GoKawiilReliable Robotics raises $115M extension, valuation tops $1 billion
Reliable Robotics, an autonomous flight startup founded by SpaceX veterans, raised $115 million in an extension to its Series D round, combining $90 million in equity led by Nimble Partners and $25 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. The round brings its Series D total to $275 million and its cumulative funding to $380 million, pushing its valuation past $1 billion. CEO Robert Rose said the company continues to provide evidence to the FAA as it works toward certifying its autonomous flight systems.
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The funding gives Reliable more runway to pursue FAA certification, a lengthy process that could take 18 months to several years depending on the system, according to Rose. Crossing the $1 billion valuation threshold suggests investors see strong potential in retrofitting autonomous controls onto existing aircraft, which could eventually reduce reliance on in-cockpit pilots for commercial and cargo flights.
- Reliable Robotics raised $115M, pushing its valuation above $1 billion.
- The round includes $90M equity from Nimble Partners and $25M debt from Silicon Valley Bank.
- The company is pursuing FAA certification for autonomous flight systems, with full pilot removal still years away.
Source: techcrunch.com — Kirsten Korosec, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “SpaceX alum’s aviation startup, Reliable Robotics, lands $115M, topping $1B valuation”
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