The air traffic control software industry in the US is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the nation’s aviation system. This sector comprises companies developing solutions that enhance flight tracking, communication, and data management for air traffic controllers. With escalating air travel demands, industry innovations are embracing technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced automation to improve service reliability and response times. Partnerships between software developers and government agencies are becoming more common, indicating a shift toward integrated systems that prioritize airspace safety and operational efficiency. As air traffic volumes rise, so too does the industry's potential for growth and transformation.


The investors in the air traffic control software sector range from corporate giants to venture capitalists, showcasing a blend of strategic interests. Headquartered across key cities like San Francisco, New York, and Charlotte, these firms vary significantly in size—spanning from small teams to large corporations with thousands of employees. Founded between the early 20th century and recent years, their involvement reflects an increasing push into this niche, evidenced by the range of 3 to 802 investments made in 2024. This activity underscores the growing recognition of air traffic control software as a vital area for technological advancement and economic opportunity.


Top 16 Air Traffic Control Software Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Y Combinator operates a structured program that offers resources such as the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in Iris Automation, a company that develops automation technologies for aviation, which is directly relevant to air traffic control. Additionally, Y Combinator has funded Quindar, which focuses on mission management software for satellite constellations, indicating its engagement with technologies that could relate to air traffic management. These investments highlight Y Combinator's role in fostering innovation in sectors that intersect with air traffic control software.


2. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The fund provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notable transactions include investments in Anra Technologies, which raised over $5.5 million in 2021 and focuses on drone operations and airspace management, potentially relevant to air traffic control. They also invested in Kayhan Space, which raised $7 million for its spaceflight safety platform, indicating a focus on technologies that could intersect with air traffic management. Additionally, their investment in CesiumAstro, which raised $65 million in 2024, suggests a commitment to advanced technology sectors that may include air traffic control applications.


3. Insight Partners

  • Website: insightpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 64
  • LinkedIn: insight--partners

Insight Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in providing investment and advisory services to high-growth technology and software companies. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has a strong track record of supporting portfolio companies through capital investment and operational expertise. Notably, Insight Partners has invested in Flightkeys, a company that is directly involved in air traffic control software, and Shift5, which focuses on cybersecurity for transportation systems, including aviation. Their investment in LeoLabs, which develops radar technologies, also indicates a commitment to advancing technologies that could enhance air traffic management and safety. Overall, Insight Partners demonstrates a strategic interest in sectors that intersect with air traffic control software.


4. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has been involved in significant transactions such as their investment in Echodyne, which raised multiple funding rounds totaling over $184 million. Echodyne develops advanced radar systems that are applicable in defense, security, and potentially air traffic control, showcasing NEA's engagement in technologies relevant to air traffic management.


5. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in companies like Iris Automation, which raised $1.5 million in a Series A round to commercialize automation technologies for aviation, and Quindar, which focuses on mission management software for satellite constellations. These investments highlight their interest in sectors that could relate to air traffic control and management, showcasing their commitment to supporting exceptional founders in building lasting companies.


6. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In recent years, 500 Global has made 98 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Firnas Aero, which operates in the aviation sector, indicating their interest in technologies that could intersect with air traffic control software. Other investments include Avision, Raxar Technology Corporation, and SynapseMX, which, while not directly related to air traffic control, reflect their broader focus on innovative technology solutions.


7. Bessemer Venture Partners

  • Website: bvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1911
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 78
  • LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Spire Global, which focuses on space-based data and analytics, and Iris Automation, which is developing automation technologies relevant to air traffic management. Their investment in Iris Automation, which raised $13 million in a Series B funding round, highlights their commitment to advancing technologies that could improve air traffic control systems and safety protocols. With a diverse portfolio and a proactive approach to investing in innovative technologies, Bessemer Venture Partners is well-positioned to support advancements in the air traffic control software industry.


8. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. It provides a comprehensive range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has been involved in various significant transactions, including a $70 million investment in NextNav LLC, which is developing a Metropolitan Beacon System positioning network. This technology could have applications in air traffic control systems, highlighting Goldman Sachs' interest in sectors that may impact aviation and navigation. Additionally, their investment in Ramco and Sabre Corporation, while not directly related to air traffic control software, indicates their engagement in the broader aviation and technology landscape.


9. Starburst


Starburst is a consulting firm based in El Segundo, California, specializing in the aerospace and defense industry. Founded in 2012, the firm offers startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate and navigate the complex landscape of these sectors. Starburst's clientele includes startups, corporations, and government entities seeking to enhance their technological capabilities and secure funding. Notable transactions include investments in companies like SeRo Systems, Evitado Technologies, and ResilienX, which, while not explicitly focused on air traffic control software, operate within the broader aerospace and defense context, indicating Starburst's potential interest in related technologies.


