Wave Function announces strategic investment in Natilus, advancing sustainable aviation through blended-wing-body aircraft

Wave Function Ventures announces a strategic investment in Natilus, a San Diego-based aerospace company developing blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designed to transform cargo and passenger aviation through significantly improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

Natilus’s BWB architecture delivers:

- 50% lower emissions

- 40% more cargo space

- 30% fuel savings

Compared to traditional tube-and-wing freighters. With aviation generating approximately 1 gigaton of CO₂ annually, nearly 3% of global emissions, these efficiency gains represent meaningful climate impact.

“We see an incredible convergence,” says Al Peters, Founder of Wave Function. “It’s smart engineering that helps the planet by cutting emissions while integrating into existing airport infrastructure. Our investment in Natilus supports founders building technology that makes a real difference.”

Founded in 2016, Natilus combines advanced aerospace engineering with environmental responsibility. Its aircraft are 25% lighter than conventional jets and utilize existing engine technology, reducing technical risk while leveraging established supply chains and maintenance systems.

Natilus was initially seeded with the support of Draper Associates, an early-stage venture capital firm known for being “first believers” in companies including Tesla, SpaceX and Coinbase. Wave Function Ventures has invested in Natilus as part of the company’s ongoing growth, backing its next phase of development toward sustainable aviation.

The Natilus family includes Kona for cargo operations and Horizon for passenger transport. Both designs integrate with existing airport infrastructure, eliminating barriers that have historically slowed aviation innovation.

“Our digital-first engineering approach reduces reliance on costly prototypes without compromising safety,” says Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus. “We’re not just designing aircraft, we’re future-proofing logistics.”

“At Wave Function, we invest in founders who bridge innovation with positive planetary impact,” Peters adds. “Natilus is reimagining the foundation of aviation, and we’re excited to support their growth.”