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AI Assistant for Pilots and Camper Van Interior Design
19.10.2024 - 15:57 / skift.com / Justin Dawes / Sam Altman
Mid September to early October was the most active time period for travel funding of the year: 13 startups raised $600 million, and then another six startups raised $500 million.
The past two weeks have been a bit quieter. Eight travel startups announced fundraises totaling nearly $40 million.
Beacon AI, which is developing AI systems meant to boost the performance airline pilots, has raised $15 million in series A funding.
Costanoa Ventures led the round, with backing from Scout Ventures, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and JetBlue Ventures.
The company has now raised a total of $20 million.
The Silicon Valley-based company is developing AI-powered tools for commercial and defense pilots. The tools are Murdock, an AI-powered pilot assistant meant to help pilots with flight safety, operational efficiency, and live flight support. Its other product in development is Lighthouse, a data platform and flight management system.
“From our start, we’ve had the goal of augmenting pilots with advanced technology that helps them perform their jobs more efficiently and safely,” said Matt Cox, CEO of Beacon AI, in a statement. “Everyone in aviation is under pressure to improve safety, and planes’ flight decks and pilots remain underserved. We are building something I wish I had in my decade as a naval aviator and 20 years as a pilot.”
The company has a full roster of beta clients in 2024 and is opening sign-ups for additional clients in 2025.
The funding will go toward hiring, gaining new clients, and delivering the tech to commercial and defense clients.
Grounded, which outfits camper van interiors with customizable layouts, has raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding.
The 81 Collection and Also Capital co-led the round, with support from Side Door Ventures, Tony Lyscio (SpaceX Starlink development manager), and Tristan Walker of Walker & Company.
The Detroit-based company was founded by Sam Shapiro, a former SpaceX engineer.
Grounded has developed a manufacturing system that allows it to quickly outfit the interior of vans and commercial vehicles for dozens of uses. The system includes a growing library of “Lego-like” modules for features like beds, gear storage boxes, indoor showers, smart electronics, and Starlink internet dishes. The company says it reduces outfit times by 90%.
The company has already generated $3 million in vehicle sales. It has initially focused in the camper van market with the G2, its flagship electric RV with a range of more than 270 miles. It plans to expand into mobile medical, mobile dental, pet grooming, logistics, and mobile refrigeration.
The funding will go toward expanding production capabilities, hiring, and entering new markets.
AviLabs, which helps airlines manage flight
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