Shield AI

San Diego defense tech unicorn. AI-powered autonomous systems for defense. Hivemind: AI pilot software enabling aircraft to fly autonomously in GPS-denied environments. Founded by Brandon Tseng (ex-Navy SEAL), Ryan Tseng, Andrew Reiter. First customer: Naval Special Warfare Command (2016). $2B Series G Jan 2026 at $12.7B valuation. Projected $540M revenue 2026. 1,000+ employees. Notable investors: a16z, Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris, Washington Harbour Partners.