Epirus is a defense technology company best known for Leonidas, a software-defined directed-energy weapon that emits high-power microwave (HPM) pulses to disable the electronics of drones and drone swarms at range. Unlike kinetic interceptors or single-shot lasers, Leonidas can neutralize many targets at once with an effectively unlimited magazine, making it a cost-asymmetric answer to cheap mass-produced UAS threats. Epirus pairs solid-state amplifier hardware with AI-driven beam steering and target discrimination to engage threats while sparing friendly electronics. The company has secured U.S. Army contracts and is expanding Leonidas variants for fixed-site, mobile, and counter-electronics missions, as well as commercial and international markets. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Epirus has become one of the most heavily funded counter-drone startups in the U.S. defense sector.
Epirus
ActiveHigh-power microwave systems that disable drone swarms in flight
Total raised
$250M
1 round
Stage
Series D
Mar 2025
Team
201-500
since 2018
Pricing
Enterprise
Founded
2018
Torrance, United States
Agent-ready
—
Leonidas high-power microwave directed-energy weapon
Counter-swarm engagement with effectively unlimited magazine
AI-driven beam steering and target discrimination
Solid-state, software-defined amplifier architecture
Fixed-site and mobile (vehicle-mounted) variants
Counter-electronics and force-protection modes
Friendly-electronics protection during engagements
Integration with existing air-defense kill chains
10/100
Early
MCP server
Public API
Webhooks
OAuth 2.0
SDKs
No public agent surfaces detected yet.
Mar 2025 Series D $250M ● 8VC
Capital network
$550M raised ·4 backers·10 network links
- Backers4
- Shared portfoliocompanies these backers also fund
- Extended networkfunds that co-invest alongside them
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- What is Epirus Leonidas?
- Leonidas is a directed-energy weapon that uses high-power microwaves to disable the electronics of drones and drone swarms at range.
- How is it different from lasers?
- Unlike single-target lasers, Leonidas emits a wide microwave beam that can disable many drones at once with an effectively unlimited magazine.
- Who funds Epirus?
- Epirus raised a $250M Series D in 2025 led by 8VC, with Washington Harbour Partners and General Dynamics Land Systems among investors.
- Does Epirus have military contracts?
- Yes, Epirus has secured U.S. Army contracts including a notable $66M Leonidas award.
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