Divergent Technologies Secures $290M to Expand Military Parts Production
In a significant development in the defense tech sector, advanced manufacturing company Divergent Technologies has raised $290 million to expand its production of specialized military parts. The funding round, which values the company at $2.3 billion, was first reported by Bloomberg and underscores investor appetite for startups boosting America's domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The new capital will enable Divergent to expand its manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles and break ground on a new factory in Oklahoma next year. According to CEO and co-founder Lukas Czinger, the company's specialized 3D printers can produce up to 600 parts per day, with metal missile airframes being its "bread and butter." The funding is also expected to help Divergent meet growing demand for military components from major defense primes Lockheed Martin, RTX, and General Dynamics.
The investment in Divergent reflects a broader trend of increased interest in domestic manufacturing capabilities as traditional supply chains struggle to keep pace with rising demand. Czinger noted that the company's technology allows it to produce complex parts quickly and efficiently, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. "Our 3D printing technology enables us to produce high-quality components at unprecedented speeds," he said.
Divergent's technology uses a process called additive manufacturing, which builds parts layer by layer using metals or other materials. This approach allows for the creation of complex geometries and internal structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. The company's printers can produce a wide range of components, including missile airframes, engine components, and other critical systems.
The funding round is expected to have significant implications for Divergent's growth plans. With the new capital, the company will be able to expand its production capacity and meet growing demand from defense contractors. Czinger said that the company plans to use the funds to "scale up our operations" and "increase our output" in response to customer demand.
As the US military continues to invest in advanced technologies, companies like Divergent are poised to play a critical role in meeting demand for specialized components. With its cutting-edge manufacturing technology and growing customer base, Divergent is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and become a leading player in the defense tech sector.
In related news, the US Department of Defense has announced plans to invest $1 billion in additive manufacturing research and development over the next five years. This investment is expected to drive innovation in the field and help companies like Divergent develop new technologies and applications for 3D printing.
As Divergent looks to the future, it's clear that the company's advanced manufacturing technology will play a critical role in meeting growing demand for military components. With its significant funding round and expanding customer base, Divergent is well-positioned to become a leading player in the defense tech sector.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*