Dorm Room Fund is the strongest community of entrepreneurial students in the nation. Built by students and powered by First Round, we provide founders with a strong network of investors, world-class mentors, and a $20,000 check.

Dorm Room Fund

Each Founder Collective partner has founded and sold a technology company. The company we wish had existed when we first started out is what we hope to create with Founder Collective. We offer a user guide for managing the risky commodity known as venture capital. The company believes that in order to advance their firms and maintain control, entrepreneurs should aim to raise the least amount of money possible. Founder Collective was established on May 22, 2009 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Founder Collective

Bloomberg Beta is an early-stage venture capital firm with $375M under management, capitalized solely by Bloomberg. The fund exists to expand Bloomberg’s horizons by investing in companies built by extraordinary founders that make business work better, with a focus on machine intelligence.

Bloomberg Beta

Homebrew is a hands-on, founder-friendly seed-stage fund created by Hunter Walk and Satya Patel to invest in the ''bottom-up economy.'' Homebrew has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider.

Homebrew

Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm specializing in investing in seed, start-ups, early, mid-stage, growth, and late-stage. It prefers to invest in the social media business and technology sector with a focus on software, back-end infrastructure, the infrastructure of the Internet, cloud computing, enterprise software and services, consumer, business Internet, mobile-Internet, consumer Internet, cloud computing, data storage, social network browsers data-storage, consumer electronics, networking functions, software related biology, biotech, and medicine companies at the intersection of computer science and life sciences with a focus on digital therapeutics, cloud technology in biology, and computational medicine.

Andreessen Horowitz

Breyer Capital is a premier global venture capital and private equity investor focused on catalyzing high-impact entrepreneurs in the United States and China. Founded by Jim Breyer in 2006, Breyer Capital makes long-term, idea-driven strategic investments in its chosen core areas: social media, entertainment/media, digital health, and financial technologies.  Breyer Capital actively partners with a diverse set of companies including early-stage startups building breakthrough technologies, fast growing companies, and established worldwide leading corporations. Its team enjoys helping to frame strategic investments anchored by the passion of founders and owner/operator teams, the insights of its network of world-class investors, and a conviction that artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality will transform technology and investment opportunities globally.

Breyer Capital

SVB Capital is a venture capital investment arm of [SVB Financial Group the](/financial-organization/svb-financial-group) holding company of Silicon Valley Bank. SVB Capital specializes in fund of funds and direct investments. Within fund of funds, the firm invests predominantly in top brand firms with a small allocation to smaller VC firms. For direct investments, it seeks to co-invest in equity rounds sponsored by other venture capital firms. The firm prefers to invest in the technology sector in the United States. SVB Capital was founded in 2000 and is based in Palo Alto, California.

SVB Capital

Riot Ventures was founded by Steve Marcus and Will Coffield in 2017. The firm invests at the seed- and early-stage levels in the deep technology sector.

Riot Ventures

Point72 Ventures is a global venture capital firm that invests primarily in Fintech, AI/ML, and Enterprise technologies. As an independent arm of Point72, the global asset management firm led by Steven Cohen, Point72 Ventures offers well-informed insights into the global economy. Point72 Ventures has offices in New York City, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Stamford, Connecticut.

Point72 Ventures

Disruptive Technology Advisers is a merchant bank that works with top private technology companies and investors around the world. It has established itself as a source of capital through primary equity, debt, and structured product placements.

Disruptive

Snowpoint Ventures is focused on helping the next generation of US-based companies navigate the unique challenges and risks of creating disruptive commercial technologies for both the private and public sectors while strategically supporting them at all stages of growth from ideation to IPO.

Snowpoint Ventures

US Innovative Technology Fund operates as an investment firm. They help early- and growth-stage technology firms with commercial and defense applications, such as defense tech, artificial intelligence, logistics, space, tech bio, and the future of computing.

US Innovative Technology Fund

Chaos Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with pre-seed through Series A startups. The firm was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in New York, United States.

