Arris Composites secures $34 million to fuel growth in aerospace, consumer markets

Arris Composites (Berkeley, Calif., U.S.) has raised $34 million in its latest fundraising round. The round saw participation from new and returning investors, including ST Engineering, Zebra Technologies, Youngone, Standard Industries, Vertex Exploratory Fund, NEA, XN, Taiwania Capital, Bosch Ventures, Modern Venture Partners (MVP) and Alumni Ventures Group (AVG).

ST Engineering is considered one of the largest independent providers of commercial airframe maintenance services, Zebra Technologies is known for its barcode printers, scanners, RFID readers and mobile computing solutions and Youngone works with consumer brands focusing on outdoor/athletic apparel, materials, gear and footwear.

“The use of composite structures in aerospace applications offers a compelling combination of weight savings, strength, durability and environmental sustainability,” Jeffrey Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, says. “Through our investment in Arris, we will jointly develop innovative composite products that elevate ST Engineering’s aerospace solutions, providing more value add and benefits to our customers.”

This most recent funding will be used to build on Arris’ success in scaling its global operations:

• In November 2023, Brooks Running revealed the Hyperion Elite 4 performance running shoe featuring an Arris carbon fiber plate, which was subsequently released in February 2024 (read more here).
• In January 2024, Arris launched a line of next-gen carbon fiber bicycle spokes that are said to be 2.7 times stronger gram for gram than aero spokes on the market. 
• In summer 2024, a bicycle brand will release one of its award-winning bicycles that features an Arris bracket.

Fueling the company’s growth includes continued performance-driven innovation, strategic go-to-market initiatives and the expansion of ingredient brand partnerships with an emphasis on expanding consumer products (e.g., footwear, bicycles, portable electronics) and aerospace applications.

Founded in 2017, the Arris technology team created a new manufacturing category called Additive Molding through the development of patented software, materials and high-volume production methods that prioritize specific stiffness and strength. The company says that new levels of product performance are now possible with this advanced manufacturing platform, enabling continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite structures that are lighter and more sustainable.