Radian Forge Raises $2.5M to Scale Additive Manufacturing for Naval Industry
Portsmouth, Va.-based Radian Forge has secured $2.5 million in a series seed preferred financing led by Veteran Ventures Capital. The funding aims to boost the production of large metal components for naval, maritime, and defense customers. This development comes at a time when the U.S. shipbuilding industry is grappling with constraints in production capacity and supply chains, leading to increased demand for manufacturers capable of producing large components more efficiently than traditional casting and forging processes.
Innovative Production Process
Radian Forge distinguishes itself by utilizing industrial robots to deposit metal wire layer by layer. This method enables the production of large, intricate components without relying solely on traditional tooling and casting infrastructure. The company asserts that its process can slash production lead times by 40% to 80%, with each Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) robot being supervised by a single operator.
CEO’s Vision and Background
Jeff Yeager, a former U.S. Marine and CEO of Radian Forge, envisions a manufacturing landscape where critical components are delivered to customers within weeks, not months. Yeager’s extensive experience in defense, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and industrial technology serves as a solid foundation for leading Radian Forge. Prior to establishing the company, he held key positions at TST Fab & Machine and Defense Maritime Solutions, spearheading various operations and technology initiatives.
Strategic Expansion and Job Creation
Radian Forge’s additive manufacturing approach offers a viable solution to the challenges posed by conventional methods of manufacturing large metal parts. By building components directly from digital designs, the company aims to streamline production processes and mitigate constraints associated with tooling and specialized foundry capacity. In line with its growth trajectory, Radian Forge plans to invest $10.5 million in expanding its Portsmouth operations, a move expected to generate 53 jobs.
In collaboration with Veteran Ventures Capital, Radian Forge is positioned to make significant strides in meeting the evolving needs of the naval, maritime, and defense sectors. With a strong focus on supporting veteran entrepreneurs and operators in the national security realm, Veteran Ventures Capital’s investment underscores the strategic importance of companies like Radian Forge in advancing dual-use technologies across defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity markets.
