What is Saildrone?
Saildrone designs, manufactures, and operates a fleet of advanced uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) from its base in Alameda, California. These vehicles are engineered for persistent data collection and intelligence gathering across the world's oceans, regardless of season. Saildrone's solutions cater to critical needs in maritime domain awareness, comprehensive ocean data acquisition, and detailed ocean mapping. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its primary reliance on wind and solar power for its USVs, which are equipped with sophisticated sensors and machine learning capabilities to deliver actionable insights securely and efficiently.
How much funding has Saildrone raised?
Saildrone has raised a total of $240.5M across 7 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$2.5M
Series A
$14M
Series B
$60M
Debt
$2M
Debt
$2M
Series C
$100M
Unspecified
$60M
Angel/Seed (2015): $2.5M with participation from The Schmidt Family Foundation
Series A (2016): $14M led by Capricorn Investment Group and Lux Capital
Series B (2018): $60M, investors not publicly disclosed
Debt (2020): $2M featuring PPP
Debt (2021): $2M backed by PPP
Series C (2021): $100M with participation from Lux Capital, XN, BOND, Tribe Capital Growth Corp I, Emerson Collective, Capricorn Investment Group, Social Capital, and Crowley
Unspecified (2025): $60M led by Crowley, Lux Capital, Washington Harbour Partners, Academy Securities, and Eifo
Key Investors in Saildrone
Crowley
Crowley, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is a family- and employee-owned company providing global vessel management, ownership, and supply chain logistics services.
Lux Capital
Lux Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage and growth-stage companies at the intersection of science and technology, backing founders in frontier areas like AI, robotics, and advanced materials.
Washington Harbour Partners
Washington Harbour Partners is a U.S.-based private investment firm specializing in growth and control investments in cybersecurity, enterprise technology, and government technology companies, offering flexible capital and operational expertise.
What's next for Saildrone?
The substantial enterprise-level backing Saildrone has received, underscored by the total funding amount of $240.5M, positions the company for significant scaling and expansion of its technological capabilities and operational reach. This strategic investment, highlighted by the recent capital injection of $60M, will likely accelerate the development and deployment of its advanced USV fleet. Saildrone is poised to further solidify its leadership in delivering vital ocean intelligence, supporting applications ranging from climate monitoring and marine research to national security and resource management. The company's focus on sustainable maritime technology aligns with growing global demand for oceanographic data and enhanced maritime situational awareness.
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