San Diego based startup Firestorm Labs has closed an $82 million Series B funding round to supply portable drone manufacturing units to the U.S. military.
The investment highlights a growing shift toward decentralized manufacturing to secure supply chains in contested global environments.
For logistics and supply chain professionals, relying on global shipping networks during conflicts presents significant risks. Firestorm’s technology addresses this directly by allowing troops to rapidly replenish drone stockpiles on site. The U.S. Department of Defense has already signed contracts for these systems, prioritising technologies that resolve logistics bottlenecks in contested regions.
“In Ukraine, 50 to 70% of their drones are 3D printed,” says Firestorm executive Dan Magy. “If you can do it in the field, you can get it into place a lot faster.”
Firestorm’s manufacturing hubs, known as xCell systems, are built directly into standard shipping infrastructure. Each xCell system spans two 20 foot shipping containers rigged with HP 3D printers and other advanced manufacturing equipment.
Using nylon as the raw material and operating on a conventional 240 volt power supply, a single xCell unit can produce a fixed wing drone in a matter of hours. Beyond manufacturing, the containers also serve as on site repair stations for drones and vehicle parts from various manufacturers.
Funding and Future Expansion
Washington Harbour Partners led the four month Series B raise, with Chief Investment Officer Mina Faltas taking a board seat. Other notable participants include:
NEA
Ondas Capital
In-Q-Tel
Lockheed Martin Ventures
Booz Allen Ventures
Geodesic Capital
Motley Fool Ventures
Firestorm is negotiating an additional $100 million in debt and investments. This capital will fund overseas expansion, secure backlogged components, and support ongoing R&D. The company expects to reach profitability next year.