Raven Space Systems Inc., a Kansas City-based startup, is set to relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations to Broomfield, Colorado, creating an estimated 392 jobs for the region.
The company, which specializes in 3D printing aerospace-grade composites, has secured a lease for 16,863 square feet in one of the Park 36 facilities located at 830 Hoyt St.
Colorado officials made the announcement on Monday, detailing the move which had previously been discussed during a Colorado Economic Development Commission meeting in March where incentives were offered, though the company was not identified at that time.
Governor Jared Polis expressed enthusiasm for Raven’s expansion into Colorado, stating, “Colorado is the best place to live, work and do business, and we are thrilled to see Raven Space Systems expand in Colorado. The company will help advance our state’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.”
Raven Space Systems anticipates generating up to 392 net new jobs, with an impressive average annual wage of $130,867, which exceeds 119% of the average annual wage in Broomfield County. The company is currently seeking to fill a variety of positions including engineers, technicians, managers, operators, and executives.
A standout feature of Raven’s innovation is its patented Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) 3D printing technology. Unlike traditional curing processes that can take hours or even days, the MAD process cures thermoset composites during the printing itself, akin to laser-based metal additive printing.
This rapid processing capability positions Raven’s technology for use across several high-tech fields, including hypersonics, propulsion systems, re-entry vehicles, satellites, aircraft, missiles, and rockets.
Founded by Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey during their time as graduate students at the University of Oklahoma, Raven has secured nearly $1 million in grants through the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program. Since its inception in 2020, the startup has attracted around $4.5 million in non-dilutive contracts from prestigious clients such as the Air Force, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.
Recently, Raven completed a successful $2 million pre-seed funding round led by Backswing Ventures, with participation from numerous other venture capital partners.
In moving to Broomfield, Raven Space Systems joins a robust aerospace collective in Colorado, where more than 2,000 aerospace businesses are currently based. Herren emphasized the company’s excitement about the relocation, highlighting the support received thus far. He stated, “We are excited to relocate to Colorado and become part of its robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The support we’ve received has been incredible, and we believe Colorado is the ideal place to scale Raven and maximize our impact.”
Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), remarked on the significance of Raven’s decision to move to Colorado, stating, “Colorado is known for its leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and Raven Space Systems will advance both of these leading industries while creating good-paying jobs for Coloradans.”
In terms of financial incentives, the Colorado Economic Development Commission greenlit up to $5,852,666 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit to support the company over an eight-year time frame. These incentives depend on Raven successfully meeting specified requirements for new job creation and salaries.
Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriotta highlighted the advantages of Broomfield as a suitable home for the aerospace firm. She emphasized the city’s rich aerospace environment and its close ties to leading educational institutions in Colorado.
“This successful partnership with Raven Space Systems exemplifies our approach of fostering innovation, creating a vital economy and moving our community thoughtfully into the future,” Castriotta noted.
Prior to finalizing its decision to move to Broomfield, the company had considered remaining in Kansas and Missouri for its expansion plans. Currently, Raven employs four people, with one employee residing in Colorado.
Raymond H. Gonzales, president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp, commented on the significance of Raven’s expansion, stating, “Raven Space Systems’ decision to expand to Broomfield affirms Colorado’s position as a leader in advanced industries and next-generation space technology.”
He added, “With a world-class workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem and a spirit of public-private collaboration, our region continues to attract pioneering companies at the forefront of space exploration and development. This exciting expansion is the result of remarkable teamwork among the Metro Denver EDC, the Colorado Space Coalition, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the City and County of Broomfield. Congratulations to our partners for helping bring this visionary project to life and for reinforcing Colorado’s role on the global stage as a hub for aerospace innovation.”
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