# Askari Defense

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/askari-defense

- Industry: Defence
- Headquarters: Atlanta, US
- Website: www.askaridefense.com/
- Total disclosed funding: $11M
- Latest round: Seed (May 20, 2026)
- Investors on record: 5

## About

Askari Defense, Inc. is a U.S.-based company that specializes in developing advanced kinetic defense systems to counter robotic warfare, offering innovative products for defense organizations and government agencies. Founded in 2024 in Atlanta, US, Askari Defense, Inc. focuses on creating advanced defense technologies. The company completed its latest funding round, a Seed round of USD 9.000 mn, on June 26, 2026, led by Builders VC, with participation from Sovereign’s Capital, Swell VC, Rule 1 Ventures, and WaterStone Impact Fund. The company has engaged in one deal to date and is known for its innovative approach in the defense sector. Askari Defense is led by Robbie van Zyl, Founder & CEO, along with Benjamin Airdo, Founder and Marc van Zyl, Co-founder & CTO. .Askari specializes in developing advanced kinetic defense systems designed to counter robotic warfare. The company's core product offerings include the fully 3D-printed drone interceptor, known as Rift Alpha, and a foldable man-packable interceptor, referred to as Rift Bravo. Both systems are fully autonomous and are designed for rapid deployment, with the Rift Alpha being man-portable and the Rift Bravo being ultra-compact and hand-launched. These interceptors serve a critical role in denying threats posed by robotic attacks, effectively making such attacks financially unviable for potential aggressors. The primary customers for Askari’s products include defense organizations and government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, with a focus on markets in North America and potentially expanding into allied international defense sectors.The revenue model for Askari is structured around direct sales of their advanced kinetic defense systems to governmental and defense organizations. Transactions are facilitated through contracts that typically involve significant upfront payments for the deployment of their flagship products, such as the Rift Alpha and Rift Bravo interceptors. The company may also engage in partnerships that include ongoing support and maintenance services for their autonomous systems, potentially creating a recurring revenue stream. Pricing plans are tailored to the specific requirements of each client, reflecting the bespoke nature of defense contracts. As the firm positions itself as a critical player in the defense technology sector, its revenue is primarily derived from B2B transactions with various governmental and defense customers. Askari Defense, Inc. plans to utilize its recent Seed funding of USD 9.000 mn to develop and deploy autonomous systems for field operations. The company is focused on launching new products designed to enhance its capabilities in combating robotic threats. Additionally, Askari aims to expand its market presence beyond North America, specifically targeting allied international defense sectors by 2027. The funding will support these strategic initiatives, allowing for the advancement of their technological offerings and broader market penetration.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, May 20, 2026, $11M — Builders VC, Swell Partners, Rule 1 Ventures, Sovereign Capital, WaterStone Impact Fund

## Investors

- Builders VC (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/builders-vc) — Seed
- Swell Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/swell-partners) — Seed
- Rule 1 Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rule-1-ventures) — Seed
- Sovereign Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sovereign-capital) — Seed
- WaterStone Impact Fund — Seed