MRRPhysical AI
intelligence
← Company intelligence

Robot maker · early

Askari Defense

Defense marketsecurityCurated record
askaridefense.com

Askari Defense builds hand-launched autonomous counter-drone interceptors that detect and neutralize hostile drone threats in real time. The onboard AI system distinguishes among drones, people, and environmental objects to respond with precision. The company is working with US DoD customers as demand for counter-drone solutions grows. Askari emerged from Georgia Tech and raised $9M seed led by Builders VC after an earlier $1.7M pre-seed.

HeadquartersAtlanta, US
Founded2024
Defense funding$21M
Team1-10
Deployments0
Open roles0
01

Company overview

Identity and operating footprint

Company typeRobot maker
Market segmentDefense
StageSeed
FoundersRobbie van Zyl (Co-Founder & CEO), Marc van Zyl (Co-Founder), Benjamin Airdo (Co-Founder)
Regions servedNorth America
Countries deployedNot listed
Service footprintNot listed
Last reviewed2026-07-05
MX

Robot models

Specifications remain vendor-claimed

Machinesecurity

Askari Counter-Drone Interceptor

  • Hand-launched autonomous interceptor with onboard AI for real-time drone threat identification and neutralization

    Hand-launched autonomous counter-UAS interceptor

    Claim source
Machineamr

RIFT ALPHA

  • No specifications on file.
Machineamr

RIFT BRAVO

  • No specifications on file.
CA

Funding history

Publicly announced rounds

Investors on recordBuilders VCKnoll VenturesBrickyardBlackwingGeorgia Tech Foundation Inc.Overline
TL

Company timeline

Milestones and announcements

2026-07-06Georgia Tech highlighted Askari's autonomous counter-drone technology developmentGeorgia Tech News Center
SC

Source ledger

5 unique public sources

01
SEC Form D: $10,627,818 sold of $10,627,818 offeringSEC EDGAR · retrieved 2026-07-05
02
Hand-Launched Interceptor Startup Askari Raises $9M SeedTectonic Defense · retrieved 2026-07-05
03
SEC Form D: $1,317,900 sold of $4,000,000 offeringSEC EDGAR · retrieved 2026-07-05
04
SEC Form D: $220,000 sold of $500,000 offeringSEC EDGAR · retrieved 2026-07-05
05
Georgia Tech Startup Develops Defense Technology to Counter Emerging Drone ThreatsGeorgia Tech News Center · retrieved 2026-07-05