a16z led Westmag’s seed round to create a domestic motor and actuator manufacturer, tackling U.S. supply-chain reliance on Chinese parts amid tighter drone regulations. Founders David Hansen and Jordan Sanders have set up a semi-automated factory in South San Francisco and are scaling production for defense and robotics customers.

• China produces over 30 million more motors/actuators annually than the U.S., creating a critical supply-chain vulnerability for defense and robotics OEMs.
• A new FCC rule banning foreign drones and components (including motors) starting December 2025 is forcing U.S. manufacturers to scramble for domestic suppliers.
• Westmag, founded by David Hansen and Jordan Sanders, built a semi-automated U.S. factory (South San Francisco) and went from concept to shipping qualified motors/actuators in under a year.
• a16z led the seed round, betting on the founders' combination of deep motor expertise and manufacturing execution to fill the domestic supply gap.