• 20 Jul, 2026

Western States Fire Inc. Launches $3.5M SEED Capital Raise Engagement with Young America Capital, LLC Commercialization of Patented Innovative SKHI-EX™ Wildfire Aerial Fire Suppression System

Western States Fire Inc. Launches $3.5M SEED Capital Raise Engagement with Young America Capital, LLC Commercialization of Patented Innovative SKHI-EX™ Wildfire Aerial Fire Suppression System

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2025 -- Western States Fire Inc., the developer of a patented innovative environmentally safe aerial wildfire suppression system modeled to be 14X more efficient than current methods, is pleased to announce the launch of a $3.5 million SEED capital raise. This is supported by Young America Capital, LLC, a recognized investment banking firm based in Mamaroneck, NY. This funding initiative and investment opportunity will accelerate Western States Fire's introduction of its patented environmentally safe game changing wildfire suppression system SKHI-EX™. (www.SKHI-EX.com).

Western States Fire Innovative Aerial Wildfire Suppression System

"This capital raise will enable Western States Fire to move to the development and launch phase of our patented SKHI-EX™ aerial wildfire suppression system, this innovation dramatically changes how wildfires have been addressed for decades" said Larry Stambaugh, Chairman of the Board at Western States Fire Inc. "This funding will enable us to accelerate innovation, address regulatory certifications, complete full-scale system development, and market introduction. SKHI-EX™ wildfire fighting innovation will significantly improve the protection of people's property, our wildland forests, save lives, and greatly reduce wildfire environmental impacts worldwide."

Steve Zelac, Senior Managing Director of  Young America Capital is leading his firm's efforts, added, "We are excited to support Western States Fire in this  phase of product development for SKHI-EX™. With our resources and support, they are poised to pursue innovation leadership in wildland fire suppression while delivering exceptional value to their stakeholders. This engagement underscores our confidence in their vision and innovation, positioning them for long-term success globally."

Young America Capital (www.yacapital.com), known for specialized expertise in guiding early phase and middle-market companies through complex financial transactions, expressed confidence in the engagement. "Western States Fire Inc. with SKHI-EX™ is at the forefront of addressing critical wildfire suppression challenges with innovative, environmentally safe, and more efficient solutions," said Steve Zelac from Young America Capital. "We are excited to support their plans and  bring their game changing aerial wildfire suppression technologies to a global market."

Proceeds from this SEED Capital Raise will be used for full scale product engineering, manufacturing, finalizing domestic and international regulatory certifications, technology integration, establishing distribution, and product operational support. A key focus will be documenting the fire suppression efficiencies and environmental safety needed now more than ever. For more information about Western States Fire Inc. and its innovative SKHI-EX™ product visit www.SKHI-EX.com. To learn more about Young America Capital LLC and its comprehensive financial advisory services, visit www.yacapital.com.

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