Shield AI is a start-up that designs and develops AI and self-driving technologies for small military surveillance drones. Such drones have already been used by the USA in conflict zones in the Middle East.
The round Series D was led by Disruptive, an Austin, TX-based late-stage technology investor, along with Point72 Ventures. Additional $75 million in debt and $15 million in equity in total will give the $300 million raised in round Series D. The recent funds make the Shield AI a unicorn that is rare in the defense technology space. These investments allow the company to increase its presence in the commercial and defense industries.
Shield AI was founded in 2015 in San Diego, California, by Brandon Tseng, who was later joined by his brother – Ryan Tseng (now CEO), and Andrew Reiter. The main aim of the company is to provide the US with a perfect drone scout who can enter buildings and identify enemy fighters. “The funding round enables Shield AI to move one step closer to its goal of becoming a 21st-century defense prime (contractor) through a software-first approach…” said Chief Executive Ryan Tseng.
