Kilsar Secures $3.7 Million to Revolutionize Aviation Maintenance Training

Kilsar, a Virginia Beach-based company focused on transforming aviation maintenance and training through technology, has successfully closed a $3.7 million seed round. The funding was co-led by Lightbank and New York-based Cotulla Holdings, with participation from Techstars and Scalewolf, a dual-use accelerator and venture firm from Lithuania. This financial boost is set to propel Kilsar's mission to modernize the aviation maintenance training pipeline, a sector facing significant challenges due to the aging workforce and declining interest in skilled trades.

At the heart of Kilsar's initiative is the Orion platform, an AI-powered solution designed to capture the invaluable knowledge of retiring aviation technicians and convert it into interactive, digital workflows. This innovative approach not only aims to preserve critical expertise but also to enhance the training process for the next generation of technicians. The company has also announced a strategic partnership with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), one of the largest aviation training institutions in the United States, to further its goals.

Brendan Lawlor, founder and CEO of Kilsar, brings a unique blend of experience in AI, data analytics, and compliance from his previous roles at PRA Group and Mosaic Labs. Under his leadership, Kilsar is developing technologies for both defense and commercial applications, addressing the urgent need for innovation in aviation maintenance. The Orion platform's real-time AI assistant is a key component of this effort, offering searchable, enriched content to replace outdated static manuals.

The recent funding will enable Kilsar to expand its engineering and deployment teams, accelerate the onboarding process for defense and commercial maintenance organizations, and further develop the Orion platform. With Cotulla Holdings marking its first venture investment in Kilsar, the company is poised to make significant strides in solving the aviation maintenance training crisis, ensuring the industry's future is built on a foundation of advanced technology and expert knowledge.