Defense Tech Startups

Intelligence Community News is a news publication covering the U.S. intelligence community, including government contracting, cybersecurity, and federal agency developments. It publishes articles and a daily newsletter for readers following the intelligence and defense sectors.

2 investors

Ironmist offers a platform that embeds continuous compliance into the software delivery pipeline, automatically generating security authorization artifacts (e.g. NIST 800-53 evidence, SSP documentation) from source code and infrastructure. It targets defense software teams seeking to speed up ATO (Authority to Operate) cycles for mission-critical national security systems.

2 investors

Join Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in deep tech companies across defense, space, quantum and advanced computing, AI and cybersecurity, advanced materials, manufacturing, and autonomous systems and robotics, with a stated focus on Europe.

2 investors

Kalam Labs designs and manufactures high-altitude hydrogen-based unmanned aerial vehicles and stratospheric platforms for military and defense applications, including surveillance systems, autonomous weather platforms, and stealth strike swarms capable of operating at 100,000+ feet. The company serves the Indian armed forces with edge-of-space aerial warfare technology developed and manufactured in India.

2 investors

Kapta develops an electronically scanned (metasurface-based) synthetic aperture radar sensor deployed on satellites to provide large-area, low-latency geospatial intelligence and InSAR change-detection data. It serves commercial markets such as mining, energy, and transportation as well as defense customers needing moving-target indication and threat tracking.

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Karamba Security provides runtime protection and binary hardening software for edge devices, embedded systems, and containerized workloads to prevent AI-enabled attacks and supply chain compromises. The company also offers vulnerability intelligence and compliance automation through its VCode platform for software supply chains.

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Kawa operates a satellite constellation that collects radio frequency signals and provides geolocation intelligence for national security, maritime domain awareness, and land-based applications. The company delivers RF geospatial intelligence data and software tools to government and defense customers through its Kawa Studio platform.

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Kestrel Intelligence builds autonomous AI systems for real-time tasking and coordination of satellite and sensor networks. The platform serves intelligence and defense organizations by automating sensor orchestration and data fusion to accelerate collection-to-analysis workflows.

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KPMI Inc is a South Korean manufacturer of UD (unidirectional) materials, producing Flexarmour, a lightweight ballistic protection solution. It serves customers needing ballistic and armor products.

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Kratos develops and manufactures defense technologies including hypersonic solutions, unmanned systems, propulsion systems, space systems, and microwave electronics for the U.S. military and allied nations.

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Lastwall provides secure digital identity and access management for defense, government, and critical infrastructure teams, combining Zero Trust and Public Key Infrastructure with post-quantum cryptographic protection. Its platform defends against credential-based attacks, phishing, MFA attacks, and "steal now, decrypt later" quantum threats while supporting passwordless authentication and compliance.

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LAUNCH is a staffing company that places skilled technical workers—such as aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, structures mechanics, machinists, and diesel/trailer mechanics—into aviation, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing roles across the United States. It operates specialized divisions (including LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions, LAUNCH TransTechs, LAUNCH Teams, LAUNCH Defense, and Launch IAB) supporting employers with MRO, production, and satellite/aircraft assembly labor.

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LEAP is building a distributed manufacturing and launch network for rapid logistics on Earth and in space, using simplified propulsion designs that cut part count to enable vehicles built at scale and frequent launch cadence. The company focuses on expanding U.S. rapid launch capabilities and strengthening the American space industrial base.

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Learn to Win builds training software based on learning science and "Agile Learning" principles originally developed for pro sports teams, letting organizations capture operational knowledge and build lessons without technical expertise. It serves commercial enterprises and the U.S. military, including U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force partners.

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Lendurai develops computer vision and machine learning software that lets unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operate without GNSS or radio control. It partners with UAV manufacturers to supply autonomous navigation capabilities to public sector and defence customers.

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LinkFlow (링크플로우) develops wearable body cameras and IP/wireless video transmission devices, along with dedicated software and apps for monitoring, real-time streaming, and conferencing. Its products serve public institutions, industrial and construction safety, building security, defense, and consumer markets (e.g. motorcycle dashcams), with a focus on South Korea.

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Liquid Robotics builds the Wave Glider, an autonomous wave- and solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicle that collects and transmits real-time ocean data and maritime intelligence for missions lasting up to a year. It serves defense and security, offshore energy, and scientific and climate research customers with the vehicle, sensor payloads, and full-service mission support.

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Lumetec develops an AI-powered monitoring platform that combines real-time data sources to detect and prevent threats to subsea cables and critical infrastructure.

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Marlinspike is a firm whose team includes advisors with senior U.S. national security and intelligence backgrounds. The page profiles an advisor who served as the CIA's Chief Operating Officer, but provides no direct description of the company's own products or services.

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Method provides security software products for infrastructure protection, serving organizations that need automated vulnerability detection and response.

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Metaspectral develops ClarityAI, a platform that applies deep learning and explainable analysis to hyperspectral data so teams can classify materials, detect hidden or sub-pixel targets, monitor emissions, and review the evidence behind results. It serves industrial sorting, Earth observation, defense and intelligence, and emissions monitoring customers.

2 investors

MPCH builds and operates cryptographic infrastructure for signing authority and key management, combining purpose-built secure facilities, hardware-backed signing, and software-defined governance. It serves financial institutions, digital asset custodians, governments, and defense clients, and operates as a founding infrastructure provider to the Canton blockchain network.

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MPCH offers a platform for cryptographic key governance and operational oversight, providing real-time client monitoring, multi-party approval workflows, and immutable audit trails. It gives organizations visibility into keys, ledgers, processes, and logs from a single interface.

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NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an intergovernmental military alliance of North American and European member states that coordinates collective defense and security cooperation. The page describes NATO command activities, including training and military assistance to Ukraine.

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