Overview
- Powerus is running live demonstrations across several Gulf countries to sell defensive drone interceptors to counter Iranian strikes, its co-founder said, with no government contracts or final sales disclosed.
- Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump recently took roles that could give them sizable equity in the Florida startup, prompting warnings from ethics experts about potential pressure on U.S.-reliant partners in the region.
- Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned whether defense deals are being awarded on national-security needs rather than the financial interests of the president’s family, adding public scrutiny to the company’s outreach.
- The company has raised about $60 million and is exploring a reverse merger with a Nasdaq-listed golf-course firm to list shares more quickly than a traditional IPO, according to multiple reports.
- Founded by U.S. Army Special Operations veterans for commercial work like farming and firefighting, Powerus is pivoting to military gear and is targeting a $1.1 billion Pentagon program to boost U.S. drone manufacturing after curbs on Chinese imports.