Zipline, the U.S.-based autonomous drone delivery company, has raised $600 million in fresh funding, boosting its valuation to $7.6 billion. The investment will accelerate the company’s expansion into major U.S. cities, including Houston and Phoenix, in early 2026, with plans to enter at least four states before year-end.
Founded in 2014 and commercially launched in 2016, Zipline has built the world’s most advanced autonomous delivery system. The company designs and manufactures its own drones, logistics software, and launch systems—creating an end-to-end delivery ecosystem that now operates on four continents.
From Life-Saving Blood Drops to Everyday Deliveries
Zipline initially gained recognition through its work in Rwanda, where it delivered blood to rural health centers using autonomous aircraft. Since then, its mission has expanded dramatically. Today, Zipline provides food, healthcare, agriculture, and retail deliveries across five African countries, Japan, and a growing number of U.S. cities.
In 2024 alone, the company completed one million deliveries, and by early 2026, it had surpassed two million commercial drone deliveries—a milestone that makes it the most active company in the drone delivery space. According to CEO Keller Cliffton, demand has been growing at 15% week over week for the past seven months, a trajectory he says positions Zipline as one of the fastest-growing AI and robotics companies in the world.
Zipline’s U.S. Expansion: Houston, Phoenix, and Beyond
With its Platform 2 drones capable of carrying up to eight pounds within a 10-mile radius, Zipline is taking direct-to-home delivery to new heights. The P2 drones were first introduced in Arkansas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area in partnership with Walmart and more than a dozen restaurant brands. The company’s Platform 1 drones are still used for long-range deliveries, supporting enterprise and government logistics over 120-mile round trips.
The next wave includes Houston and Phoenix, where Zipline’s services will allow residents to order tens of thousands of items through its app, with deliveries arriving in as little as 10 minutes. Plans are also underway for launches in Seattle and other metropolitan areas.
“The last year has made it unmistakably clear that when deliveries are faster, cleaner, safer, and cheaper, demand isn’t just high—it grows exponentially,” said Cliffton. “Autonomous logistics will become an everyday staple in 2026, starting with Houston and my hometown, Phoenix.”
Who’s Backing Zipline’s Vision?
The $600 million funding round includes major institutional investors such as Fidelity Management & Research Company, Baillie Gifford, Valor Equity Partners, and Tiger Global. These funds will fuel Zipline’s U.S. expansion and help refine its drone technology for mass-market adoption.
“Zipline is leading the revolution in autonomous logistics,” said Valor Equity Partners’ CEO Antonio Gracias. “There’s no better team or product positioned to redefine how goods move around the world.”
Outpacing the Competition
While Zipline is a clear leader in the space, it’s not alone. Competitors include Amazon Prime Air, DroneUp, Flytrex, and Wing (an Alphabet subsidiary). Wing recently announced plans to expand its partnership with Walmart to 150 stores by 2027.
What differentiates Zipline is its track record and scale. It currently completes a delivery every 30 seconds somewhere in the world and has logged over 125 million autonomous commercial miles, all while maintaining zero serious injuries. According to Zipline, its drone system has helped save over 10,000 lives per year, especially in healthcare delivery contexts.
The Future Is Autonomous, Instant, and Emission-Free
Zipline’s aircraft are zero-emission, and their operations have been embraced not only for convenience but for safety and environmental benefits. In cities like Phoenix, leaders see the company’s presence as a symbol of progress.
“This investment brings affordable, faster, and cleaner delivery options to our community,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “It reinforces Phoenix’s position at the forefront of logistics and mobility innovation.”
As Zipline’s network continues to expand, its impact will stretch far beyond convenience—shaping the future of urban logistics, supply chain sustainability, and autonomous transportation.