Chaos Ventures

Through an active investment approach, WP Global will partner with entrepreneurs hungry to grow private companies as well as fund managers determined to achieve superior returns. WP Global’s strategy is juxtaposition to simply administering investments in companies and in funds. Our unique strategy unchains us from traditional conventions and perceived risk, ultimately allowing our partners to build long-standing, high growth, and influential organizations.  You’re more likely to see us in person than talk to us over the phone because we believe knowledge is acquired on-sight through interpersonal engagement – we are continuously attending events and visiting companies. WP Global creates quality deal flow through vigorous outbound efforts and generates investment returns through active management. We leverage our partners for their operational and domain experience and they leverage us for our network.   By proactively investing directly into hundreds of private companies, private equity funds, and venture capital funds, WP Global generates a synergy of deal flow that is unrivaled. Along with leveraging our network, WP Global employs portfolio modeling and other investment management tools to gain foresight into the market momentum of the thousands of small private companies, which ultimately provides investment conviction.

WP Global Partners

ARK Invest holds a precision lens on thematic investing. They focus on disruptive innovation and identify themes that will enhance productivity and create wealth. ARK seeks to research and invest in technologically enabled innovation that cuts across economic sectors and changes the way world works. The current themes include Industrial Innovation, Next Generation Internet, FinTech, and the Genomic Revolution.

ARK Investment Management

Karman Ventures (fka Moving Capital) is a venture capital firm backed by early employees of Uber and other decacorn startups.

Karman Ventures (fka Moving Capital)

At Other People's Capital, we are passionate about finding and supporting the next generation of groundbreaking companies. We specialize in assisting early-stage firms with innovative ideas that have the potential to create entirely new categories of enterprise. Our team has a track record of success in identifying and supporting the growth of companies that go on to become leaders in their industries. If you have a revolutionary idea and are looking for a partner to help turn it into a successful business, we would love to hear from you.

Other People's Capital (OPC)

Cacti is a New York based firm making investments throughout the SaaS, fintech, crypto, and gambling sectors

Cacti

Shield AI

Shield AI is an artificial intelligence company founded in 2015 with the mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The company’s Hivemind autonomy stack is the first and only autonomous AI Pilot, deployed in combat since 2018. Hivemind enables intelligent teams of aircraft to perform missions ranging from room clearance to penetrating air defense systems, and dogfighting F-16s. Backed by top-tier Silicon Valley VC funds, Shield AI has established itself as the leader in AI for aviation.  Shield AI has been named to Forbes’ AI 50 and Best Startups lists, CB Insights Top 100 AI Companies, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. The company has offices and facilities in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Abu Dhabi.

Shield AI is a defense technology company specializing in developing artificial intelligence (AI) pilots for military and commercial aircraft. Founded in 2015, the company's core product is Hivemind, an AI-powered autonomy software that enables aircraft to operate independently without relying on GPS, waypoints, or communication links. Hivemind employs advanced algorithms for planning, mapping, and state estimation, allowing aircraft to execute dynamic flight maneuvers and make decisions based on real-time battlefield conditions. The software is designed to function fully on the edge, even in GPS-denied and communication-degraded environments.

Building The World’s Best AI Pilot

Boeing and Shield AI Explore Bringing AI

Boeing, Shield AI Collaborate on Large AI-Piloted Aircraft

Tech Start-Ups Try to Sell a Cautious Pentagon on A.I.

AI Company That Makes Unmanned Systems Intelligent

Startup Shield AI lands $60M to build artificial intelligence ‘pilots’ for military aircraft

San Diego defense tech startup Shield AI pulls in $165M for software to power military drones

Shield AI Awarded Defense Department Contract for AI Software

Shield AI Raises $165M Series E to accelerate building of the world's best AI pilot

Shield AI to buy Australian tech company amid AUKUS collaboration

Shield AI Secures Air Force Funds for Aircraft Autonomy Software Integration

Empowering the modern soldier with cutting-edge technology

Military Tech

Shield AI teams with JSW Defence to bring V-BAT drones to India

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northrop Grumman has teamed with Shield AI, for future tactical unmanned aircraft system prototype

Robotics and semi/fully autonomous ground, aerial, and marine vehicles that can be used for military applications, such as surveying, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat.

The Boeing Company

Boeing and Shield AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore strategic collaboration in the areas of autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence on current and future defense programs.

