Pyka Secures $40M for FAA-Approved Electric Aircraft Expansion
Karmactive Team
Alameda-based electric aviation company Pyka secured $40 million in Series B funding led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings, and Y Combinator.
The funds will be used to expand domestic manufacturing, increase production of existing aircraft models, and develop military logistics capabilities.
Pyka's Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system for agriculture use, focusing on precision crop protection using drift reduction technology.
The Pelican Cargo is designed to haul 400 pounds for 200 miles, applicable to civilian and military usage.
Pyka collaborated with Sierra Nevada Company to develop RUMRUNNER, a military version of Pelican Cargo, with three units delivered to the U.S. Air Force under the Agility Prime program early in 2024.
Pyka's clients are based in the United States, Central America, and Brazil, among which Dole and Embraer are some of its clients.
The electric propulsion systems of the company support aviation decarbonization efforts, which are in alignment with environmental sustainability goals.
Pyka's proprietary autonomous flight software, advanced propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes enhance safety and cost efficiency in complex operational environments.