Funding Surges for Hadrian as They Secure $260 Million
In a significant move to address a $100+ billion manufacturing bottleneck in the defense sector, defense tech startup Hadrian has secured $260 million in funding to modernize the American defense manufacturing base.
The funding round, led by Founders Fund and Lux Capital, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Construct Capital, and Lachy Groom, includes $110 million in equity and $150 million in non-dilutive debt. This brings the total equity raised by Hadrian to over $200 million.
Hadrian's technology is redefining what a defense manufacturer looks like by fusing automation, software, and aerospace-grade compliance into one vertically integrated platform. The company's mission is to modernize the American defense manufacturing base, making it a critical player in the drone and hypersonics sectors.
AI-Driven Automation and Robotics
At the heart of Hadrian's technology is its proprietary AI software, Opus, which controls autonomous manufacturing, significantly increasing the throughput and precision of CNC machining and other advanced processes like welding, casting, and additive manufacturing. This software stack enables rapid factory deployment and high operational scalability.
Factory Footprint and Expansion
Hadrian operates a network of large-scale, automated factories. The company's current facilities include a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Torrance, California, a growing headquarters and R&D center, and a new 270,000 sq. ft. "Factory 3" in Mesa, Arizona. This new facility represents about a $200 million investment and will create hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs.
Factories-as-a-Service Platform
Hadrian offers a factory scaling model for defense contractors, enabling them to ramp production for Programs of Record, covering hardware, assemblies, or full weapon systems like missiles and uncrewed platforms. This approach emphasizes industrial-grade accuracy with startup-like speed, supporting flexible and responsive manufacturing capacity aligned with Department of Defense priorities.
Operations Centered in Strategic Locations
Hadrian's California base provides access to engineering talent and software innovation, while its Arizona operations benefit from proximity to key defense hubs and flexible supply chains, anchoring a national manufacturing footprint.
Dedicated Divisions
The firm has launched specialized units such as Hadrian Maritime to focus on shipbuilding and naval defense, applying similar AI and automation-driven approaches to naval platform manufacturing.
Human-Machine Integration
According to CEO Chris Power, the company emphasizes "supercharging" human workers with automation rather than replacing them, aiming to multiply worker productivity through AI-assisted manufacturing.
Eliminating Bottlenecks and Fragmented Supply Chains
Hadrian aims to eliminate long lead times and fragmented supply chains by creating fully automated production environments. The capital raised will be used to build two new factories, including the flagship site in Mesa, Arizona, and to advance material science research for thermal-resistant components. The funding will also be used to expand Hadrian's robotics and software teams.
Securing the Supply Chain
Several Department of Defense units are exploring direct partnerships with Hadrian to speed up project delivery and secure supply lines. Hadrian is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. defense supply chain, with major primes relying on its platform to manufacture components for drones, satellites, radar systems, and other mission-critical platforms.
With this significant funding, Hadrian is poised to revolutionize the defense manufacturing sector, accelerating supply chain resilience and production speed for mission-critical components across multiple defense sectors.
The funding secured by Hadrian will be primarily used to implement AI-driven automation and robotics in their production processes, aiming to increase throughput and precision in various manufacturing techniques such as CNC machining, welding, casting, and additive manufacturing.
With this investment, Hadrian also plans to introduce technology that eliminates bottlenecks and fragmented supply chains by creating fully automated production environments, thereby strengthening its role as a critical player in the drone and hypersonics sectors.
