The Philadelphia startup combines aerial drones, robotic dogs, and software into a rising “security as a service” platform for high-risk facilities
From Aerospace Dreams to Autonomous Security
Asylon, a Philadelphia-based robotics startup, has raised a $26 million Series B round led by Insight Partners, with participation from Veteran Ventures Capital, Allegion Ventures, and the GO PA Fund.
- The company offers a robotic security-as-a-service (RaaS) solution, combining drones, robotic guard dogs, and its Guardian command-and-control software.
- The funding brings Asylon’s total raised to around $45 million, including earlier rounds and government grants.
“We want to automate the most dangerous, repetitive parts of security,” said co-founder and CEO Damon Henry.
Meet DroneDog: Patrol Meets Autonomy
At the center of Asylon’s offering is DroneDog, a modified version of Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot, customized for security patrols.
- Integrated with Asylon’s Guardian software, DroneDogs can be dispatched to secure locations, perform chemical and gas detection, and patrol areas unsafe for humans.
- Combined with battery-swapping drones capable of autonomous flight, Asylon creates a layered surveillance solution that outperforms static cameras.
These technologies make Asylon’s platform particularly useful for securing executive homes, critical infrastructure, and corporate campuses.
Security Budgets Are Rising — And Asylon Is Ready
Following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2023, high-profile organizations have increased spending on personal and facility protection.
- Asylon’s clients include Fortune 500 firms and military customers, with annual RaaS contracts ranging from $100K to $150K—comparable to hiring human security personnel.
- With systems now deployed in 15 states, the company has expanded carefully while maintaining its niche focus.
From Dorm Room to DoD
Founded in 2015 by three MIT aerospace engineering alumni—Damon Henry (CEO), Adam Mohamed (CTO), and Brent McLaughlin (COO)—Asylon started as a drone company inspired by Amazon’s early delivery drone push.
- Their first major break came in 2019 with Ford as a customer.
- In 2021, after a near-catastrophic demo failure the night before a live event, the team narrowly pulled off a successful demo that won them three Fortune 500 clients and their first Department of Defense contract.
“That day saved the company,” Henry recalled. “And launched the next chapter.”
What’s Next for Asylon
With new capital in hand, Asylon plans to:
- Grow its 65-person team
- Expand its U.S. deployments
- Enhance its autonomous security stack across both private and public sector clients
The company is also poised to capitalize on rising global demand for non-human perimeter security, especially as robotics become cheaper, smarter, and more accepted.
