Xtend focuses on defense sector with new $40 million investment round

Published on May 11, 2024

Nearly a decade ago, Aviv and Matteo Shapira embarked on a technological journey that would lead them from enhancing sports broadcasts to reshaping drone and robotics applications in public safety and defense. Their initial venture, Replay, innovated a 360-degree video format that became a staple in major sports broadcasts. This venture not only caught the eye of Intel, which acquired Replay for approximately $175 million in 2016, but also set the stage for their future endeavors.

Following the acquisition, the Shapira brothers met Rubi Liani, founder of the Israeli drone racing league, FRIL. This meeting sparked their interest in drone technology, eventually leading to the foundation of Xtend. The company was co-founded with the vision of simplifying the operation of advanced robotics, making the control of drones as intuitive as using a smartphone.

Xtend has developed a versatile platform that facilitates the management of both in-house and third-party drones and robots. This technology allows operators to directly control devices through traditional means or via a VR headset, and also to train AI models. These AI models enhance drone functionality, enabling them to identify objects and navigate various environments, thereby extending their utility in complex operational scenarios.

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