Shield AI builds autonomous drones that can fly into buildings, caves, and tunnels without GPS, without a pilot, and without communication — just onboard AI figuring out the environment in real time. The US military used their systems in combat zones and immediately wanted more. In a world where autonomous weapons are becoming the future of warfare, Shield AI might be building the most important military technology since stealth.
Founded
2015
HQ
San Diego, California
Total Raised
$900 Million+
Founder
Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter
Status
Private — Valued at $2.8B
Website
www.shield.aiTHE ORIGIN STORY
Brandon Tseng (a former Navy SEAL) and his brother Ryan Tseng (an engineer) founded Shield AI after Brandon's combat experience showed him that soldiers were dying in situations where a drone could have gone first. Andrew Reiter, an AI researcher, joined as the technical co-founder.
They built the Nova drone — a small quadcopter that could autonomously navigate indoor environments (buildings, tunnels, caves) using only onboard sensors and AI, with no GPS or communication link. The US military deployed Nova in combat operations, validating the technology in the hardest possible environment.
WHAT THEY ACTUALLY DO
Shield AI develops autonomous AI pilots (called Hivemind) that can operate aircraft — drones, fighter jets, and other platforms — without GPS, communications, or remote human control. Revenue comes from defense contracts with the US military and allied nations.
Their flagship product is the Nova drone (autonomous indoor reconnaissance) and they are developing Hivemind for larger aircraft including the V-BAT (vertical takeoff drone) and even F-16 fighter jets through an Air Force program.
THE PRODUCTS
Hivemind (autonomous AI pilot), Nova (small autonomous drone for indoor recon), V-BAT (vertical takeoff autonomous drone), Autonomous F-16 program (USAF), GPS-denied navigation technology
HOW THEY GREW
Expand Hivemind to larger aircraft platforms — the Air Force's autonomous F-16 program (code name Vista) is a massive opportunity. Win more international contracts with allied militaries.
Develop the V-BAT (larger autonomous drone) for ISR and logistics missions. Position Hivemind as the de facto AI pilot for all autonomous military aircraft.
THE HARD PART
Defense procurement is slow, bureaucratic, and politically complex. Shield AI is competing against established defense primes (Northrop Grumman, General Atomics) that have decades of relationships with the Pentagon.
The technology also raises profound ethical questions about autonomous weapons — the "killer robot" debate. Scaling production of advanced AI-powered military systems while maintaining reliability is technically demanding.
MONEY TRAIL
Series C
2021 · Led by
$90M raised
Series E
2023 · Led by
$200M raised
Series F
2024 · Led by
$300M raised
WHO BACKED THEM
Andreessen Horowitz, Point72, Riot Ventures, Breyer Capital, US Innovative Technology Fund
Related Profiles
Head-to-Head
Compare Shield AI vs another company.