John Serafini, Hawkeye 360 | theCUBE + NYSE Wired: AI Factories - Physical AI & Robotics

Shield Capital led the Seed round in Autonomous Cyber and says it supports AI-native platforms for cyber operations.

Shield Capital co-led Star Catcher’s $65 million Series A with B Capital and Cerberus Ventures.

Shield Capital co-led the Seed round in UFORCE with Lakestar and says it supports rebuilding Europe’s industrial base and the security of U.S. allies.

“U.S. China Competition: The Battle for Technology Leadership,” Council on Global Competition and Innovation Newsletter, May 1, 2025.

Artificial Intelligence www.airspace-intelligence.com

Authentic8 provides a cloud-based web security platform. Its Silo platform moves threats off users’ networks and audits web use to identify risks.

Autonomy, Unmanned Aerial Systems www.elroyair.com

GoSecure provides a cloud-based managed detection and response platform that uses machine learning and anti-malware technologies to prevent enterprise data breaches. Its Titan platform provides real-time detection, root cause analysis, and automated remediation.

The company says a team member will be in touch shortly.

Shield Capital is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies building technologies that matter in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cybersecurity, and space.

Shield Capital LLC’s Privacy Policy describes how the company handles information collected when people use the website, contact its personnel, or otherwise interact with the company.

Watchtower Labs, co-founded by former Marine Corps officer Akhil Iyer and Microsoft veterans Souren Aghajanyan and John Morman, secures $35M to develop AI-driven logistics planning for military operations. The startup’s software simulates resource allocation—such as fuel, munitions, and medical supplies—using plain-language queries and optimization models, while retaining human decision-making authority. Watchtower won a prototype contract from the Defense Innovation Unit’s Joint Sustainment Decision Tool program, collaborating with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Northern Command. The company plans to expand beyond logistics into broader operational planning, with 30 employees across Bellevue, San Francisco, Hawaii, and D.C., aiming to double headcount by relocating to a larger Bellevue office.

Oct 2026GeekWireNews article

Watchtower Labs, co-founded by Shield Capital’s Raj Shah and led by CEO Akhil Iyer, launches a $35M-funded AI-driven logistics software suite for defense planners. The tool uses natural language queries and discrete-event simulations to model supply chain risks—such as anti-air missile shortages or cyber disruptions—returning actionable contingencies via a custom dashboard. Backed by Shield, Conviction, In-Q-Tel, and Founders Fund, Watchtower already supports early contracts with major U.S. operational commands and aims to replace manual Excel-based planning in high-stakes scenarios.

Oct 2026Upstarts MediaNews article

SiFly raises funding to support drone adoption in public safety and commercial sectors. The company targets the growing demand for drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, now numbering 6,000 in the U.S. Utilities and agricultural operators also rely on drones for infrastructure monitoring and crop inspections, leveraging faster FAA waiver approvals.

Aug 2026Shield CapitalNews article

SiFly secures $20 million in Series A funding to expand U.S. production of its long-endurance Q12 drones. The capital will accelerate manufacturing, customer deliveries, and deployment of the aircraft, known for its endurance records. The company aims to strengthen its position in the drone market with increased output and operational readiness.

Aug 2026PR NewswireNews article