Startups + VC

Dayton’s DEXA raises $15 million Seed Round to take drone delivery mainstream

Ohio Tech News

29 Sep 2025 — 1 min read

Image: DEXA (Drone Express)

DEXA (Drone Express), a Dayton-based drone logistics startup, has closed an oversubscribed $15 million seed round to scale its operations and introduce at-home drone delivery in major U.S. cities.

The raise positions DEXA as one of the only companies of its size with all three critical FAA certifications — a combination that could allow the Ohio startup to compete directly with global delivery giants.

Why it matters

Drone delivery has been hyped for more than a decade, but widespread adoption has lagged. More than six years after the FAA approved commercial home deliveries, service remains limited mostly to rural pilots. DEXA’s hometown-first model is designed to break that cycle, empowering local retailers with fast, eco-friendly delivery tools without massive fulfillment centers.

While some drone providers have shifted their focus toward rural markets, DEXA is leaning into cities, aiming to solve the dense-market challenges that rivals have avoided. By working directly with small and mid-sized businesses, the company gives Main Street shops the same reach as e-commerce leaders.

The funding

$15M seed raised in three $5M stages (2021, 2023, 2025)
Led by G2A Investment Partners, joined by Venture 53 and Tech Square Ventures
Capital will expand DEXA’s delivery networks, onboard retail partners, and scale metropolitan operations

FAA clearances give DEXA an edge

DEXA is among a handful of U.S. companies to integrate operations and manufacturing while holding:

Part 135 Carrier Certificate for on-demand air service.
A nationwide BVLOS waiver (beyond visual line of sight), allowing drones to fly out of view without case-by-case approvals.
Certification to manufacture its own U.S.-made aircraft, the DE-2020 hexacopter.
The combination allows DEXA to control the entire delivery ecosystem, a key differentiator in a regulated industry.

Bottom line

Founded in 2021, DEXA has deep Ohio roots — it designs and manufactures its own drones in Dayton and operates the DEXA NOW delivery marketplace app.

And with $15 million in fresh capital and full FAA credentials, DEXA is betting it can succeed where bigger players stalled: making drone delivery a reality for everyday retailers and consumers.

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