What is Neros and who are its founders?

Neros is a drone company founded by 22-year-old Soren Monroe-Anderson and 24-year-old Olaf Hichwa. The two young entrepreneurs have secured a contract to supply their Archer drones to the U.S. Army.

How much funding has Neros raised?

Neros has raised a total of $121 million in venture funding, cementing the founders' status as the "wunderkind of the emerging U.S. drone industry."

What challenges did Neros face in building its drones?

Neros had to overcome significant challenges, including building a U.S. supply chain and manufacturing affordable drones without relying on Chinese parts, to position itself as a leading player in the rapidly evolving drone market.

Home / Business and Economy / 22-Year-Olds Disrupt Drone Industry, Secure Major Army Contract

22-Year-Olds Disrupt Drone Industry, Secure Major Army Contract

10 Nov

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Summary

Neros, founded by 20-year-old Soren Monroe-Anderson and 22-year-old Olaf Hichwa, selected to supply drones to U.S. Army
Neros raised $121 million in venture funding, cementing founders' status as "wunderkind of the emerging U.S. drone industry"
Neros overcame challenges to build a U.S. supply chain and manufacture affordable drones without Chinese parts

22-Year-Olds Disrupt Drone Industry, Secure Major Army Contract

In November 2025, Neros, a drone company founded by 22-year-old Soren Monroe-Anderson and 24-year-old Olaf Hichwa, has been selected to supply its signature Archer drones to the U.S. Army. This comes as a significant milestone for the two young entrepreneurs, who just two years ago were turned away by the Pentagon when they tried to sell their drones to the military as 21-year-olds.

Neros, which was founded in 2023, has now raised a total of $121 million in venture funding, cementing Monroe-Anderson's and Hichwa's status as the "wunderkind of the emerging U.S. drone industry." The company has also secured a $17 million contract with the Marine Corps and a deal to supply 6,000 drones to Ukraine.