Aviataix Ventures — Defense & Aerospace VC

What We Back

Areas of Focus

We invest across six critical domains where technological advantage translates directly into national security outcomes.

Drones & UAV Systems

Unmanned Systems for Contested Airspace

We back pre-Series A and Series A teams building autonomous drone swarm coordination, counter-UAV systems, and long-endurance surveillance platforms. Typical check: \–10M led. Portfolio includes AeroDyne Robotics.

Satellite & Orbital Systems

Eyes, Ears, and Backbone in Orbit

We back founders building LEO constellations for ISR, secure communications, and space domain awareness. Typical check: $5–12M led. Portfolio includes OrbitShield and NovaStar Systems.

Autonomous Vehicles

Ground and Air Autonomy at Scale

We back teams building unmanned ground vehicles for logistics, reconnaissance, and force protection. Typical check: \–10M led. Portfolio includes TerraForce Autonomy.

Our Process

How We Invest

A deliberate, four-stage approach built for the operational complexity of defense technology.

Sourcing

Network-driven deal flow through military, DoD, DARPA, and defense industrial base relationships.

Diligence

Deep technical and operational review. We stress-test assumptions with operators, not just engineers.

Investment

Lead or co-lead rounds in pre-Series A through Series B defense technology companies.

Portfolio Support

Active support on DoD contracting, security clearances, acquisition pathways, and government BD.

Selected Holdings

Portfolio Highlights

Drones & UAV

AeroDyne Robotics

Autonomous drone swarm coordination systems for contested environments.

Active

Satellite

OrbitShield

Low-earth orbit satellite constellation for ISR and communications.

Active

AI Defense

VectorPoint AI

AI-powered targeting and threat assessment for ground forces.

Active

Space Systems

NovaStar Systems

Next-gen propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles.

Active

Communications

Sentinal Networks

Mesh communications infrastructure for battlefield connectivity.

Active

Autonomous Vehicles

TerraForce Autonomy

Unmanned ground vehicle platforms for logistics and reconnaissance.

Active

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The Team

Leadership

Former military officers, DARPA program managers, and defense industry operators.

Colonel James Whitfield

Founding Partner

Founding Partner at Aviataix since 2010, leading early-stage defense and aerospace investments. Board seats across seven portfolio companies. Previously 28 years in the US Air Force, culminating as F-22 program director overseeing $4B in defense acquisition.

Dr. Sarah Chen

Managing Partner

Managing Partner at Aviataix since 2016, leading satellite and propulsion investments. Three portfolio exits to date. Previously DARPA program manager in the Tactical Technology Office; PhD Aeronautics, MIT.

Marcus Webb

General Partner

General Partner at Aviataix since 2018, leading deals in communications, autonomous vehicles, and the defense industrial base. Previously 15 years in defense M&A at Booz Allen Hamilton; former Navy F/A-18 pilot.

Meet the Full Team

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