#USA #AI Technology #Tampa #Xtend #Autonomous Robots

XTEND Boosts Production with New Funding

In a bold move to scale its operations, XTEND, the frontrunner in the realm of AI-driven tactical autonomous robotic systems, has successfully secured an extension of $30 million as part of its $70 million Series B funding round. The funding round was jointly led by Aliya Capital Partners and Protego Ventures, with additional participation from notable investors like Len Blavatnik’s Claltech, Union-Tech Ventures, and Chartered Group.

This strategic investment comes at a critical juncture as XTEND aims to enhance the production of their battle-tested robotic systems not only within the United States but also on a global scale. With their technology already proving its worth within the operations of the U.S. Department of Defense, Singapore, UK forces, and the Israel Defense Forces, the potential applications of their autonomous systems are vast and varied.

A New Era of Defense Technology

XTEND’s robots are designed to improve mission success rates and strategic capabilities in demanding environments. The Series B funding is intended to accelerate real-time AI integration into their systems and broaden deployments with defense forces and emergency responders.

Ross Kestin, Founding Partner and CEO of Aliya Capital Partners, has joined XTEND’s Board of Directors as part of this investment. Kestin emphasizes the alignment of XTEND's mission with their goal of enhancing safety through cutting-edge technology. He states, "We’re honored to back Aviv Shapira and his team, helping to boost the impact of their innovative technology across the defense, security, and emergency response sectors."

On July 1, XTEND celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters and advanced drone manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida. This event brought together prominent figures from government, military, and industry for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a tour of their state-of-the-art operations. Lee Moser, Co-Founder and General Partner of Protego Ventures, articulated the significance of this facility, suggesting it represents a major stride in XTEND’s operational scale and contributes to U.S. engagement in global defense.

The Need for Urgent Defense Innovation

The statements from Lital Leshem, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Protego Ventures, highlight the necessity for rapid innovation in the field of defense. He emphasizes that XTEND is on the path to becoming a leader in human-guided autonomy, which is critical in today’s fast-paced security landscape.

XTEND’s CEO, Aviv Shapira, underscored the demand for autonomous systems in defense realms, noting that the financial boost will facilitate further research and development, expand manufacturing, and elevate global deployment. Shapira views this investment not just as a financial transaction but as an endorsement of their vision and readiness for growth.

Real-World Impact of XTEND Technology

The positive feedback from those on the frontlines has been influential in attracting investments. Avi Fischer, Chairman of Clal Industries and Claltech, reflected on how interaction with end users solidified their decision to invest. He noted, "The system has saved lives, and AI-driven training dramatically reduces learning times. This technology is changing the battlefield, making our investment necessary."

Dr. Peter Kash, Chairman of the Board for XTEND, expressed pride in the milestone that the funding marks for bringing their innovative solutions closer to the U.S. defense ecosystem. The move will not only create high-tech jobs in Florida but also enhance the nation’s security capabilities through pioneering technology.

Ultimately, the successful completion of this Series B financing round indicates XTEND's readiness to solidify its standing as a key player in the defense technology sector. Their unique approach to robotics, which intertwines human guidance and machine autonomy, is expected to redefine operational processes in challenging conditions around the globe.

Companies in the Defense Technology Sphere

Founded in Israel, XTEND is dedicated to developing advanced autonomous systems. Their proprietary AI and real-time operation software support the deployment of tactical robots designed for hazardous settings. With thousands of units in operation worldwide, XTEND is committed to ongoing innovation aimed at bolstering human-machine collaboration within defense, homeland security, and various public safety sectors. To learn more about their revolutionary advancements, visit their website.

About Aliya Capital Partners: A Miami-based investment firm, Aliya specializes in defense-tech and is committed to supporting companies that positively influence global safety through advanced technology.

About Protego Ventures: Based in Israel, Protego Ventures invests in groundbreaking innovations targeting urgent challenges in defense and security, including UAVs, AI, and aerial defense technologies.