Defense Tech Startups

Ascenti Tech builds WearTAK, a wrist-worn Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) end-user device that passively monitors operator vitals, drops MIL-STD-2525D map points, sends alerts, and provides microphone-based gunshot and UAS detection over existing TAK infrastructure. It serves military and public safety users, including U.S. and allied special forces, Air Force, Army, and fire departments, with encrypted communications and no external servers.

5 investors

Aslan builds technology to detect and disrupt online-organized harm such as mass violence, trafficking, and transnational crime by operating within the digital environments where these activities are coordinated. It positions itself as an intervention platform for public safety threats rather than passive external monitoring.

5 investors

Auterion develops products and services around open standards for autonomous systems technology, contributing to open source projects and supporting academic institutions.

5 investors

Citra develops modular sensing and software solutions for detecting, tracking, and identifying orbiting objects in space. The company serves space operators and stakeholders requiring situational awareness for safe and sustainable space operations.

5 investors

Dedrone provides an AI/ML-powered airspace security platform that detects, tracks, identifies, and mitigates unauthorized drone threats while enabling authorized drone operations. The company's comprehensive counter-drone solution combines multiple sensor types, autonomous command and control software, and smart jamming technology tailored to protect critical infrastructure, government facilities, and sensitive airspace.

5 investors

Firefly Aerospace launches, lands, and operates space systems spanning Earth orbit to the Moon and cislunar space, serving customers such as commercial companies, NASA, and the U.S. Space Force. It develops the Alpha and Eclipse launch vehicles, Blue Ghost lunar landers, and Elytra orbital vehicles for payload delivery and in-space services.

5 investors

Ghost Robotics develops legged (quadruped) robots, including its Vision 60 platform, along with the proprietary electronics, software, and control systems that run them. The company serves commercial businesses and defense partners, having sold robots to US Army Special Operations Command and secured contracts from AFWERX.

5 investors

Glīd builds autonomous road-rail vehicles and orchestration software that turn existing rail infrastructure — shortline mileage, dormant sidings, spurs, and industrial aprons — into first- and last-mile freight capability without new terminal construction. It serves shippers, rail operators, ports, and government/defense customers seeking to move containers between road and rail.

5 investors

Gravitics is a space company developing infrastructure for orbital and space station modules. The page presents its leadership team and key investors.

5 investors

Twenty builds industrial-scale offensive and defensive cyber capabilities and software for military and national security missions, serving the U.S. government and its allies. The company focuses on cyber warfare systems designed to operate under combat conditions.

5 investors

Kraken Technology develops next-generation maritime systems and platforms, drawing on engineering experience from world-championship offshore powerboat racing. The company focuses on maritime and defence capability, combining operators, engineers, and strategic advisors.

5 investors

Locus Lock designs software-defined GNSS receivers for accurate positioning in complex environments including deep urban, contested, and dynamic platforms for defense and commercial applications. The technology provides high precision, configurability, and security against spoofing and jamming.

5 investors

Longshot is developing reusable ground-based acceleration infrastructure that shifts more launch energy and systems onto the ground using compressed-light gas acceleration, aiming to lower the cost of hypersonic testing and space access. It serves defense and aerospace teams that need faster, more affordable high-speed system testing and a long-term pathway for delivering non-human cargo to Low Earth Orbit.

5 investors

Odys designs and builds long-range, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for defense, logistics, and civil applications. The company's aircraft use flap-based thrust vectoring architecture and serve missions including tactical cargo transport, emergency medical evacuation, and defense operations.

5 investors

oneNav develops small, low-power L5-band GNSS positioning technology for military, government, commercial, and consumer applications such as drones, trackers, aviation, and consumer devices. The company designs GNSS receiver hardware and software focused on accuracy and reliability using modern satellite signals.

5 investors

Orbital Ops develops propulsion systems and related aerospace hardware for airborne vehicles. The company draws on deep expertise in turbomachinery and propulsion integration.

5 investors

Orqa manufactures the MRM2-10, an NDAA-compliant, EU-made dual-use drone platform built from carbon fibre that carries payloads up to 3.5 kg for tactical and commercial operators. The system features an electronic-warfare-resilient IRONghost sub-GHz control link, a modular airframe, and integration with flight firmwares and C2 ecosystems like ATAK and MAVLINK.

5 investors

Overland AI develops ground autonomy solutions for military vehicles and land operations, enabling autonomous mobility without human operators. The company serves the U.S. Military and partner nations with validated technology supported by DARPA and deployed across Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command programs.

5 investors

Paladin develops autonomous drones and operational software for emergency response and public safety. The company provides first responder agencies with drone technology to improve situational awareness and response times during fires and other emergencies.

5 investors

PDW develops air power and drone systems for front-line military forces, focused on defense applications at the tactical edge. The company, staffed by veterans and engineers, also offers pilot training led by certified master trainers.

5 investors

SysGit develops tools and processes to support Agile Hardware Development for the defense industrial base, enabling cross-functional collaboration between hardware and software teams. The company serves defense contractors and government organizations building complex systems.

5 investors

Privateer aggregates satellite, terrestrial, and customer data streams and processes them with AI/ML to produce geospatial intelligence for defense, civil, and commercial customers. Its applications span maritime tracking, supply chain and infrastructure monitoring, commodities trading, energy operations, and space domain awareness.

5 investors

Project Omega recycles spent nuclear fuel to rebuild the domestic nuclear fuel cycle, using chemistry processing to remove key isotopes and develop new products for the nuclear economy. It also builds transportable, long-duration nuclear power systems, such as its Zero Day Hybrid Power System, for national security, space, and maritime missions in the United States.

5 investors

Rebellion Defense builds RBLN-OS, an "intelligence shield" for critical infrastructure that combines radar sensors, AI data fusion, and operational software to detect, predict, and respond to airspace and maritime threats. Its products, including Argus sensor arrays and Prism track-fusion modules, provide situational awareness and command-and-control of defensive effectors.

5 investors