Laser Defense Startup Esh-Tech Raises $18 Million for Counter-Drone System
The funding will help bring the company's DroneLight interceptor into production and expand internationally as demand grows for low-cost defenses against drones and drone swarms
Kinetica Ventures’ founding partners. Photo: Karen Landau
Israeli defense technology company Esh-Tech, which develops laser-based counter-drone systems, has raised $18 million in a new funding round.
The investment was led by Kinetica Ventures, with participation from Mahari, Renaton Capital, Q-Fund, 2i Ventures, Hinkley, and FFG, alongside angel investors and the Israel Innovation Authority through its Seed Fund.
The funding comes as drones continue to reshape modern battlefields, driving demand for mobile, rapid-response, and cost-effective interception systems. Esh-Tech said the capital will be used to complete development of its DroneLight system, establish a manufacturing line in Israel, expand its workforce, and scale global marketing, sales, and delivery operations.
According to the company, the financing follows several key milestones, including the development of its pulsed laser technology for drone interception, successful operational field trials under real-world conditions, and customer orders from Israel and abroad. Esh-Tech recently showcased DroneLight at Eurosatory, one of the world's leading defense exhibitions.
"The investment marks a significant milestone as we transition from development to large-scale deployment," said Erez Riahi, CEO of Esh-Tech. "The confidence shown by leading investors validates both our technology and its ability to address one of the defining challenges of the modern battlefield. Following the momentum generated at Eurosatory, we are accelerating our international expansion, strengthening our presence in key markets, and deepening local partnerships. Our focus is now on bringing DroneLight into operational service."
Frederic Landau, Managing Partner at Kinetica Ventures, said the fund views Esh-Tech as a high-potential defense technology company. He said its combination of laser expertise and operational understanding positions it to address the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems. Kinetica plans to support the company's expansion into Europe, the United States, and other markets through its industrial expertise and partner network.
DroneLight uses pulsed laser technology to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles, including drones and drone swarms. The company describes it as a modular, scalable system designed to provide a fast, precise, and cost-effective layer of protection for battlefields and critical infrastructure.
Kinetica Ventures focuses on investing in Israeli defense technology startups from Pre-Seed to Series A, with investments spanning AI, advanced manufacturing, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, and space technologies. Its portfolio includes Particle, Line5, and Limitless CNC.