WindBorne Systems Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding to Revolutionize AI Weather Forecasting and Atmospheric Data Collection
WindBorne Systems, a pioneering company in advanced weather forecasting and atmospheric data collection, has secured $15 million in Series A funding. This significant investment is led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from existing investors Footwork VC, Pear VC, and Convective Capital. The funding will be utilized to enhance the company’s sensor technology, expand its balloon network, and advance its AI capabilities to ensure robust and accurate forecasting.
Founded in 2015 by a group of Stanford alumni, WindBorne Systems specializes in intelligent weather balloons that can be maneuvered remotely using lifting gas, allowing them to ascend and descend within the atmosphere. Unlike conventional weather balloons that drift uncontrolled for a limited period before bursting, WindBorne’s balloons are equipped with an array of weather sensors to gather crucial data on temperature, wind pressure, and direction. They leverage satellite networks for data transmission and are powered by solar panels.
The company’s mission is to mitigate the most imminently dangerous effects of climate change: extreme weather and weather uncertainty. WindBorne operates the world’s largest atmospheric sensing system and most accurate AI weather model, named WeatherMesh. This deep learning-based weather forecast model has surpassed the accuracy benchmarks set by Google DeepMind’s GraphCast, making it the most accurate medium-range global forecast model in the world.
WindBorne’s technology serves sectors that require precise meteorological data, such as governmental research agencies and defense organizations. The company has already fielded significant interest from a vast range of industries impacted by weather, such as agriculture, logistics, aviation, utilities, energy grid operations, live events & travel, and insurance. WindBorne is now developing its first commercial trials for its forecast offering this year.
The funding round complements millions of dollars in revenue from government partnerships and contracts, including both research and development efforts and data-as-a-service contracts for WindBorne’s atmospheric observations. The company has been working with U.S. government partners such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the U.S. Air Force, and the Office of Naval Research via its data-as-a-service offering.
WindBorne’s team has uniquely fused “hard” engineering with meteorological expertise. Many employees have roots in the Stanford Space Initiative, while its head of meteorology is a veteran of The Weather Company. The company aims to operate 10,000 balloons concurrently by 2028 to offer complete global coverage, refine its autonomous flight software, and advance its AI-based weather forecast model.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that 85% of the Earth’s atmosphere lacks sufficient data. WindBorne operates the only platform capable of effectively addressing this gap. The company’s goal is to provide communities with the actionable insights necessary to navigate an increasingly unpredictable climate. With this investment, WindBorne aims not only to refine its existing offerings but also to drive its commitment to providing robust and accurate forecasting.
John Dean, WindBorne co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, comments, “Just as the privatization of space catalyzed huge leaps over the past few decades, we’re driving an equally exciting shift in weather technology. Collaboration across government, research, and private companies will play an essential role, marrying the best of commercial innovation with global systems that can deliver a tangible, positive impact for every individual.”
WindBorne Systems is backed by notable investors including Khosla Ventures, Footwork VC, Pear VC, Convective Capital, Ubiquity Ventures, Susa Ventures, Jetstream Ventures, and Harvest Venture Partners, among others. The company’s innovative approach to weather forecasting and its commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change make it a leader in the meteorological field.