Starburst Ventures

Evitado Technologies specializes in automating airport operations through the development of an advanced automation platform. This platform is designed to facilitate the autonomous movement of ground assets at airports, providing real-time insights for operational decision-making. The company's initial offering is a portable LiDAR collision avoidance system, which addresses the critical issue of aircraft ground collisions. This system enhances the safety and efficiency of moving complex assets, such as commercial aircraft, on the tarmac and during parking maneuvers. By providing advanced collision warnings and detailed operational feedback, Evitado's technology aims to mitigate the risks associated with hangar collisions and improve overall airport efficiency.

F-drones is a developer and manufacturer specializing in transition drones that facilitate aerial deliveries to ships and offshore platforms. Their innovative drones are engineered for heavy payloads and long-range capabilities, allowing them to take off vertically, fly like fixed-wing aircraft, and land on moving targets. This design not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to cost savings, reduced manpower, and lower carbon emissions in marine and offshore logistics. F-drones aims to establish itself as a leader in heavy payload drone logistics across various industries within five years, setting high safety and reliability standards for aviation-grade drone deliveries.

Robotic Skies, Inc. is a provider of maintenance and repair services for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility aircraft (AAM). Founded in 2013 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company operates a global network of over 150 independently-owned repair stations. These stations are staffed by aviation professionals with expertise in maintaining both manned and unmanned aircraft, ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency. Robotic Skies offers a comprehensive field service program designed to keep UAS fleets operational and compliant with aviation regulations. This approach enables it to deliver specialized certification, maintenance, and repair services to emerging commercial drone operators worldwide.

Odys Aviation is an aircraft startup focused on developing hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft aimed at enhancing regional mobility. The company aims to transform air travel by facilitating the creation of distributed aerial transportation networks that bypass traditional airport infrastructure, significantly reducing door-to-door travel times. By integrating advanced technologies, Odys Aviation seeks to promote electrification and sustainability in air travel, improving the overall human experience and offering innovative solutions for businesses in the transportation sector.

Near Earth Autonomy, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing autonomous systems that enhance the safety of both ground and aerial vehicles. The company focuses on creating technologies that facilitate safe and accessible autonomous flight, enabling unmanned aircraft of various sizes, from small drones to full-size helicopters, to operate effectively across a range of applications. Their innovations include advanced sensor suites, collision detection, relative navigation, landing zone assessment, motion planning, and visual pilot aids. By integrating these technologies, Near Earth Autonomy aims to make autonomous navigation systems reliable and practical for diverse operational needs.

Ascent is a multifaceted company focused on revolutionizing urban air mobility and enhancing risk management services. It specializes in temporary safety staffing, training, consulting, inspections, and case management. Additionally, Ascent is developing an innovative urban air mobility ecosystem that utilizes advanced helicopters, drones, and future electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This initiative aims to transform transportation by enabling quick and efficient connections for people and goods, significantly reducing costs in urban and regional air travel. Customers can easily book flights and enjoy amenities at dedicated vertiports, while also having access to cargo drones and helicopters for transporting critical medical supplies across challenging terrains. Through these services, Ascent strives to create a seamless travel experience and set the foundation for 21st-century transportation.

First Resonance, Inc. is a software company based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2018. It focuses on developing a manufacturing platform designed to enhance the operational efficiency of modern manufacturers. The company's factory operating system streamlines manufacturing processes by tracking parts and workflows from the prototype stage to full-scale production. This platform provides engineers with the tools to manage, execute, analyze, and share hardware tests throughout the product development cycle. Additionally, it offers decision-makers valuable insights into manufacturing bottlenecks, enabling rapid iterations and facilitating quicker time-to-market outcomes. First Resonance serves various industries, including aviation, energy, and automation, helping manufacturers reliably manage their parts, processes, and data throughout the product life cycle.

Mobius.energy specializes in creating innovative battery module architectures designed to enhance efficiency in energy storage and management. The company's offerings include lightweight, compact battery systems that prioritize safety and rapid cooling. These modules are engineered for easy maintenance, allowing for on-site swapping and cell replacement without the need for welding or bonding. Additionally, Mobius.energy provides battery subscription services, maintenance, and recycling solutions, aiming to support the aviation industry in reducing carbon emissions through more sustainable energy practices.

Limatech is a manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for the aviation industry, with applications in space and defense. The company produces batteries for various aviation segments, including general aviation, commercial aviation, and military defense. Their products are utilized in a wide range of aircraft, such as ultralight and light-sport airplanes, helicopters, and drones, as well as in marine and land vehicles. Limatech's batteries are tailored for the startup of both piston and turbine engines, employing proprietary technology that enhances safety, reliability, and longevity. This innovative approach provides the aeronautics and defense sectors with advanced energy storage solutions, surpassing traditional lead and nickel-cadmium battery technologies.

