US EditionAdvent Co-Leads $1.5 Billion Investment In Shield AI
Shield AI secured $1.5 billion to acquire Aechelon's simulation tech supporting Pentagon training and accelerate AI autonomy across military aircraft, with 140% valuation growth in one year.
- On Tuesday, Shield AI announced $1.5 billion in Series G funding, pushing the autonomous military aircraft maker's post-money valuation to $12.7 billion.
- Shield, founded in 2015 by brothers Brandon Tseng and Ryan Tseng and Andrew Reiter, has seen its valuation grow nearly fivefold in roughly two and a half years from $5.3 billion in March 2025.
- Proceeds will support the acquisition of Aechelon Technology, which builds simulation environments for the Pentagon's Joint Simulation Environment, enabling Shield to integrate synthetic training data into its "Hivemind Foundation Model for Defence."
- Led by Advent International, the round includes $500 million in preferred equity from Blackstone; Advent's chairman David Mussafer will join Shield's board while JPMorgan Chase's Todd Combs serves as board observer.
- This investment arrives amid record capital flows into defense technology, which reached $49.1 billion in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and the war in Ukraine.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Times of India
The Economic TimesDefense technology startup Shield AI valued at $12.7 billion in latest funding round
Defense technology startup Shield AI is securing $2 billion in funding at a $12.7 billion valuation. This significant investment will fuel the expansion of its artificial intelligence-powered software. The company's technology enables drones and aircraft to operate in challenging environments. Shield AI also plans to acquire a simulation software maker to enhance its capabilities.
Shield AI raises $2B at $12.7B for autonomous combat pilot Hivemind
Shield AI, the San Diego defence technology company behind the autonomous pilot system Hivemind, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $2 billion in combined funding at a $12.7 billion valuation. The company will use part of the proceeds to acquire Aechelon Technology, a simulation platform that supports the Pentagon’s Joint Simulation Environment. The raise […] This story continues at The Next Web
Defense AI startup Shield AI raises $1.5B at $12.7B valuation, eyes Aechelon acquisition to boost autonomous warfare tech - Tech Startups
Shield AI is raising fresh capital at a moment when software is starting to define how military power is built and deployed. The San Diego-based defense startup announced it is raising $1.5 billion in Series G funding at a $12.7 billion […] The post Defense AI startup Shield AI raises $1.5B at $12.7B valuation, eyes Aechelon acquisition to boost autonomous warfare tech first appeared on Tech Startups.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
