Biltmore Innovation Center startups hit new growth milestones

Two companies based at Atlanta’s Biltmore Innovation Center have reached major milestones as QumulusAI went public and Askari Defense raised new funding. The moves underscore the building’s rise as a headquarters for technology companies that are scaling beyond the earliest startup stage.

Why it matters: - Biltmore Innovation Center is increasingly serving as a launchpad for companies that are moving from startup phase into commercialization, hiring and larger-scale operations. - The latest milestones show the property attracting businesses in high-growth sectors, including AI and defense technology. - The developments also reinforce Atlanta’s Tech Square ecosystem as a place where founders can access talent, capital and industry partners.

What happened: - QumulusAI, an AI infrastructure company headquartered at Biltmore Innovation Center, began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker QMLS on July 16. - Askari Defense, a Georgia Tech-founded defense technology company operating from Biltmore Innovation Center, closed a $9 million seed round led by Builders VC. - Biltmore Innovation Center said the two announcements reflect the caliber of companies choosing the property for headquarters and growth.

The details: - QumulusAI provides accelerated access to high-performance computing through a distributed network of data center and GPU infrastructure. - The company established its corporate headquarters at Biltmore Innovation Center on June 1. - QumulusAI said the location places its leadership team within Georgia Tech’s broader Tech Square innovation ecosystem. - Mike Maniscalco, CEO of QumulusAI, said the headquarters gives the company access to technical talent, research institutions, investors and other growing companies as it enters public markets. - Askari Defense is developing portable, autonomous systems designed to help frontline operators respond to hostile drones. - The company has secured more than $2 million in procurement contracts. - Askari Defense plans to use the new capital to increase production and meet growing customer demand. - Robbie van Zyl, CEO of Askari Defense, said the headquarters gives the team proximity to Georgia Tech talent, founders, investors and partners. - Biltmore Innovation Center also houses Georgia Tech’s CREATE-X program and Studio B., a coworking and dedicated office community for entrepreneurs and growing teams. - The building’s community includes companies working in artificial intelligence, defense, healthcare, creative technology and other emerging industries, along with venture investors, professional partners and Georgia Tech entrepreneurship programs.

Between the lines: - The two companies are at different stages, but both point to a broader shift at Biltmore Innovation Center toward supporting more mature, capitalized businesses. - The combination of student founders, early-stage startups and scaling companies creates a more complete pipeline inside the same building. - That mix can make the property more attractive to founders who want access to talent and commercialization support in one place.

What's next: - QumulusAI will use its public-market status to continue expanding its infrastructure. - Askari Defense will use its seed funding to expand production and engineering and operations capacity. - Biltmore Innovation Center is likely to keep positioning itself as a hub for companies moving from idea formation to customer acquisition and long-term growth.

The bottom line: - QumulusAI’s Nasdaq debut and Askari Defense’s seed funding show Biltmore Innovation Center is becoming a serious base for companies ready to scale.