Sector
Founder
What They Do
Raptor Defense Company develops compact, mission-adaptable robotic systems designed to support military personnel in the field. Its flagship platform, the PIT VIPER, is a Personal Combat Vehicle that combines modular payloads and intelligent autonomy to help enhance the capabilities, safety, and effectiveness of the modern warfighter. They aren’t just building robots—they’re building the future of the dismounted soldier.
The Challenge
Breaking into the U.S. defense industry is difficult for any startup, especially one founded by first-time entrepreneurs. Raptor Defense began in a college dorm room with no outside funding, limited industry experience, and the challenge of proving its technology in a highly competitive and demanding market. Rather than designing technology from behind a desk, the team sought firsthand insight into the realities of the modern battlefield—working alongside the U.S. military, traveling to Ukraine, and testing their technology directly with soldiers to refine their platform based on real-world operational needs.
How Ben Franklin Helped
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania was Raptor Defense’s first institutional investor, providing early-stage funding that helped the company advance its technology and accelerate its growth. This support positioned the company to secure its first U.S. Department of Defense contracts and continue developing innovative robotic systems for defense applications.
