Who Is Aviv Shapira? Co-Founder and CEO of XTEND
Aviv Shapira is a co-founder and CEO of XTEND.
At Drones & Defense, we track the founders, executives and program leaders behind the aerial drones, uncrewed ground vehicles and uncrewed maritime vessels we research, because who runs a drone company or a military drone program shapes its contracts, production and strategy.
Prior to co-founding XTEND, Shapira spent three years performing missile testing in the Israel Defense Forces, co-founded the 3D video start-up Replay in 2011, and spent three years working at Intel Sports Group.
Where Aviv Shapira Is Now
Aviv Shapira serves as a co-founder and CEO of XTEND, an organization he describes as a physical AI company, according to Vanity Fair.
Shapira issued a letter to shareholders outlining XTEND's operating strategy, including investment in physical artificial intelligence, available at xtend.me/letter-to-investors, as reported by Grafa and TMCnet.
- Current role: Co-founder and CEO of XTEND
- Organization: XTEND
- Known for: Co-founding XTEND in 2018 and winning two Emmys for broadcast technology work
- Recent news: Issued a shareholder letter reporting projected revenue growth, an $84 million AI Robotics backlog, and updates following a merger agreement with JFB Construction Holdings
Career and Background
Aviv Shapira spent three years performing missile testing in the Israel Defense Forces, as reported by Vanity Fair.
In 2011, Shapira co-founded the 3D video start-up Replay. The company won two Emmys for its camerawork at sports games, and Shapira is a two-time Emmy winner for his work with broadcast technology. Shapira later spent three years working at Intel Sports Group, according to Vanity Fair.
In 2018, Shapira co-founded XTEND alongside Matteo Shapira, Adir Tubi, and Rubi Liani, as detailed by Vanity Fair.
Financial and Corporate Milestones
Aviv Shapira provided an operational progress update following XTEND's announcement of a definitive merger agreement with JFB Construction Holdings on February 17, 2026, according to The Globe and Mail.
Shapira stated that XTEND expects revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, to surpass full-year 2025 revenue, alongside an AI Robotics segment backlog of around $84 million, reported by TMCnet.
Defense Programs and Technology
Shapira stated that XTEND built its XOS operating system to solve field challenges such as coordinating multiple systems and sustaining mission execution under pressure, as reported by The Globe and Mail. He also stated that a $9.0 million program validated XTEND's architecture, customers deploy an autonomous operational network built on their software, and every patent in XTEND's portfolio was earned through field experience.
In defense deployments, Shapira stated that approximately 10,000 drones were provided by XTEND to the Israeli Defense Fund since the start of the war in Gaza, and stated that XTEND's end goal is inspired by Ender's Game, according to Vanity Fair.
Regarding U.S. defense programs, Shapira stated that Phase III of the USSOCOM MKLD program represents an important milestone in working with the U.S. Special Operations community, and stated that XTEND's focus is on providing warfighters adaptable robotic capabilities that extend reach and shift risk to unmanned systems, according to Business Insider.
Aviv Shapira FAQs
Who is Aviv Shapira?
Aviv Shapira is a co-founder and CEO of XTEND, which he describes as a physical AI company.
What is Aviv Shapira's early career background?
Shapira spent three years performing missile testing in the Israel Defense Forces, co-founded the 3D video start-up Replay in 2011, and spent three years working at Intel Sports Group.
What awards has Aviv Shapira received?
Shapira is a two-time Emmy winner for his work with broadcast technology, with his company Replay winning two Emmys for sports game camerawork.
Who co-founded XTEND alongside Aviv Shapira?
Shapira co-founded XTEND in 2018 alongside Matteo Shapira, Adir Tubi, and Rubi Liani.
What did Aviv Shapira state regarding XTEND's drone deliveries to the Israeli Defense Fund?
Shapira stated that approximately 10,000 drones were provided by XTEND to the Israeli Defense Fund since the start of the war in Gaza.
What has Aviv Shapira stated about XTEND's XOS operating system?
Shapira stated that XTEND built its XOS operating system to solve field challenges such as coordinating multiple systems and sustaining mission execution under pressure.