Fundraising Fox

Wright Electric

YC W17

Albany, US · Founded 2016 · 4 employees · Hiring · 3 known investors

Wright Electric develops high-power-density power systems and inverter generators for defense, aerospace, commercial, and industrial applications. The company serves defense users requiring distributed power for advanced electronic warfare and airborne systems, as well as commercial customers in data centers, oil and gas, and construction.

Advanced ManufacturingClimate TechDefense TechEnergyHardwareSpace TechAirplanesClimateUnited States of AmericaAmerica / Canada

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (W17)

Wright Electric was founded in 2016 by Jeff Engler and Doug Griswold.

JEJeff Engler
Jeff EnglerinFounder/CEO
DGDoug Griswold
Doug GriswoldinFounder

Investors · 3

Evergreen Climate InnovationsChicago
Y CombinatorSan Francisco · $500K
Third SpherereportedNew York · $250K – $1M

Competitors · 4

by search overlap
ZeroAvia x-tech-robotics28 shared keywordsZeroAvia develops hydrogen-electric powertrain technology for aircraft, aiming to enable zero-emission aviation. It operates in the aerospace and clean transportation sector.
Amprius19 shared keywordsAmprius develops and manufactures silicon-anode lithium-ion battery cells that deliver high energy density. The company operates in the advanced battery and energy storage industry.
Electra17 shared keywordsElectra develops hybrid-electric aircraft, including its Ultra Short model that uses blown-lift and distributed electric propulsion to take off and land in about 150 feet for short-runway regional travel. The company targets both commercial regional aviation operators and defense customers seeking runway-independent airlift.
BuildZoom14 shared keywordsBuildZoom matches homeowners with local licensed contractors for construction and remodeling projects, using a database of over 160 million building permits and millions of contractor licenses along with a dedicated project consultant. It operates as a U.S. marketplace connecting property owners with vetted contractors and providing data-driven insights to guide hiring decisions.

Companies competing with Wright Electric for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.

Non-dilutive funding · 6 SBIR/STTR awards

Federal grants — no equity taken
AgencyPhaseYearAmount
U.S. Air ForceAir ForcePhase II2023$1.2M
U.S. Air ForceAir ForcePhase II2023$1.2M
U.S. Air ForceAir ForcePhase II2022$750K
U.S. Air ForceAir ForcePhase I2021$50K
ARPA-EPhase II2020$1.7M
ARPA-EPhase I2020$255.3K

Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.

In the news

CX-270892: Wright Electric Inc. - 2nd Generation Motor for Large Electric Aircraft Propulsion Systems | Department of Energyenergy.gov · Apr 2026Malta-based electric company gets $3.3M in fundingnews10.com · Aug 2024Wright Electric Targets 1000 Wh/kg Batteries For Electric Aircraft - CleanTechnicacleantechnica.com · Oct 2023Wright tests its 2-megawatt electric engines for passenger planes – TechCrunchtechcrunch.com · Sep 2021

Frequently asked questions

What does Wright Electric do?
Wright Electric develops high-power-density power systems and inverter generators for defense, aerospace, commercial, and industrial applications. The company serves defense users requiring distributed power for advanced electronic warfare and airborne systems, as well as commercial customers in data centers, oil and gas, and construction.
Who founded Wright Electric?
Wright Electric was founded by Jeff Engler, Doug Griswold in 2016.
Who are Wright Electric's investors?
Wright Electric's investors include Evergreen Climate Innovations, Y Combinator, Third Sphere.
Where is Wright Electric headquartered?
Wright Electric is headquartered in Albany, US.