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 do?
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.
Palantir Shield AI investment
The potential investment builds on an existing strategic partnership announced in December 2024, where Palantir and Shield AI deepened their collaboration to develop large-scale command and control systems for autonomous uncrewed systems. The partnership integrates Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous software with Palantir’s Gaia geospatial intelligence platform, creating a unified command-and-control system for autonomous operations.
Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President and co-founder, emphasized the synergy: “Our partnership is about bringing together Palantir’s software dominance and Shield AI’s expertise in autonomy to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers”.
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.
Is Shield AI Publicly Traded?
No, Shield AI is not publicly traded. The company remains a private entity and does not trade on any public stock exchanges. Shield AI has not announced any plans for an initial public offering (IPO). The company appears focused on scaling its autonomous AI pilot technology (Hivemind) and expanding its defense contracts rather than pursuing public markets at this time. Most analysts believe that if Shield AI does go public, it would likely generate significant investor demand given its battle-tested technology and strong government contracts
How to invest in Shield AI?
Shield AI is part of our America 2030 pipeline. You can invest in our managed, 6-year, target maturity fund, or via a single-name SPV.
Shield AI Stock
Shield AI stock is primarily held by founders, employees, and early investors. Until a liquidity event, such as an IPO or M&A transaction, the company remains privately owned. Investors seeking exposure to Shield AI should explore opportunities in the private markets, where certain brokers, platforms, or funds may offer access. Shield AI is currently in the pipeline for America 2030 IPO CLUB’s $50 million actively managed secondary fund, which focuses on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI. Investors may also participate through our single-name SPV. To request more information, please click here.
Stock price source: IPO CLUB Valuation at Market© - Become a member for in-depth coverage
Shield AI Valuation
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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