BUDA, TEXAS, December 4, 2025 — The Buda Economic Development Corporation announced a major economic development partnership today with Perseus Defense (Project Silver Snow), a rapidly growing defense-tech startup specializing in guided micro-missiles for drone defense, which has selected Buda as its new headquarters. Perseus is mass-producing low-cost missile systems to intercept and neutralize hostile drones at a fraction of the cost of America’s best existing solutions. The new Buda HQ will house research and development capabilities, along with manufacturing operations, a venture expected to create more than 130 jobs in the first three years alone.
Perseus Defense is working closely with the U.S. Department of War (formerly Defense), the Department of Homeland Security, and multiple Army research groups to accelerate the nation’s drone-defense capabilities. Its headquarters, at Tower Business Park in Buda, will serve as a hub for development, testing, and production of its 30-inch guided micro-missiles, described as America’s Golden Dome for Drones.
The project will create 20 jobs in the first year and an estimated 400 jobs by year five. The average annual salary for these positions is expected to be $120,000, which is more than 126% above Hays County’s median wage. The headquarters will support engineering, advanced manufacturing, research and development, and operations roles.
Jason Cornelius, co-founder and CEO of Perseus Defense, said, “Buda is the ideal location for our next stage of growth. The region’s strong workforce, proximity to major defense partners, and flourishing community of defense startups provide the right environment for us to scale our technology and mission. Our team is deeply grateful to the Buda EDC and the great state of Texas for helping us secure the ideal home to ramp up production and accelerate this technology in support of our troops.”
To support the headquarters project, the Buda EDC and Buda City Council approved a performance-based incentive agreement up to $500,000. The package includes up-front support for permit fees and incentives to assist with headquarters build-out up to $200,000 from the EDC. It also provides a job incentive offering up to $1,800 per new job paying more than $120,000 annually, with a minimum of 20 qualifying jobs per year one, a minimum of 40 qualifying jobs per year two, and a minimum of 70 qualifying jobs by year three, with a total cap of 130 jobs or $300,000, whichever comes first. The agreement requires Perseus Defense to create its required jobs within three years and maintain its Buda headquarters for a minimum of five years.
“Perseus Defense represents exactly the type of innovation-focused, high-wage employer we aim to recruit to Buda,” said Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda EDC. “This project brings hundreds of high-tech, in-demand jobs to our community and directly supports our strategic plan, strengthening Buda’s position as an emerging hub for aerospace, defense technology, and national security innovation.”
Megan Flake with KW Commercial played a key role in guiding Perseus Defense through the location and evaluation process. Her partnership with the company and collaboration with the Buda EDC helped secure Buda as the future home for the Perseus Defense headquarters and manufacturing operations.
About Perseus Defense
Perseus Defense is a Y Combinator-backed defense company developing guided micro-missiles to protect U.S. military personnel, critical infrastructure, and national assets from autonomous drone threats. The company partners with defense agencies to deliver scalable, affordable, and rapidly deployable counter-drone solutions. Learn more at: https://www.perseusdefense.com.
About Buda Economic Development Corporation
The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) is dedicated to sustainable economic growth and the quality of life in Buda, Texas. Through strategic partnerships, business support services, and targeted industry development, Buda EDC works to attract new investment, retain and expand local businesses, and promote innovation across key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, knowledge-based services, and arts and entertainment. With a commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and preserving Buda’s unique culture, Buda EDC serves as a catalyst for opportunity,
ensuring a thriving economy for residents, businesses, and future generations. Learn more at https://www.budaedc.com.
##
Contact:
Buda Economic Development Corporation
John Costilla
john.costilla@budaedc.com | 512-295-6525