Shield AI

Shield AI is an aerospace and defense technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter. The company specializes in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems designed for military applications, aiming to enhance defense operations.Shield AI's product lineup includes the Hivemind AI software stack, which allows aircraft to operate autonomously without GPS or human input. Key products include the Nova Quadcopter, the first AI-powered drone deployed in combat; the V-BAT, a tail-sitting drone for long-endurance missions; and ViDAR, an AI-enabled optical sensor for improved surveillance. The Hivemind Core software supports data management and self-directed learning to streamline product development.The company serves major branches of the U.S. military, including the Special Operations Command, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, along with several international military clients. Shield AI has seen significant growth, expanding its workforce and achieving a valuation of over $1 billion in 2021.