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The Full List of 7 Drone Unicorn Startups (2026)

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The drone industry has expanded beyond consumer photography into critical sectors like defense and logistics. Germany's Helsing leads the sector with a $14B valuation by developing AI for defense applications.

Companies like Zipline are using drones for vital medical deliveries, reaching a $4.2B valuation. Established players like China's DJI, valued at $8B, continue to be a major force in the commercial and recreational markets.

Below is the full list of 7 Drones unicorn startups at this time.

Top 7 Most Valuable Drones Unicorns

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Helsing develops AI-powered software to give democratic nations a technological edge in defense. Their technology integrates with existing defense platforms to rapidly analyze sensor data and provide critical situational awareness.

Valuation$14B (Joined September 2023)
HeadquartersBerlin, Berlin, Germany
Year Founded2021
FoundersGundbert Scherf, Niklas Köhler, Torsten Reil
Funding Amount€1.4B
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries D
Top InvestorsLightspeed Venture Partners, Plural, Accel, BDT & MSD Partners, General Catalyst

DJI builds industry-leading drones and camera technology for both recreational and commercial applications. They are widely recognized for their Mavic series of drones, which have made high-quality aerial photography accessible to creators everywhere.

Valuation$8B
HeadquartersShenzhen, Guangdong, China
Year Founded2006
FoundersFrank Wang
Funding Amount$107.8M
Company SizeEnterprise Organization (5,001+)
Last Funding StatusPrivate Equity
Top InvestorsAccel, HSG, Aeternam Stella, Lighthouse Capital Management, Victor Koch

Shield AI develops an artificial intelligence pilot for military aircraft, enabling drones to operate autonomously in high-threat environments. Their technology is designed to execute dangerous missions while protecting the lives of service members and civilians.

Valuation$5.3B (Joined August 2021)
HeadquartersSan Diego, California, United States
Year Founded2015
FoundersAndrew Reiter, Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng
Funding Amount$1.3B
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries F
Top InvestorsAndreessen Horowitz, US Innovative Technology Fund, Founder Collective, ARK Investment Management, Riot Ventures

Zipline builds and operates a network of autonomous drones to deliver medical products. They specialize in providing on-demand access to critical supplies like blood and vaccines for hospitals and health centers.

Valuation$4.2B (Joined May 2019)
HeadquartersSan Francisco, California, United States
Year Founded2011
FoundersJames Knight, Keenan Wyrobek, Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, Will Hetzler
Funding Amount$821M
Company SizeMajor Organization (1,001-5,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries F
Top InvestorsTPG, Techstars, Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Temasek Holdings

Skydio develops AI-powered drones capable of autonomous flight for a variety of complex tasks. Their technology is used by consumers, enterprise clients, and government agencies for everything from creative filming to critical infrastructure inspection.

Valuation$2.2B (Joined February 2021)
HeadquartersSan Mateo, California, United States
Year Founded2014
FoundersAbraham Bachrach, Adam Bry, Matt Donahoe
Funding Amount$740M
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries E
Top InvestorsAccel, Andreessen Horowitz, Playground Global, IVP, NVIDIA

Quantum Systems builds AI-powered eVTOL drones for defense, security, and surveying. They specialize in aerial intelligence solutions that provide critical data for complex government and commercial missions.

Valuation$1B (Joined May 2025)
HeadquartersGilching, Bayern, Germany
Year Founded2015
FoundersArmin Busse, Florian Seibel
Funding Amount$388.4M
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries C
Top InvestorsEuropean Investment Bank, DTCP, Hensoldt, HV Capital, Balderton Capital

United Aircraft develops and manufactures a range of drones and unmanned aerial systems for professional use. Their hardware is built for demanding applications such as emergency rescue, firefighting, and industrial infrastructure inspections.

Valuation$1B
HeadquartersShenzhen, Guangdong, China
Year Founded2006
FoundersGangyin Tian
Funding AmountCN¥3.2B
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries D
Top InvestorsHunan Xiangtou Holdings Group Co., Ltd, Longjiang Fund, Harbin Venture Capital, Sichuan Regional Synergy Fund, Cornerstone Capital Bank

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