Shield AI raised $2 billion in equity, the largest US startup funding round of the week. The San Diego defense technology company builds autonomy software and simulation tools. The equity comprised a $1 billion Series H led by Disruptive and Innovation X Capital, plus a $1 billion structured equity investment from funds managed by Blackstone. JPMorganChase led a separate $500 million debt financing. Shield AI also said it is acquiring radar company Echodyne in a deal valued at $5.3 billion.
Zipline International was second, raising $1.5 billion in late-stage funding at a $21.5 billion post-money valuation. Paradigm, WCM Investment Management and Layer Global led the round. The South San Francisco company plans to expand its US manufacturing and hiring as it builds a nationwide drone delivery network.
Space tech took the next two places. Austin-based CesiumAstro closed a $730 million Series D at a valuation above $4.5 billion, led by Janus Henderson, and added $100 million in debt from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and JP Morgan. Northwood Space, which builds ground infrastructure for satellite systems, raised a $375 million Series C led by Andreessen Horowitz and DFJ Growth, about nine months after its Series B.
Applied Compute raised $350 million at a $3.25 billion valuation in a round led by Elad Gil, with Nvidia among the participants. The San Francisco company, which launched 18 months ago, said annual recurring revenue has passed $100 million. Harbinger, an electric truck maker expanding into battery storage and defense, raised a $240 million Series D.
The remaining places went mostly to enterprise AI. Sentra raised $150 million in a round led by Capital One Ventures. Traversal raised $120 million at a $1 billion valuation, and Ocient raised a $100 million Series C. Tutor Intelligence and Kalepa tied at 10th, each with a $75 million Series B.
