Investment Firm Highlander Buys Counter-UAS Tech Maker Black Sage

Private equity firm Highlander Partners has acquired Black Sage Technologies, a developer of multimission platforms designed to identify and defeat unmanned aircraft system threats.

The acquisition marks Highlander’s third purchase of a C-UAS/UAS developer, after DZYNE Technologies and Liteye Systems in 2022, the Dallas-based investment company said Tuesday.

Black Sage is formerly owned by Acorn Growth Companies, a middle-market investor in defense, aerospace and intelligence businesses.

Idaho-based Black Sage is known for its DefenseOS command and control software, an open architecture tool that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate target recognition and threat evaluation.

The company’s sensor and kinetic and non-kinetic effector systems are also used in drones that counter surveillance on military and civilian personnel, as well as critical infrastructure.

In 2022, Highlander created the High Point Aerotechnologies division to focus on investments in UAS and counter-UAS providers. The High Point team will support Black Sage in pursuing growth and tactical opportunities, regulatory compliance and emerging technologies.

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