Weather balloon startup using AI to disrupt forecasts receives funding from Khosla Ventures.

• The advancement of technology is transforming the field of science and its related industries, including hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and drought.
• New technologies are being used by companies such as Tomorrow.io, Google DeepMind, and Windborne to detect weather events.

The NOAA's annual forecast predicts that this summer will likely be one of the busiest hurricane seasons in history, with an increase in both frequency and intensity of the storms. As a result, weather prediction has become more critical than ever.

The weather forecasting market is becoming more competitive due to the advancements in artificial intelligence. With the ability to predict natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and droughts, technology is transforming science and the industry. This presents a significant opportunity for investors, particularly in startups.

New technologies are being used by entrants such as Tomorrow.io, DeepMind, and Windborne to detect weather events. Windborne, for instance, employs a new type of weather balloon.

"John Dean, CEO and co-founder of Windborne, stated that the company operates the most comprehensive balloon constellation on the planet. Additionally, Windborne utilizes AI-based weather modeling. As a result, the company's mission is to address the most disruptive aspects of climate change."

In contrast to the brief lifespan of government-launched weather balloons, which remain aloft for only a few hours and are unable to reach remote areas, Windborne's balloons can sustain flight for weeks.

Dean explained that by launching easy-to-reach sites and flying over oceans, we can collect roughly 40 to 50 times more data per balloon, and we can collect this data over under-observed areas.

The balloons use satellite communication to transmit real-time data, while the WMO reports that 85% of the atmosphere lacks weather data. Windborne aims to bridge this gap with its technology by providing global coverage using fewer balloons.

Government and big business are driving demand for data, and Windborne recently closed a $15 million round with lead investor Khosla Ventures.

"According to Sven Strohband, partner and managing director at Khosla Ventures, the weather forecasting market is currently worth $100 billion and has a significant impact on various industries. He stated that the market has not experienced significant disruption since the 1990s, making it an attractive opportunity for investment."

The WEF stated that extreme weather and weather uncertainty pose the greatest threats to businesses in the upcoming decade. Windborne claims its technology can produce a two-week forecast with the same accuracy as today's two-day forecast.

Windborne has received $25 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures, Footwork VC, Pear VC, Convective Capital, Ubiquity Ventures, and Susa Ventures.