Pyka, a leader in electric aviation technology that designs large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, has raised $40 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Obvious Ventures, with contributions from new and existing investors like Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings, and Y Combinator.

Pyka is quickly commercializing its autonomous electric aircraft for vital missions, including agricultural crop protection, commercial cargo transport, and defense logistics.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone for Pyka,” said Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pyka. “We are designing, developing, and commercializing autonomous electric aircraft at a pace that few companies have been able to achieve. With commercial production well underway, and our aircraft deployed with customers on multiple continents, we are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made as a company thus far. This round of funding brings us one step closer to unlocking autonomous electric flight for society.”

Pyka produces the largest commercially approved uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in the U.S. and operates actively in the U.S., Central America, and Brazil. Its customer portfolio includes major players in agriculture, commercial cargo, and defense logistics, such as Dole, Embraer, Sierra Nevada Company, Heinen Brothers Agra Services, and Skyports Drone Services. In early 2024, Pyka delivered three aircraft to the U.S. Air Force as part of the Agility Prime program.

The new investment will accelerate Pyka’s growth in its dual-use product line. It will enhance domestic manufacturing, increase production of the Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo products, and expand operations with U.S. and international clients. Additionally, the Series B funds will support the development of new capabilities for contested logistics operations for the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies.

“From the beginning, Pyka was focused on getting into the air and getting into business with commercial operations. Their cost-effective mindset and discipline caught our attention,” said Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures. “And what got us really excited was the passion of the team and their mission-driven focus on electrifying aviation and decarbonizing one of the worst offenders in the world.”

Pyka’s product lineup includes the Pelican Spray, a fully autonomous, 100% electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations. Weighing 1,320 lbs, it features advanced spray precision and chemical drift reduction technologies for safe, efficient, and cost-effective crop protection. Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-approved UAS for agriculture and the most productive spray UAS on the market.

Additionally, Pyka offers Pelican Cargo, the world’s first large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft, capable of heavy payloads, long ranges, and off-airport operations. This all-electric aircraft can transport up to 400 lbs over a distance of 200 miles. In partnership with Sierra Nevada Company, Pyka is introducing RUMRUNNER, a modified version of Pelican Cargo, to U.S. Department of Defense customers for contested logistics operations.

All of Pyka’s products utilize a proprietary autonomous flight engine and an all-electric propulsion system, allowing operations in challenging environments while ensuring operator safety and delivering significant cost savings.

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