Impossible Objects raises $40 million for composite drone production
Impossible Objects has closed a $40 million Series B funding round to expand production of its composite-based additive manufacturing systems. The Chicago company aims to support the U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal in producing up to 10,000 drone bodies per month.
The funding comes seven years after the previous Series A round in 2017, an unusually long gap in the venture capital industry. Inflection Equity Partners led the investment, joined by the company's existing investors.
Seven years between two funding rounds
A slow growth path but supported by government contracts and a loyal investor base.
Impossible Objects had raised $6.4 million in its 2017 Series A round, with an additional approximately $4 million in 2019. Total VC funding before this round amounted to approximately $13 million.
The long pause between rounds is explained by the $20 million in government contracts and awards the company obtained over the years. This cash flow allowed the company to operate with a reduced headcount: about 30 employees today, less than half the number in 2017.
- $40 million Series B round seven years after the previous funding
- Goal: produce up to 10,000 drone bodies per month for the US Army
- $20 million in government contracts supported the company in the interim period
CBAM technology for the military market
Composite-based additive manufacturing becomes strategic for the rapid production of drones intended for American defense.
Impossible Objects' proprietary technology is called Composite Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM). The company produces industrial printers such as the CBAM 25 system and also offers direct printing services.
The Pentagon is urgently coordinating the construction of a domestic supply chain for drone production. The goal is to rapidly develop American production capabilities in this critical sector.
Impossible Objects presented its capacity to produce 10,000 drones per month as a central element of its booth at the April 2026 RAPID + TCT trade show. The partnership with the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois represents a key piece of this strategy.
Institutional adoption of the technology
Several military and research institutions have already integrated CBAM systems into their operations.
The CBAM 25 system is used by the U.S. Air Force, the National Institute for Aviation Research, the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. The U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal also uses CBAM technology.
The CBAM 25 is Impossible Objects' flagship industrial system for additive manufacturing of composites. The CBAM technology is also licensed by the company to other operators.
The investment by Inflection Equity Partners, already present in the Series A round, demonstrates long-term confidence in the company's business model. Other investors in the round include Aaron Wealth Management, OCA Ventures, Impact Capital, and Excell Partners.
The current geopolitical context makes the ability to produce drones on a large scale on American soil strategic. However, Pentagon authorities have warned that it will take time before the United States reaches Ukraine's production levels in this sector.
For Impossible Objects, this round represents a turning point after years of organic growth supported mainly by public contracts. The challenge now will be to scale production while maintaining the quality of the composite components required by military applications.
article written with the help of artificial intelligence systems
Q&A
How much did Impossible Objects raise in its Series B round?
The company closed a $40 million Series B funding round. This investment comes seven years after the previous Series A round in 2017.
What is Impossible Objects' production target for the U.S. military?
The goal is to support the Rock Island Arsenal in producing up to 10,000 drone bodies per month. This capability was highlighted as a centerpiece at the RAPID + TCT 2026 trade show.
How did the company operate during the seven years between the two rounds?
The company operated using $20 million in government contracts and awards secured over the years. This cash flow allowed it to maintain a lean workforce of approximately 30 employees.
What is the CBAM technology used by Impossible Objects?
CBAM stands for Composite Based Additive Manufacturing and is the company's proprietary technology for composite-based additive manufacturing. It is used to produce industrial printers such as the CBAM 25 system.
Which institutions are already using CBAM systems?
The CBAM 25 system is adopted by the U.S. Air Force, the National Institute for Aviation Research, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. The Army's Rock Island Arsenal is also a key partner in this strategy.
