Mako
Sydney, AU · 33 employees on LinkedIn · 6 known investors
Find your way into Mako
MAKO develops Flightfilm, a biomimetic coating inspired by shark skin that reduces aerodynamic drag on aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and support Net Zero carbon goals in aviation.
Also known as MicroTau
Founders & leadership
Investors · 6
Also in the syndicate · 2
Funding
SEC filings, press & company announcements$8.5M disclosed across 1 of 4 rounds · 2025–2026
- Undisclosed amountSeries AJun 2026Source ↗
- $8.5MSeedAug 2025 · 2 sources
M13 (lead), Flybridge, Neo
Source ↗
Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.
Company profile
researched Aug 2026MAKO, formerly known as MicroTau, develops Flightfilm, a drag-reducing surface film inspired by shark skin. The film is applied to the exterior of an aircraft to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel burn, and is described as requiring no structural modification to the airframe.
The company positions its technology for use across commercial airlines and defense operators, framing the value proposition around fuel efficiency gains. Its current focus is on certifying, scaling and delivering the Flightfilm product, supported by a Series A round and an Australian government growth grant announced in 2026.
Business model
MAKO supplies its Flightfilm drag-reduction film for application to aircraft exteriors, with company activity centered on certification, scaling production and delivery to airline and defense customers.
Traction
In August 2026 MAKO completed a Flightfilm installation demonstration on a retired Delta aircraft. In March 2026 it secured a $3M Industry Growth Program grant, and in June 2026 it announced a AU$28 million (US$20M) Series A.
Latest developments
MAKO announced a AU$28 million (US$20 million) Series A in June 2026 to certify, scale and deliver Flightfilm, following a $3 million Industry Growth Program grant in March 2026. In August 2026 the company completed a Flightfilm installation demonstration on a retired Delta aircraft.
▸Full profile — market position, technology, go-to-market, geography
Market position
MAKO markets Flightfilm as an aviation efficiency technology for airlines and defense operators, framing adoption against rising fuel prices.
Technology
Flightfilm is a riblet-style, shark-skin-inspired surface film applied to an aircraft's external surfaces. It is intended to reduce aerodynamic drag and associated fuel consumption without structural modification to the aircraft.
Go-to-market
Commercial airlines and defense aircraft operators.
Geography
Australian-based activity, including an Australian Industry Growth Program grant, with stated ambitions to take the technology global.
Compiled by commissioned research from 1 cited public sources — announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.
Timeline · 3
launches, deals, and filingsMAKO completed a demonstration installation of Flightfilm on a retired Delta aircraft.
MAKO announced a AU$28 million (US$20 million) Series A to certify, scale and deliver its Flightfilm shark-skin aviation efficiency technology.
$20M source ↗
MAKO secured a $3 million Industry Growth Program grant to take its Australian aviation efficiency technology global.
$3M source ↗
Dated company events from announcements, filings, and press; legal rows summarize public dockets and regulator releases.
In the news
▸Research sources · 1
primary sources listed
- Makomako.aero · web
1 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Mako do?
- MAKO makes shark-skin-inspired Flightfilm surface coverings that reduce aircraft drag and fuel burn.
- Who founded Mako?
- Mako was founded by Henry Bilinsky.
- Who are Mako's investors?
- Mako's investors include Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Virescent Ventures, Zero Infinity Partners, M13.
- How much funding has Mako raised?
- Mako has disclosed $8.5M raised across 1 of its 4 known rounds.
- Where is Mako headquartered?
- Mako is headquartered in Sydney, AU.