Peraso Secures $10M to Develop Drone Communications
Peraso secured $10M in a private placement from NantCapital LLC to develop communications technology for drones and defense applications.
The big picture: San Jose, Calif.-based Peraso Inc. has agreed to receive approximately $10 million from NantCapital LLC in a private placement. This investment provides the wireless semiconductor company with additional capital to develop communications technology for drones and related defense applications, expanding beyond its existing wireless markets.
Why it matters:
- Strategic Expansion: Peraso is pivoting its 60-gigahertz (GHz) millimeter-wave technology to target the growing unmanned systems market, including commercial and defense applications.
- Critical Need: Sophisticated unmanned systems require secure, high-capacity communication links to exchange control instructions and sensor data, a demand Peraso aims to meet.
- Defense Focus: The funding will support initiatives in the broader unmanned systems market, including counter-drone applications for detection and disruption.
How it works:
- Millimeter-Wave Technology: Peraso’s core approach utilizes 60 GHz millimeter-wave technology, enabling higher radio frequency data transmission compared to conventional wireless systems.
- Beamforming Capabilities: The technology incorporates ‘beamforming,’ which directs radio signals toward specific receivers, establishing targeted wireless links with substantial bandwidth.
- Data-Intensive Applications: Electronically steerable beams and high-frequency bands are designed to support data-intensive applications for drone control and sensor data exchange.
The catch: The market for drone communications is highly competitive, with established defense contractors and emerging startups vying for contracts. Peraso’s success hinges on its ability to rapidly commercialize its specialized 60 GHz technology and integrate it effectively into diverse and complex unmanned systems, while navigating stringent regulatory and security requirements.
Key Facts
- Company: Peraso Inc.
- Amount: $10M
- Round: Private Placement
- Investor: NantCapital LLC (lead)
- Sector: Wireless Communications for Unmanned Systems
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, US
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