WindBorne Raises $37M to Make AI Weather Forecasting Profitable
WindBorne Systems, a startup utilizing long-duration weather balloons for AI-driven weather predictions, has successfully secured $37 million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Khosla Ventures and Galvanize, bringing the company's valuation to $250 million. Established in 2019, WindBorne gathers innovative weather data through affordable sensors and balloons. With advancements in AI, it produces forecasts from 20 launch sites worldwide, operating 600 balloons. The firm is also implementing aerial sensor packages that function like floating buoys. CEO John Dean noted that data from the balloons improves forecast precision. Notable clients include the U.S. National Weather Service and various military branches. The investment will facilitate the expansion of computing resources and a mesh radio network aimed at private sector customers.
Key facts
- WindBorne Systems raised $37 million in Series B funding.
- The round was co-led by Khosla Ventures and Galvanize, with participation from TransLink Capital, Lux Capital, and previous investors.
- The funding values WindBorne at $250 million.
- WindBorne uses the world's longest-flying weather balloons to collect data for AI-powered forecasts.
- The company has 20 launch sites and about 600 balloons in the air at any given time.
- WindBorne's customers include the U.S. National Weather Service, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy.
- The company plans to use the funding to expand its go-to-market team and target private sector clients.
- WindBorne is developing a mesh radio network to replace satellite communications for its balloon network.
Entities
Institutions
- WindBorne Systems
- Khosla Ventures
- Galvanize
- TransLink Capital
- Lux Capital
- U.S. National Weather Service
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Navy
- TechCrunch