o Arlington-Based AeroVironment Completes Deal for BlueHalo
o Columbia-Based SixMap Lands $7 Million in New Funding
o New Initiative Looks to Grow Bio Startups in Baltimore
o Chantilly-Based VTG Acquires Fulton’s Triaplex
o Briefly Noted: Claritev, Tranquility AI
Arlington-Based AeroVironment Completes Deal for BlueHalo
Arlington, Va. – In a marriage of Arlington-based defense technology companies, AeroVironment (AV) said on Thursday it has completed its acquisition of BlueHalo in an all-stock deal worth approximately $4.1 billion. BlueHalo, a provider of advanced defense technologies founded in 2019, was a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners. The deal, in which AV’s shareholders now own approximately 60.5% of the combined company, was first announced in November. AV said the move will broaden its capabilities across air, land, sea, space and cyber. “By bringing together two mission-focused organizations, the new AV is built to accelerate innovation, strengthen our customer partnerships, and deliver operational impact across every domain,” said Wahid Nawabi, the chairman president and CEO of AV. Nawabi will continue to lead AV, which will operate in two business segments: Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy.
Columbia-Based SixMap Lands $7 Million in New Funding
Columbia, Md. – SixMap, a Columbia-based developer of an attack surface management platform designed to detect imminent threats and vulnerabilities for clients, said it has raised $7 million in a new round of funding. IAG Capital Partners led the round, which also included participation from TRE Advisors and previous backers DataTribe and the California Innovation. The 5-year-old company, originally founded in California, now has raised $22 million since its inception. SixMap’s computational mapping platform discovers and continuously monitors threats to networks for federal agencies and large corporations.
“CISOs know their current tools leave blind spots. SixMap closes that gap,” said CEO Jason Kaplan. “This funding allows us to scale faster, expand our go-to-market team and bring true visibility to more organizations that can’t afford to settle for incomplete data.”
New Initiative Looks to Grow Bio Startups in Baltimore
Baltimore – A new collaboration between the University of Maryland, Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University is looking to establish the Baltimore area as a major national hub for new biomedical ventures. The initiative, called the Innovation Alliance, aims to connect entrepreneurs and investors with physician-scientists, surgeons and medical technologists, with the ultimate goal of bringing new medical treatments and technologies to market. The alliance will meet twice a year to give partners and investors a first look at new technologies and emerging businesses reviewed by the University of Maryland Baltimore Life Science Discovery accelerator. Alliance partners also will work with an advisory group to consult on grant and investment decisions, and members will offer mentorship for university-affiliated researchers.
"Our vision of the new Innovation Alliance is an open, collaborative network where members can invite potential partners to accelerate healthcare innovation," said Mark Gladwin, dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Together, we can drive transformative medical solutions to improve patient care, advance scientific discovery, and position Maryland as a global leader and in the med-tech space."
Chantilly-Based VTG Acquires Fulton’s Triaplex
Chantilly, Va. – VTG, a Chantilly-based provider of technology modernization services to the military, said on Wednesday it has acquired Fulton-based signals and cyber warfare company Triaplex. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. VTG said the move will expand its footprint in the Intelligence Community with several new customers in the DC area. Founded in 2020, Triaplexhas focused on developing radio frequency tools designed to protect soldiers and military systems. The acquisition is VTG's fourth since receiving a majority investment from private equity firm A&M Capital.
"Acquiring Triaplex enables VTG to tackle emerging national security challenges and highlights our continued investments in the advanced technical capabilities and expertise the Intelligence Community needs most,” said John Hassoun, the president and CEO of VTG.
Briefly Noted:
(McLean, Va.) McLean-based Claritev, a provider of data technology for the healthcare industry, has named Jason Kap to its board of directors. Kap currently serves as the CEO of Blue Rocket, a pricing and product transformation company that he founded, and he was previously the CEO of Zipwire.
(Laurel, Md.) Laurel-based Tranquility AI, a developer of investigative technology tools, has named Kevin Clark as its vice president of analytics and investigations. Clark most recently served as the director of crime strategies and intelligence for Colorado’s 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
(McLean, Va.) McLean-based Guidehouse, the large provider of advisory, technology and managed services, has named Craig Richardville as a new partner in its Health segment. Richardville most recently served as the senior vice president and chief digital and information officer at Intermountain Health.