Cluster Technologies, Inc., established in 2018 and based in Culver City, California, operates a platform that specializes in staffing and workforce management solutions. The company connects qualified candidates, including various types of mechanical and electrical engineers, with full-time roles in industries such as aviation, aerospace, defense, automotive, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. Cluster's platform matches companies with vetted, ready-to-interview candidates from top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, at no cost to the talent.

ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Paladin AI Inc. is a Montreal-based company that specializes in developing software solutions aimed at optimizing pilot training through data mining and machine learning. Founded in 2013, Paladin AI offers a platform called InstructIQ, which utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze pilot proficiency and recommend targeted training adjustments. The platform is flight simulator agnostic, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing training media and operations at flight schools and training centers. By leveraging data science, Paladin AI enables competency-based training that objectively identifies pilot strengths and weaknesses, fills knowledge gaps, and customizes training experiences. This approach not only accelerates the training process but also helps reduce costs for airlines and training organizations.

Airfree SAS is a company that specializes in developing and operating an in-flight e-commerce marketplace for duty-free products. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montreuil, France, Airfree offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform that facilitates in-flight shopping. Key features of its platform include a white-label marketplace, international e-commerce capabilities, a dynamic product catalog, and secure online payment solutions. The company contracts with vendors to integrate their products into the marketplace, providing airlines with additional revenue opportunities and enhancing the passenger shopping experience. Airfree's services extend to consulting on sales strategies, customer service, and website management, ultimately benefiting passengers through seamless navigation and convenience, airlines through increased revenue, and retailers through access to targeted audiences. The platform also allows airports to engage passengers beyond physical borders, generating additional non-aeronautical revenue.

Airfree SAS is a company that specializes in developing and operating an in-flight e-commerce marketplace for duty-free products. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montreuil, France, Airfree offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform that facilitates in-flight shopping. Key features of its platform include a white-label marketplace, international e-commerce capabilities, a dynamic product catalog, and secure online payment solutions. The company contracts with vendors to integrate their products into the marketplace, providing airlines with additional revenue opportunities and enhancing the passenger shopping experience. Airfree's services extend to consulting on sales strategies, customer service, and website management, ultimately benefiting passengers through seamless navigation and convenience, airlines through increased revenue, and retailers through access to targeted audiences. The platform also allows airports to engage passengers beyond physical borders, generating additional non-aeronautical revenue.

Ampaire Inc. is a company focused on the design and development of electric-powered commercial aircraft, established in 2016 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company aims to revolutionize aviation by creating aircraft that are clean, quiet, safe, reliable, and affordable, making air travel more accessible. Ampaire leverages innovative technologies in energy storage, propulsion, and aircraft architecture to enhance efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of aviation. Their custom propulsion systems are adaptable to various aircraft sizes, allowing aviation businesses to lower operational costs and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Through these advancements, Ampaire is positioning itself as a leader in the transition towards sustainable aviation.

EVA is a company based in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2017, that specializes in developing innovative solutions for urban mobility and logistics. The company is known for its compact electric automated aircraft, X01, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion. EVA plays a significant role in enabling drone applications by establishing a network of drone control and charging stations, facilitating connections between cities and countries. Its offerings include high-throughput drone docking stations tailored for healthcare logistics, disaster relief, and critical logistics. Additionally, EVA provides various products such as carry-on landing carpets, vertical and multimodal transfer stations, drop-off stations for drone logistics, and drone vans equipped with operational centers, ensuring efficient mobility operations for its clients.

Airfree SAS is a company that specializes in developing and operating an in-flight e-commerce marketplace for duty-free products. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montreuil, France, Airfree offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform that facilitates in-flight shopping. Key features of its platform include a white-label marketplace, international e-commerce capabilities, a dynamic product catalog, and secure online payment solutions. The company contracts with vendors to integrate their products into the marketplace, providing airlines with additional revenue opportunities and enhancing the passenger shopping experience. Airfree's services extend to consulting on sales strategies, customer service, and website management, ultimately benefiting passengers through seamless navigation and convenience, airlines through increased revenue, and retailers through access to targeted audiences. The platform also allows airports to engage passengers beyond physical borders, generating additional non-aeronautical revenue.

AirMap, Inc. is a digital airspace and automation company that specializes in software solutions for managing low-altitude airspace and facilitating drone operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia, AirMap offers a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform. This platform provides critical airspace information, including geometries, restrictions, and situational awareness, to various stakeholders, such as airspace authorities, enterprise operators, and developers. AirMap aims to enable safe and efficient drone flight by organizing and automating airspace management, thereby fostering innovation in applications ranging from agriculture to public safety. The company collaborates with industry partners and is actively involved in initiatives like the Small UAV Coalition and NASA's UTM program, ensuring it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-altitude aviation.