MatrixSpace raises $20M to advance AI-powered counter-drone radar, adds L3Harris as investor

For years, defense and security teams have struggled to spot and stop small, fast-moving drones before they cause harm. Traditional radar systems weren’t built for this kind of threat—they’re bulky, power-hungry, and costly to deploy. MatrixSpace saw that gap early and built something different: portable radar powered by AI that can track drones and other objects in any condition.

Now, the Massachusetts-based startup has secured $20 million in Series B funding to take its technology further. The round—co-led by The Raptor Group and OTB Ventures—brings MatrixSpace’s total funding to $58 million and marks a sharp jump in valuation since its Series A in May 2023. The funding also brings in new heavyweight investors, including L3Harris, a major player in defense technology, MatrixSpace told TechStartups in an email.

“We’re proud to welcome new investors OTB Ventures and industry powerhouse L3Harris to MatrixSpace, along with the robust engagement of our existing investors. This new capital and industry partnerships position us extremely well for our next chapter of growth and cements our leadership in portable CUAS, or counter drone systems,” said Gregory Waters, co-founder and CEO of MatrixSpace.

With $20 Million Funding, AI Startup MatrixSpace Aims to Expand AI-Driven Portable Radar for Counter-Drone Defense

The Raptor Group, based in Boston, invests across industries in deep technology, while OTB Ventures is a leading European investor with strong links to defense and NATO. The mix gives MatrixSpace both the financial firepower and strategic partnerships to scale its dual-use radar systems globally.

“By combining advanced radar and AI at the edge, MatrixSpace sets a new standard for edge sensing, redefining situational awareness for both civil and defense applications. We’re proud to back the team shaping how autonomous systems will perceive the world,” said Marcin Hejka, co-founder and General Partner of OTB Ventures.

MatrixSpace’s radar delivers AI-driven situational awareness in real time, working in low-light and poor-visibility conditions where cameras fail. Its software classifies and predicts object movement across environments—whether that’s drones entering restricted airspace or vehicles approaching a perimeter—making it useful for both defense and commercial security.

What sets MatrixSpace apart is its portability. Its systems are compact and ultra-low power, allowing them to be deployed anywhere and moved quickly as threats change. With governments and private operators around the world racing to build better counter-drone infrastructure, MatrixSpace’s timing couldn’t be better.

The new funding will help the company expand production, strengthen its AI models, and accelerate global rollout. As drones become cheaper, faster, and harder to detect, MatrixSpace wants to be the invisible line between safety and chaos.

MatrixSpace