Textron

Textron Systems and Shield AI are cooperating on proof-of-concept work to integrate Shield AI technology into Textron Systems’ proven air, land and sea unmanned systems.

Shield AI is a defense technology company specializing in developing artificial intelligence (AI) pilots for military and commercial aircraft. Founded in 2015, the company's core product is Hivemind, an AI-powered autonomy software that enables aircraft to operate independently without relying on GPS, waypoints, or communication links. Hivemind employs advanced algorithms for planning, mapping, and state estimation, allowing aircraft to execute dynamic flight maneuvers and make decisions based on real-time battlefield conditions. The software is designed to function fully on the edge, even in GPS-denied and communication-degraded environments.
Shield AI's product lineup includes Nova, a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS), and V-BAT, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone acquired through the purchase of Martin UAV. The company has integrated Hivemind into Nova. Plans are underway to incorporate Hivemind into V-BAT to enhance its capabilities further. Shield AI's technology has applications ranging from indoor building clearance with quadcopters to integrated air defense breach with fixed-wing drones and even F-16 dogfights.
In addition to its AI pilots, Shield AI has expanded its offerings through strategic acquisitions. In 2021, the company acquired Heron Systems, which had previously won the DARPA AlphaDogfight Trials by defeating a US Air Force F-16 Weapons Instructor in simulated combat. This acquisition aimed to bring AI capabilities to fighter jets as a digital co-pilot. In April 2024, Shield AI announced its acquisition of Sentient Vision Systems, an Australian company known for its ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) technology. This move was part of Shield AI's efforts to establish a presence in Australia and contribute to the AUKUS defense collaboration.

Hermeus is an Atlanta-based aerospace company focused on developing hypersonic aircraft for both military and commercial applications. The company's primary goal is to create reusable aircraft capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 (over 3,000 miles per hour) or higher. Hermeus' technology is centered around its proprietary Chimera engine, a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine that integrates a turbojet for low-speed flight and a ramjet for high-speed operations. This innovative propulsion system allows for seamless transition between different speed ranges, enabling aircraft to take off from standard runways, reach hypersonic speeds, and land conventionally.
The company is currently developing a series of unmanned aircraft prototypes called Quarterhorse to demonstrate and refine its hypersonic technology. In March 2024, Hermeus unveiled its first flyable aircraft, the Quarterhorse Mk 1, which is expected to undergo flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base later in the year. This prototype is powered by a General Electric J85 engine and is designed to test high-speed takeoffs and landings. The company plans to progress through iterations, with the Quarterhorse Mk 2 aimed at achieving supersonic flight in 2025 using a modified Pratt & Whitney F100 engine.
Hermeus' long-term vision includes developing two primary aircraft: Darkhorse, an unmanned hypersonic vehicle for defense applications, and Halcyon, a commercial passenger aircraft capable of flying from New York to London in 90 minutes. The company's approach focuses on iterative development and cost-effective manufacturing, including the use of 3D printing for some components.

Hermeus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company founded in 2018 that develops directed energy systems and power management solutions. The company's flagship product is Leonidas, a counter-electronics system that uses high-power microwave (HPM) technology to neutralize drone threats. Leonidas utilizes solid-state, software-defined technology enabled by Epirus' proprietary SmartPower platform. This allows the system to be smaller, more precise, and safer than traditional HPM systems. Leonidas can fit in the back of a pickup truck and has demonstrated the ability to counter swarming drones and execute precision strikes at range.
In addition to Leonidas, Epirus introduced a smaller, more portable version called Leonidas Pod in February 2022. Both systems can work together to create a layered defense network against incoming threats. The company's products are powered by its SmartPower technology platform, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to gate energy at the nanosecond level, increasing efficiency and maximizing output.
Epirus has rapidly scaled its operations since founding. As of February 2022, the company had around 200 employees, with about 150 working at its 100,000-square-foot headquarters in Torrance, California. In January 2023, Epirus was awarded a USD 66.1 million contract from the US Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to deliver prototype Leonidas systems.
Key customers and partnerships
Epirus has established partnerships with several defense organizations. In October 2021, the company announced an agreement to partner with General Dynamics Land Systems to have its Leonidas system mounted on General Dynamics' Stryker combat vehicles.
In April 2024, Epirus announced that its Leonidas technology would be tested against small vessels in the US Navy's 2024 Advanced Naval Technology Exercise-Coastal Trident (ANTX-CT24). This trial will examine how high-power microwaves can disable outboard motors and other maritime applications, expanding the potential use cases for Epirus' technology beyond counter-drone operations.

