August 25th, 2025
Funds to Accelerate Product Releases and Scale U.S. Manufacturing
San Luis Obispo, CA (August 25, 2025) – Inspired Flight Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced American drone systems, has secured $12 million in Series A funding. The company will utilize these funds to bring innovative new products to market and scale the company’s American manufacturing line.
“This funding comes at a pivotal moment for our industry, our nation, and our company,” said Rick Stollmeyer, CEO of Inspired Flight. “Commercial drones are advancing rapidly, incorporating the most impactful technologies of our age. Developing a strong domestic capacity to produce these critical systems is a national imperative, and Inspired Flight is committed to playing a central role.”
Inspired Flight’s drones are widely deployed across commercial and government sectors, supporting vital missions such as surveying, mapping, inspections, package delivery, reconnaissance, and public safety. The company’s dual-use technology is NDAA-compliant and BlueUAS-certified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The company’s portfolio has expanded rapidly in recent years, with flagship platforms including the IF1200 Hexacopter, the IF800 Tomcat, dozens of sophisticated Payload Integrations, the Inspired Suite integrated software, and the recently launched GS-ONE ground control station.
“Producing high-performance, NDAA-compliant drones is far more challenging than most people realize,” added Stollmeyer. “The work is not easy, but it is critically important, increasingly valuable, and utterly worthwhile. Our team intends to change the world with our products, and we are thrilled to partner with Tri-Valley Ventures and our other investors as we scale Inspired Flight to the next level.”
“The drone market is entering a period of rapid growth, supported by regulatory tailwinds, and Inspired Flight is exceptionally well-positioned to capture that opportunity,” said Greg Hitchan, Managing Partner at Tri-Valley Ventures. “By delivering American-made, NDAA-compliant drones for mission-critical applications, the company is addressing a critical need in both commercial and government markets. We are proud to lead the Series A and support a team with the experience and vision to shape the future of this industry.”
For more information, visit: www.inspiredflight.com
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About Inspired Flight Technologies
Founded in 2017, Inspired Flight Technologies is a leading American drone manufacturer dedicated to advancing secure, mission-ready aerial systems. The company’s integrated hardware and software platforms are NDAA-compliant, cyber secure, and certified under the Department of Defense’s Blue UAS program as well as AUVSI’s Green UAS program, making them trusted for high-consequence government and commercial missions.
Co-Founder and CEO Rick Stollmeyer is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former nuclear submarine officer. He previously co-founded and led Mindbody, scaling the SaaS platform from a garage startup to a 2015 IPO and its $1.9 billion acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2019. Today, he brings that same entrepreneurial drive to Inspired Flight’s mission: strengthening U.S. supply chains, advancing drone technology, and restoring resilient domestic manufacturing.
For more information, please contact marketing@inspiredflight.com
About Tri-Valley Ventures
Founded in 2017, Tri-Valley Ventures is the first and only early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to companies with a nexus to the Tri-Valley region of Northern California. The firm backs exceptional founders building in Enterprise SaaS, Deep Tech, and AI, with a focus on companies that are locally sourced and globally competitive. Through its deep network of operators, technologists, and investors, Tri-Valley Ventures provides not only capital but also access, expertise, and connections to help founders scale. With investments across AI, fintech, and advanced technologies, the firm has established itself as the leading institutional investor in one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the country.
For more information, visit: https://www.trivalleyventures....