Raven Space Systems lands Forbes 30 Under 30 honor, re-entering spotlight after funding news
December 4, 2024 | Startland News Staff
One of Kansas City’s most promising startups of the year has seen its fortunes rocket to the skies over the past three weeks, capped by a high-profile honor in the national media: a spot on the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
“Building Raven Space Systems has been a very challenging journey and I am so grateful for the support of those around me,” said Ryan Cowdrey, who founded Raven in 2020 alongside Blake Herren to pioneer 3D printing for space exploration.
“Excited for the road ahead,” Cowdrey continued, joining Herren in thanking all the advisors, mentors, coworkers, friends, and family who helped the duo through the years.
Click here to see the Raven spotlight in Forbes.
Raven was lauded in the 2025 Manufacturing and Industry category for 30 Under 30.
The company — a LaunchKC winner in 2023 and one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024 — uses 3D printed, light-weight, high heat-resistance thermoset composite components that can be used for such applications as reentry capsules for on-demand space cargo return.
Tuesday’s Forbes announcement came just weeks after the headline-grabbing Kansas City startup was profiled in the national tech publication TechCrunch and its founders announced a freshly won $1.8 million U.S. defense contract.
Click here to check out the TechCrunch feature on Raven.
ICYMI: KC-built Raven Space Systems awarded $1.8M contract via Air Force’s innovation arm
Fueled by its new funding, Raven is building aerospace-grade composite 3D printing smart factories that will drastically reduce lead times to days, lower the cost of critical components, and usher in a new era of composite manufacturing for the U.S. and its allies, Herren told Startland News previously.
The startup earlier this year received a patent for its Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) 3D printing innovation, as well as completing a $2 million pre-seed round.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
A business strategy that never changes: Founders must learn to evolve, expert says
In her three decades as an executive leadership coach, Teresa Carey’s seen a lot of changes, she shared. But at the core, people are still the same, she added. “People still want authenticity,” said the founder of PerformancePointe. “Relationships matter. Trust matters. So some things will never go out of style. The craving for connection…
Man of unexpected taste: How this Kansas farmer’s sweet pivot grew into a destination winery
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. PAOLA, Kansas — When Mark Allison planted elderberries in 2010 on his 42-acre property in rural Miami County, he didn’t envision making his own wine and opening a tasting room,…
Prospect KC finds new home for its fight against food apartheid; culinary training moves to The Paseo
A new pairing between The Prospect KC and Nourish KC sets the table for transformation within Kansas City’s food deserts, said award-winning Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, announcing the relocation of her social enterprise and its game-changing culinary training program. The collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations in their fights against hunger, leaders said, with The…
GEWKC just launched its 2024 lineup; Here are three of the can’t-miss entrepreneur events
Inspiration — and top honors — are on the calendar this fall as registration launches for Kansas City’s busiest week in entrepreneurship. Among the headline events for the connection-packed summit: two grants competitions and a new-to-GEW celebration of Kansas City innovation. Organizers this week released the official schedule for the in-person Nov. 19-21 Global Entrepreneurship Week –…