10. Boeing

  • Website: boeing.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: boeing

The Boeing Company, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a leading aerospace manufacturer that designs, manufactures, and sells a wide range of products including airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites. With over 10,000 employees, Boeing serves commercial airlines, government agencies, and military organizations, providing innovative solutions to ensure safe and efficient air travel and defense capabilities. Boeing has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the aviation services sector, particularly in air traffic control software. Notably, they acquired Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. in 2000, a leading provider of flight information services, for $1.5 billion, which significantly enhanced their aviation services business. In 2019, Boeing acquired ForeFlight, a prominent provider of aviation applications, further expanding their digital services portfolio. Most recently, in 2024, Boeing acquired OzRunways, a company specializing in electronic flight bag solutions, indicating their ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technologies in aviation operations. These transactions highlight Boeing's active role in the air traffic control software industry.


11. Kleiner Perkins

  • Website: kleinerperkins.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 38
  • LinkedIn: kleiner-perkins

Kleiner Perkins is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth companies, particularly in technology and life sciences. With a portfolio of over 900 ventures, Kleiner Perkins has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in CesiumAstro, a company that raised significant funding rounds (including $65 million in Series B in 2024) and is developing satellite platforms that could enhance air traffic management systems. Their strategic support and capital provision to such innovative companies highlight their commitment to advancing technologies that may intersect with air traffic control software.


12. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies, founded in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company is known for providing advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies that enhance its capabilities in commercial airport information technology. Notably, in 2014, Lockheed Martin acquired BEONTRA AG, which specializes in integrated planning and demand forecasting tools for airports, thereby strengthening its position in the air traffic control software domain. Additionally, Lockheed Martin Ventures participated in funding rounds for Fortem Technologies and Hidden Level, both of which are involved in technologies that could support air traffic management and safety. These transactions reflect Lockheed Martin's strategic interest in diversifying its investments beyond traditional defense sectors into areas that support aviation and air traffic control.


13. Honeywell

  • Website: honeywell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a technology company founded in 2017, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10,000 employees, Honeywell provides innovative solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, building automation, and energy. They focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through advanced technologies and services. In recent years, Honeywell Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Daedalean, which is developing autonomous systems for aviation, and infiniDome, which is working on GPS protection technologies for defense forces. These investments reflect Honeywell's commitment to advancing technologies that could impact air traffic management and safety, aligning with their broader aerospace interests.


14. Alchemist Accelerator


Alchemist Accelerator is a startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in supporting early-stage ventures that generate revenue from enterprise clients. The accelerator provides a structured program that includes mentorship, investment, and networking opportunities to help startups refine their business models and gain market traction. Alchemist Accelerator operates globally, connecting startups with a wide network of investors and industry experts. Among its notable transactions, Alchemist Accelerator has invested in companies like SkySelect, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2015, and Aero Systems West, which also secured funding in a Seed Round in 2018. These investments indicate a focus on the aviation sector, aligning with the interests of air traffic control software development.


15. Sand Hill Angels

  • Website: sandhillangels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sand-hill-angels

Sand Hill Angels is an angel investment group based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2000. They focus on providing funding and mentorship to technology startups, offering access to capital, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the startup journey. Their members are experienced investors and business leaders who actively participate in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Sand Hill Angels has invested in companies like Spire Global, which specializes in satellite data and analytics, and Aerolane, which raised $10.5 million in a seed round for air traffic management solutions. Additionally, they have supported Vantage Robotics, a company involved in drone technology, and Orbit Fab, which focuses on satellite servicing. These transactions highlight their engagement in sectors that intersect with air traffic control and aerospace technologies.


16. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a division of Hexagon AB, is a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in industrial technology and software solutions. Founded in 1992, Hexagon operates globally, focusing on transforming data into actionable insights to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors. Notably, Hexagon has made significant acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in geospatial technology, which is essential for air traffic control systems. For instance, the acquisition of NovAtel in 2007 and Septentrio in 2025 highlights Hexagon's commitment to advancing GNSS technology, crucial for precise navigation and positioning in air traffic management. Additionally, their acquisition of Sigma Space and AICON 3D Systems further demonstrates their strategy to enhance their technological portfolio, which can be leveraged in the air traffic control domain.



Air Traffic Control Software Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Insight PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500199564
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
StarburstEl Segundo, California, United States (USA)51-20020123
BoeingArlington, Virginia, United States (USA)10001+20027
Kleiner PerkinsMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-50197238
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219
HoneywellCharlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)10001+20177
Alchemist AcceleratorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201220
Sand Hill AngelsMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-20020003
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929


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