View details of this raise on Seedstage

Durham, NC

Expanding production and deployment of autonomous airborne power systems for defense and commercial markets.

• Government validated technology: Over $24M in DOE and DOD contracts, including SBIR Phase III and sole source status.
• Dual-use platform: Provides persistent power and situational awareness for defense and commercial applications.
• Advanced AI simulation: Proprietary environment accelerates testing and system development.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with defense primes and sensor technology firms.
• Scalable manufacturing: Investing in advanced composites to enhance performance and supply chain security.

Windlift is raising capital to accelerate production, secure future government contracts, and expand commercial applications for its autonomous airborne power generators (APGs). These tethered drones generate and deliver electricity while providing persistent situational awareness, designed to operate in harsh environments where traditional fuel logistics and fixed infrastructure are costly or impractical. The funds will support scaling manufacturing, deploying systems more broadly, and adapting the platform for a range of defense and commercial uses.

The company’s technology is validated through over $24 million in Department of Defense and Department of Energy contracts, including a rare SBIR Phase III and sole source justification. Windlift’s systems operate autonomously, powering onboard sensors and communications while offering a mobile, resilient alternative to fixed grid infrastructure. With a strong market fit for defense operations requiring rapid deployment and persistent intelligence, Windlift also targets commercial sectors such as shipping, agriculture, and disaster response, leveraging partnerships to integrate advanced sensors and AI. This raise aims to capitalize on the company’s strategic position in a growing $200 billion global market by expanding production and commercial footprint.

Company Info

Windlift develops autonomous tethered drones that generate persistent airborne power and intelligence for defense and commercial use.

Windlift, Inc. develops autonomous tethered drones called airborne power generators (APGs) that generate and deliver electricity while in flight. These systems provide persistent, mobile power and data capabilities, designed to operate in harsh environments, replacing fuel-based and fixed infrastructure in defense and commercial markets. Windlift’s technology supports extended missions with integrated sensors, surveillance, and communications at altitudes optimized for situational awareness.

The company has secured over $24 million in Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) contracts and holds multiple patents protecting its core technology. Its platforms enable continuous power generation, resilience in adverse weather, and legal operability near critical infrastructure. Windlift aims to scale production and expand commercial applications in remote energy, defense, maritime security, and atmospheric sensing, positioning itself as a strategic player in next-generation autonomous energy and intelligence infrastructure.