Lithuanian drone startup Granta Autonomy takes off with $1M seed funding

Lithuanian startup Granta Autonomy has just come out of stealth mode, announcing a successful $1 million seed funding round to manufacture fully autonomous drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Founded by former military engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas, Granta Autonomy has been developing drone technology since 2015. The company specializes in the following:

1. Reconnaissance drones: Granta Autonomy has supplied NATO forces with hand-launched Hornet drones, which are easy to deploy and highly effective in the field.
2. Lightweight gimbals: Their ultra-reliable micro gimbals are the lightest direct drive gimbals available. These gimbals come with powerful cameras capable of capturing clear images up to 5 kilometers away during the day and providing essential thermal vision for night operations.
3. Datalink software: This software ensures seamless integration with most Ground Control Station (GCS) software, making the technology adaptable and user-friendly.

The latest addition to Granta Autonomy’s lineup is the Hornet XR, a small, stealthy, hand-launched mini reconnaissance drone. It has several key features:

• Simple launch: Can be launched with a simple throw.
• Silent flight: Operates silently for up to 3 hours, covering distances up to 160 km.
• Autonomous operation: Can carry out pre-programmed missions even without radio signals.
• Easy retrieval: Lands using a deep-stall method, making it easy to retrieve in tight spaces.
• Compact design: Its modular design allows for easy transport.

Edvinas Kerza, managing partner at ScaleWolf VC tech fund and former vice minister of the Lithuanian defense ministry, praises Granta Autonomy’s innovative approach to surveillance and reconnaissance technology. “Since we met Gediminas and the team, we have been impressed by the groundbreaking technology and vision of the Granta Autonomy team. Their innovative approach to developing surveillance and reconnaissance technology is second to none and has the potential to revolutionize the way armed forces manage complicated and multi-discipline reconnaissance missions,” says Kerza.

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