Metro Weather raises $9.4M Series B first close with Mitsubishi Heavy backing
What's the deal? Metro Weather, a Kyoto-based deep-tech startup, has raised ¥1.5 billion (about $9.4 million) in the first close of its Series B round. Incubate FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → led the raise via a third-party allotment, with Mitsubishi Heavy IndustriesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → joining as a strategic backer.
The details: The round lifts Metro Weather's total funding to ¥3.56 billion. It plans a second close and is targeting ¥2.5 billion for the full Series B.
What's the endgame? Founded in 2015 out of Kyoto University, Metro Weather builds "Doppler LiDAR" that visualises wind conditions in real time and 3D using remote sensing and its own signal-processing technology. It is now applying that base to an "object-detection LiDAR" designed to detect suspicious drones in areas radar cannot cover, with the aim of fielding it as defence equipment.
Why now? The rapid spread of drones has made intrusions near critical sites a growing global threat. Counter-drone systems are now a pressing need for airports, power plants, and other infrastructure, not just defence.
The partnership: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develops and manufactures defence equipment across land, sea, air, and space. It values Metro Weather's object-detection LiDAR as a complement to existing technology, and the two plan to combine Mitsubishi's production expertise with the startup's sensing know-how.
"Collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which has years of experience in developing and manufacturing defence equipment, is the shortest path to overcoming this challenge," said chief executive officer Junichi Furumoto (translated from Japanese).
The signal: The deal is a rare pairing of a domestic defence-tech startup with a major heavy-industry manufacturer, and a new model for how large venture firms approach the dual-use market. As security concerns rise, it points to deeper ties between agile startups and established defence primes in Japan.
Image credit: Metro Weather
