Drone delivery company Zipline has raised $1.5 billion in fresh funding, valuing the business at $21.5 billion as it accelerates plans to build a nationwide delivery network across the United States.
Announced on 5 November, the investment was led by Paradigm, WCM Investment Management and Layer Global, with participation from investors including Uber, Fidelity, Tiger Global and Salesforce Ventures. The capital will support expanded US manufacturing facilities and increased hiring.
Walmart Partnership Drives Expansion
Alongside the funding, Zipline announced a national, multiyear agreement with Walmart to launch 300 additional drone delivery sites, with scope for further growth.
The company also said Uber is targeting one million deliveries a day through Zipline by 2029, outlining the scale of its commercial ambitions.
From Medical Supplies to Everyday Deliveries
Zipline’s expansion into consumer delivery follows its early work transporting blood and medical supplies to hospitals in Africa.
Its business has since broadened to include food and other consumer goods, connecting its experience in healthcare logistics with the growing market for everyday drone deliveries.
Faster Deliveries Fuel Commercial Ambitions
Zipline says it has completed more than one million deliveries in Dallas–Fort Worth this year. According to the company, its median order arrived 19 minutes after checkout in October.
Its African healthcare operations also continue to expand, with a network under development in Côte d’Ivoire expected to serve more than 2,200 health facilities and 12 million people.
Regulatory and Community Challenges Remain
The investment arrives as competition in autonomous delivery intensifies. However, regulatory approvals and community concerns about noise and safety remain obstacles to wider adoption, Reuters reports.
For Zipline, the next phase will involve turning substantial investment and major commercial partnerships into a dependable nationwide service while navigating those challenges.
