  • Space Systems & Satellite Infrastructure
  • Software Supply-Chain Security (DoD)

Eight companies
building critical
technology.

Our portfolio spans two funds — deployed capital into founders with deep domain expertise and a clear path to government and commercial adoption.

Hadrian Automation

Precision Manufacturing for Aerospace

2022 Series A

Anduril Industries

Defense Autonomy & C4ISR

2018 Series A

Saronic Technologies

Autonomous Maritime Surface Vessels

2023 Seed

Shield AI

Autonomous Aerial Combat Systems

2019 Series A

Castelion

Hypersonic Munitions

2024 Seed

Ursa Major

Rocket Propulsion Systems

2020 Series A

Anchore

Software Supply-Chain Security for DoD

2021 Series A

Apex Space

Configurable Satellite Buses

2023 Seed

Operators who became investors.

JW

Colonel James Whitfield

Managing Partner

Twenty-six years USAF, retired Colonel. F-15E squadron commander, PACAF acquisitions, autonomous systems rapid-prototype programs. Founded Aviataix in 2017.

Full Profile
ME

Maria Esposito

Partner

Former Lockheed Martin program executive across F-35 and Skunk Works. MS Aerospace Engineering MIT, MBA Wharton. Previously Principal at a defense-focused growth-equity fund.

Full Profile
RK

Ravi Khanna

Operating Partner

Former DARPA program manager running classified UAS autonomy initiatives. PhD Robotics CMU. Supports portfolio companies on technical due-diligence and government-contracting strategy.

Full Profile

Two funds. Consistent thesis.

Aviataix Fund I

$35M

Closed · September 2018 Status · Fully Deployed

Deployed capital into four portfolio companies from 2018–2021: Anduril Industries, Shield AI, Ursa Major, and Anchore.

Aviataix Fund II

$60M

Closed · November 2022 Status · Actively Deploying

Fund II expanded the mandate to include seed-stage positions. Current portfolio includes Hadrian Automation, Saronic Technologies, Castelion, and Apex Space.