Defcon AI fetches $44M in seed capital
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules lifts off for an airlift mission from a base in Southwest Asia. Air Forces Central photo
By
Ross Wilkers
The defense tech startup is building a new toolset for military leaders to direct troop and fleet movements.
Defcon AI, a defense technology startup focused on transportation and logistics operations, has captured $44 million in seed capital to support its product development and hiring efforts among other aspects.
Since its 2022 inception, Defcon AI has been incubated by Red Cell Partners in support of company's push to build a new toolset for military planners and leaders to direct troop and fleet movements amid global disruptions.
McLean, Virginia-headquartered Defcon AI said Tuesday that it will use the new investment dollars to expand its research-and-development posture and add new team members. The company will also work to identify new mission applications for its modeling, simulation and analysis technology.
Bessemer Venture Partners led the round with participation from Fifth Growth Fund and Red Cell, plus other unnamed investors. Christopher Wan of Bessemer has become a member of Defcon AI's board of directors along with Ray Johnson, the former Lockheed Martin chief technology officer and a Bessemer operating partner.
Defcon AI has performed a bulk of its contract work under a series of second and third phase Small Business Innovation Research awards with the Air Force.