Ben Graybeal is the visionary behind Valkyrie Recovery Systems, an innovator in developing complete recovery systems for the aerospace industry. Valkyrie specializes in cutting-edge parachute technology and is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity and success of aerospace and space missions by ensuring the return of spacecraft. Their systems are designed with precision and reliability, providing unparalleled protection and efficient recovery of everything from commercial satellites to sounding rockets to manned spaceflights.
Ben is boldly confronting the inefficiencies of the recovery solutions currently available in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry. With the pace of these industries at an all-time high, most existing parachute companies simply cannot keep up, leading to space and aerospace companies having to make a choice between recovery and staying on schedule. This often results in millions of dollars in lost research and development costs. Valkyrie is proving to be a formidable competitor to companies that have been around since World War II. While a competitor is quoting 2-3 years and over a million dollars for a recovery mission, Valkyrie is accomplishing the task in 11-12 months for under six figures. Because of this, Valkyrie’s market presence cannot be ignored.
After spending 9 years in the Army, four of them spent jumping out of planes, Ben obtained his FAA Parachute Rigger license and went to work sewing, designing, and harnessing parachutes. He did so under the steadfast mentorship of an Apollo parachute engineer. Ben further immersed himself in the industry with a move to Florida to work for the largest parachute manufacturing facility in the country. It was there that he started the hobby business that would grow into Valkyrie Recovery Systems.
Ben joined the Incubator Intensive Program in January of 2023, moving operations from his home garage to the Incubator campus. They quickly outgrew their initial space within the first two months, and within the first 9 months, Valkyrie grew from 2 employees to 4. The Incubator Intensive Program, Small Business Development Center, and the Business Loan Fund of Mesa County—all of which are housed on Business Incubator Center’s campus— have been integral to the company’s success. The Incubator understands the risk entrepreneurs are taking to forge better ways in their industry and partners with them in their pursuit.
Valkyrie is a parachute manufacturer at the forefront of ensuring that every mission concludes as safely as it began. Their manufacturing shop makes evident their values. It is meticulously organized. Their high operating standards are reflected in their equipment and processes. On the wings of Valkyrie, their influence will undoubtedly impact the industry.