Shield AI, a defense technology startup in San Diego, has raised US$240 million in a funding round, boosting its valuation to US$5.3 billion. The investment highlights growing interest in autonomous systems and national security technologies.

The company specializes in autonomous drones and software, including its Hivemind platform, which enables various vehicles to operate autonomously.

The new funds will enhance Shield AI’s software capabilities, particularly for businesses developing autonomous hardware for air, land, and sea applications.

Investors in the round included L3Harris Technologies, Hanwha Aerospace, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bloomberg Beta.

Shield AI’s V-BAT drone, known for vertical takeoff and landing, remains a key focus alongside Hivemind, which enables autonomous missions in GPS-limited environments.

Defense tech startups are attracting significant venture capital, and Shield AI’s funding round was oversubscribed. The company hinted at potential additional funding from strategic investors in the near future.

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