Pyka, the California-based pioneer of large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, announced a $40 million Series B financing led by Obvious Ventures with participation from Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings and Y Combinator. The round builds on a $37 million Series A closed in 2022 and positions Pyka to expand domestic manufacturing, accelerate production of its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo platforms, and deepen contested-logistics capabilities for U.S. defense partners.
The capital infusion arrives as Pyka’s aircraft are already operating across the United States, Central America and Brazil, serving customers such as Dole, Embraer, Heinen Brothers Agra Services, Sierra Nevada Company and the United States Air Force. With commercial production “well underway” and multiple aircraft deployed on several continents, the company is poised to move from early-stage validation to volume-scale delivery.
Funding Overview
The $40 million Series B was anchored by Obvious Ventures, whose Managing Director Andrew Beebe highlighted Pyka’s “cost-effective mindset and discipline” and its mission to electrify one of aviation’s biggest emitters. Existing backers Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings and Y Combinator also participated, underscoring continued confidence in Pyka’s growth trajectory.
Dual-Use Product Line
Pyka’s portfolio centers on two FAA-approved, fully electric platforms. Pelican Spray, a 1,320-lb autonomous sprayer, carries up to 540 lb of fluid and can treat roughly 240 acres per hour, making it the most productive agricultural UAS on the market. Pelican Cargo is the world’s first large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft, capable of hauling 400 lb over 200 miles. A defense-focused variant, Rumrunner, is being fielded with Sierra Nevada Corp. for contested logistics missions.
Manufacturing & Scale
Series B proceeds will fund expansion of Pyka’s domestic manufacturing footprint, accelerating output of both Spray and Cargo models. The company plans to boost production rates to meet rising demand from commercial growers and logistics operators while maintaining the high-precision autonomous flight engine that differentiates its aircraft.
Strategic Partnerships & Customers
Pyka’s active customer base spans agriculture, commercial cargo and defense. Recent milestones include delivering three Pelican Cargo aircraft to the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program and securing early adopters such as Heinen Brothers Agra Services in Kansas, as well as operations in Costa Rica, Honduras and Brazil. Partnerships with industry leaders like Sierra Nevada Corp. enable rapid adaptation of the platform for Department of Defense use cases.
Why Zillionize Invested
Zillionize backs founders who pair audacious climate impact with clear focus on technological innovations. Pyka’s technology directly tackles aviation’s carbon intensity while unlocking cost-effective logistics for farms, islands and forward-deployed forces. The company’s rapid prototype-to-flight timeline, “render to first flight in about 10 months”, demonstrates execution discipline that aligns with Zillionize’s focus on scalable, mission-driven ventures. The dual-use model, validated customers, and a burgeoning defense pipeline together create a compelling runway for long-term growth.