Shield AI, a San Diego defense technology startup that builds drones and other AI-powered military systems, has raised $240 million in rounds at a valuation of $5.3 billion, It was announced today.
Shield AI says its Hivemind software has enabled fighter jets and drones to fly autonomously. Now, Shield AI wants to sell Hivemind to a wide range of customers like Robotics.
Investors in the round include L3Harris and Hanwha Aerospace, one of the largest defense contractors in the United States. Incumbent investors like Andreessen Horowitz have joined in.
This makes SHIELD AI the second largest defense technology startup in the United States through valuation, second only to Anduril Increased valuation at $28 billion.
Autonomy is a popular area of national defense, with independent warship startup Saronic Raise its valuation to $4 billion Last month in the $600 million round.
Shield AI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
