Reliable Robotics, an autonomous flight startup, opens a **Radar Center of Excellence** in Bothell, Washington, to develop and test radar systems for aircraft detect-and-avoid capabilities. The company, founded by former SpaceX engineers, raised **$115 million**, pushing its valuation above **$1 billion**, and plans to expand its **250-person team** in Seattle, focusing on radar, embedded software, and flight controls. Reliable’s technology automates key flight operations—such as takeoff and landing—while working toward **FAA certification** for autonomous systems compatible with existing aircraft.

Oct 2026GeekWireNews article

Reliable Robotics secures **$115M** in Series D funding, pushing its valuation past **$1B**, to advance **FAA certification** for its autonomous flight systems. The Mountain View startup, co-founded by SpaceX veterans Robert Rose (CEO) and Juerg Frefel (CTO), targets **four key certifications**: a **continuous autopilot** for engine startup, taxi, takeoff, and landing (expected in **18–24 months**); **pilot-remote operations** (3+ years out); a **solid-state collision-avoidance radar** (certification by **end-2027**); and its own **Reliable Airlines**, using six Cessna Caravans for cargo flights. Investors include Nimble Partners, Silicon Valley Bank, and RockCreek. The system is designed for **retrofit on existing aircraft**, aiming to disrupt commercial aviation like autonomous vehicles did for cars.

Oct 2026TechCrunchNews article

Capitolis, a fintech company serving banks and financial institutions, raises $220 million in financing, including a $120 million Series E equity round at a $1.9 billion valuation. Existing investor Citi leads the equity round, joined by new strategic investors Bank of America, Nomura and Tradeweb Markets, while First Citizens Innovation Banking, Hercules Capital and Pinegrove Venture Partners provide debt financing. Most of the funds support Capitolis’ acquisition of eSecLending, which adds securities lending to its financial resource optimization platform.

Oct 2026CTechNews article

First Citizens Bank, a top 20 U.S. bank, announces the official launch of First Citizens Innovation Banking, a division dedicated to serving the innovation economy in the U.S.

Oct 2026First Citizens NewsroomNews article