Potomac Tech Wire - Dec. 12
Italian Aerospace Firm Avio to Invest $500 Million in Rocket Motor Facility in Virginia
o Avio to Invest $500 Million in Aerospace Facility in Virginia
o Baltimore-based Natáur Raises $250,000 in Pre-Seed Funding
o Rockville-based Pirl Technology Raises $100,000 From TEDCO
o Annapolis-based Alphyn Biologics Raises $25 Million in Series B
o Briefly Noted: Vatn Systems, 3Wire Partners
Avio to Invest $500 Million in Aerospace Facility in Virginia
Arlington, Va. – Avio, the Italian aerospace company with its US headquarters in Arlington, announced that it will invest $500 million in a new rocket motor manufacturing facility in Virginia. The location of the planned 860,000 square-feet facility in Virginia was not disclosed.
“Avio looks forward to establishing on US soil a Solid Rocket Motor production facility to contribute in strengthening the US industrial base by providing decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing,” said Giulio Ranzo, Chief Executive Officer of Avio S.p.A. “In particular, we are thankful for the Commonwealth and local government’s warm welcome for our project and count on their future support for effective execution.”
Baltimore-based Natáur Raises $250,000 in Pre-Seed Funding
Baltimore, Md. – Natáur, a Baltimore-based startup developing eco-friendly ingredients used for food and other purposes, has raised $250,000 from TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment. The company is focused on developing taurine, a natural amino sulfonic acid, used in food, feed and personal care products.
“At Natáur, we are using modern biology to manufacture safer solutions – like the safer creation of taurine,” said Kathleen Turano, co-founder, president and COO of Natáur. “With this recent funding, we are excited to continue research and development efforts to offer a more sustainable supply of taurine and other key ingredients.”
Rockville-based Pirl Technology Raises $100,000 From TEDCO
Rockville, Md. – Pirl Technology, a Rockville-based developer of a universal EV charger, announced that it has raised $100,000 from TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund. Pirl aims to develop a low-cost EV charger for EV network operators.
“Pirl Technology aims to create the next generation of EV chargers. With a patented field-upgradable capability and an innovative design, Pirl Technology aims to offer the lowest cost of ownership to allow EV network operators to achieve profitability,” TEDCO said in a press release about the investment. “By delivering a versatile solution for all EV types and installation locations, it aims to reduce barriers and spur EV charging uptake for residential and commercial customers.”
Annapolis-based Alphyn Biologics Raises $25 Million in Series B
Annapolis, Md. – Alphyn Biologics, an Annapolis-based dermatology company currently in clinical trials, has closed on a $25 million Series B round. The round was led by QCA Investment Group and included existing investors Angel Physicians Fund, Serial Stage Venture Partners, and others.
“This financing reflects their confidence in our Multi-Target Therapeutic Drug Platform and our unique and highly differentiated drug candidates for atopic dermatitis and the molluscum contagiosum virus,” said Neal Koller, CEO of Alphyn. “We are well-positioned to rapidly advance Zabalafin Hydrogel towards our next key milestones - two pivotal Phase 3 trials - while broadening our pipeline of breakthrough therapies for skin diseases.”
Potomac Tech Wire’s VC Outlook 2026 - Dec. 18 - Reston
Briefly Noted
(Portsmouth, RI) Several local venture capital firms participated in Vatn System’s recent $60 million Series A round. Vatn, based in Portsmouth, RI, manufactures autonomous underwater vehicles used for defense. Local investors in the round included Veteran Ventures Capital, SAIC Ventures, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.
(Washington, DC) 3Wire Partners, a DC-based independent investment and merchant bank focused on the Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) sector, announced the formation of its Advisory Board. The members of the advisory board are listed here.