Epirus

Centimani develops lightweight, unpowered exoskeleton arms to enhance soldier performance on the battlefield. The company's technology aims to maximize soldier survivability and lethality by redistributing the weight of heavy equipment from arms and shoulders to the trunk. This innovative solution allows soldiers to operate heavy machines for extended periods with increased precision and safety, while maintaining freedom of movement. The exoskeleton also offers the additional benefit of reducing shot recoil when operating heavy weapons. By addressing the challenge of soldiers carrying heavy equipment, including weapons, Centimani's technology helps improve endurance levels and overall combat effectiveness.

Centimani

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is a private American aerospace company headquartered in Kent, Washington. The company's mission is to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. Blue Origin develops reusable launch vehicles and in-space systems to lower the cost of access to space and increase reliability. Its key products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle.
The New Shepard, named after Alan Shepard, is a fully reusable vertical takeoff and landing space vehicle designed for suborbital space tourism flights. It consists of a pressurized crew capsule and a propulsion module powered by Blue Origin's BE-3 engine. As of July 2021, New Shepard had carried out 22 successful consecutive missions, including three escape tests. The vehicle is controlled entirely by onboard computers without ground control or a human pilot.
Blue Origin is also developing the New Glenn, a 95-meter tall orbital launch vehicle named after John Glenn. The two-stage rocket is designed to be reusable and will have a larger lift capacity than many existing commercial rockets. New Glenn's first stage will be powered by seven BE-4 engines and is expected to land vertically on a ship at sea, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 boosters. The company is targeting its first orbital test launch of New Glenn for 2024.
In addition to launch vehicles, Blue Origin is working on other space technologies. These include the Blue Moon lunar lander, designed to deliver payloads to the Moon's surface, and Project Jarvis, a fully reusable upper stage. The company is also developing Orbital Reef, a commercial space station project.
Key customers and partnerships
Blue Origin has secured several customers for its New Glenn launch vehicle, including Eutelsat, SKY Perfect JSAT, and mu Space Corp. The company is also part of NASA's Artemis program, having been awarded a contract in April 2020 to develop an integrated human landing system for returning humans to the Moon.
In June 2024, Blue Origin was selected by the US Space Force, along with other providers, to compete for small satellite launch missions under the Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4) contract. This selection allows Blue Origin to bid on national security space launch contracts, expanding its potential customer base beyond commercial and civil space sectors.
Blue Origin has also formed partnerships with established aerospace companies. In 2014, it entered into a partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to produce the BE-4 engine for ULA's Vulcan rocket. Additionally, for its lunar lander project, Blue Origin leads the "National Team," which includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper.

Blue Origin

<div>
 
 Rocket Lab is a space company that builds rockets and spacecraft that make it easier to get into orbit and do amazing things there. Rocket Lab provides end-to-end mission services that provide frequent and reliable access to space for civil, defence, and commercial markets. 
 
 
 Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron launch vehicle and Photonsatellite platform and is developing the Neutron launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab&rsquo;s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 105 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. 
 
 
 Rocket Lab has two launch sites, including a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA, expected to be operational by the end of 2021. Rocket Lab&rsquo;s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus.
 
</div>

Rocket Lab

Developers of sophisticated and advanced defense equipment to counter emerging threats. These solutions include hypersonic flights, directed energy systems, and space militarization.

The use of AI technologies, data analytics, networks of sensors, wearables, and IoT devices in military applications to enhance military capabilities.

The use of simulation technologies such as VR and AR to construct STEs for combat training and mission rehearsals.

Internet of Military Things (IoMT) uses sensors, wearables, and IoT devices in military applications

Use of simulation technologies such as VR/AR for combat training and mission rehearsals

Robotics that can be used for military applications, such as surveying, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat

Shield AI

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