Shield AI
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
Headquarter: San Diego, California
Year Founded: 2015
Employees: ~907 | 2025
Business Status: Late Stage Growth
Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Robotics, Security, Artificial Intelligence
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Why do we like it?
Shield AI is one of the most advanced companies in military autonomy, with technology already operational and revenue-generating. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, is flying real missions today on the V-BAT drone, a platform adopted by the U.S. military and allied forces. This level of deployment is rare in the defense-tech landscape, where many firms remain in R&D for years. With strong government contracts, dual-use potential, and a $5.3B valuation backed by top-tier investors, Shield AI combines real traction with long-term strategic relevance in a $100B+ autonomy market.
As of march 2025: $5.3B valuation | $1.3B raised | DoD Contracts| Full scale deployments in action
What is Shield AI, and why does it matter?
Shield AI is a U.S. defense technology company developing AI pilots that enable aircraft to fly and complete missions without GPS, communications, or human control. What makes it matter is simple: in modern warfare, autonomy is no longer optional. GPS signals can be jammed, comms can be cut, and human pilots are limited by endurance and risk. Shield AI’s technology addresses these vulnerabilities directly, and it’s already operational. By enabling smarter, more resilient unmanned systems, Shield AI is redefining how air power is projected in contested environments.
What does Shield AI?
Shield AI develops AI-powered autonomy software and unmanned aircraft systems for defense applications. Its core product, Hivemind, is an AI pilot that enables drones and aircraft to operate without GPS, communications, or human input. Hivemind is integrated into various platforms, including the V-BAT, a vertical take-off and landing drone used for reconnaissance missions in contested environments. The V-BAT has been operationally deployed in multiple regions, including the Black Sea, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, and has demonstrated resilience against electronic warfare attacks that have downed other UAVs. Shield AI also offers a suite of tools such as EdgeOS, Pilot, Forge, and Commander to support the design, testing, and deployment of autonomous systems. The company's technologies are utilized by the U.S. military and allied forces for missions requiring advanced autonomy and resilience in complex operational settings.
“I can confidently say no defense-tech company founded after 2015 has made the strategic impact on the battlefield Shield AI has.”
Building the Future of Computing
Shield AI is transforming air combat with Hivemind, an AI pilot that flies and fights without GPS, communications, or human control. Built for contested environments, Hivemind powers everything from drones to F-16s and has proven itself in both simulations and live flight tests. In DARPA’s ACE program, Shield AI’s system consistently outmaneuvered human pilots in dogfights, winning the majority of engagements in simulation and executing aggressive, high-risk tactics in the air. It has also demonstrated control of multiple drones simultaneously, enabling coordinated autonomous operations critical to future air dominance. Through partnerships with Boeing and active deployments like the V-BAT drone, Shield AI is scaling its technology across missions and platforms. In a world moving toward intelligent, distributed air power, Shield AI is delivering the autonomy that makes it possible.
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
How can you invest?
Shield AI is a part of America 2030 model portfolio, our six-year, target-maturity fund focused on defense and AI infrastructure. We may also consider organizing a single-name SPV, though this is not yet confirmed. IPO CLUB does not imply any partnership, endorsement, investment, or other formal association between America 2030 and the companies in its pipeline.
Shield AI Stock
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Most Recent Financing Status
As of June 2025, Shield AI has raised $1.3 billion in total funding, following a $240 million Series F round (F-1 strategic financing) completed in March. The round valued the company at approximately $5.3 billion—nearly doubling its $2.8 billion valuation from 2023. The latest financing was led by Hanwha Asset Management, with participation from L3Harris Technologies, Hanwha Aerospace, Andreessen Horowitz, U.S. Innovative Technology, and Washington Harbour Partners. Both L3Harris and Hanwha Aerospace are not only investors but also strategic partners. Proceeds are being used to scale Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise software across a wider range of platforms and partners, from defense agencies to OEMs. Shield AI is now the second most highly valued defense tech startup in the U.S., after Anduril Industries.
Major Investors
Andreessen Horowitz, Hanwha Aerospace, Washington Harbour Partners.
Shield AI IPO
While there is no official confirmation of an IPO date, the company's growth trajectory, partnerships, and market position suggest that it might consider going public. However, no specific plans for an IPO have been disclosed. Market conditions, financial performance, and strategic goals would influence such a decision.
Pre-IPO Investing: For those interested in investing in PsiQuantum before an IPO, investing through ipo.club, which caters to accredited, qualified and institutional investors.
Latest updates from Shield AI and AMERICA 2030
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
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