Founded in 2016, San Diego-based Natilus is engineering a family of blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft that reduce fuel consumption by 30 %, cut carbon emissions and operating costs by 50 %, and boost payload capacity by 40 %. Its first product, the KONA regional freighter, carries a 3.8-ton payload and is designed for both commercial freight and defense logistics, with a first full-scale flight targeted within 24 months. The company is concurrently developing the 200-plus-seat HORIZON EVO passenger jet, aimed at the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo market and slated for entry into service in the early 2030s. Natilus has secured more than 570 aircraft pre-orders worth an estimated $24 billion from customers such as SpiceJet, Nolinor Aviation, Flexport and Ameriflight. The firm is pursuing FAA Part 23, Amendment 64 certification for KONA and evaluating a 250,000 sq ft factory capable of producing 60 units per year. By using existing engine technology and airport infrastructure, Natilus seeks to de-risk adoption and accelerate commercialization. The team includes alumni from Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Skunk Works, SpaceX and other leading aerospace organizations.

Total raised

$28M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2026