Shield AI

Shield AI develops autonomous flight software and aircraft for defense, centered on Hivemind, an AI pilot that flies aircraft without GPS or communications and has been deployed on V-BAT and X-BAT drones, F-16s, and other platforms. Its V-BAT has flown reconnaissance missions in Ukraine under heavy electronic warfare, and Hivemind has been tested in DARPA autonomous dogfighting experiments. Founded in 2015 by brothers Ryan and Brandon Tseng (a former Navy SEAL), the company is headquartered in San Diego, with operations across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific; Gary Steele serves as CEO. In March 2026 Shield AI raised roughly $2 billion in combined Series G equity and preferred financing led by Advent International and JPMorganChase's Security and Resiliency Initiative, with Blackstone, at a $12.7B valuation.