From Hobbyist Racers to Defense Contractors

Neros, a start‑up launched in early 2023, was founded by a trio of former teenage drone‑racing champions who turned their passion for high‑speed quadcopters into a serious business venture. What began as a weekend hobby quickly evolved into a full‑scale aerospace effort, with the founders leveraging their deep knowledge of aerodynamics, electronics, and autonomous control systems.

A Massive Funding Round

In a landmark Series B round, Neros secured $121 million from a mix of venture capital firms, strategic defense investors, and former military officials. The capital infusion will fund the construction of a new manufacturing facility, expand research and development, and accelerate the certification process for its next‑generation unmanned aerial systems.

Winning the Army Contract

Just months after its inception, Neros landed a coveted contract with the United States Army to supply a fleet of lightweight, AI‑enabled tactical drones. The contract, valued at several hundred million dollars over five years, marks the first time the Army has awarded a major procurement to a company whose leadership is still in their twenties.

Technology That Sets Neros Apart

The company’s flagship platform, the Falcon‑X, combines a carbon‑fiber airframe with a proprietary propulsion system that delivers up to 45 % longer flight times than competing models. Integrated machine‑learning algorithms enable real‑time obstacle avoidance and target identification, reducing the need for ground‑based operators.

Future Outlook

With the new funding and the Army contract secured, Neros aims to roll out its first production units by the end of 2026. The founders are also exploring partnerships with allied nations and commercial sectors, positioning the firm as a versatile player in both defense and civilian drone markets.

“Our journey shows that youthful creativity and disciplined engineering can reshape the defense landscape,” said Alex Martinez, co‑founder and CEO of Neros, during a recent press briefing.