Founders Fund

Founders Fund, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that invests across various stages and sectors globally. It focuses on companies developing transformative technologies, with a particular interest in science and engineering ventures. These include consumer internet, biotechnology, aerospace and transportation, energy, artificial intelligence, and health. The firm's investment size ranges from $500,000 to $300 million, providing maximum support with minimum interference to its portfolio companies. Founders Fund is known for its founder-friendly approach and has been an early backer of prominent companies like SpaceX, Palantir, Facebook, and Airbnb.

Leigh Marie Braswell

Principal

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Bridget Harris

Associate

Joey Krug

Partner

Sean Liu

Partner

Jeffrey Lonsdale

Managing Director, Asia

John Luttig

Principal

Amin Mirzadegan

Principal

Luke Nosek

Managing Partner

Stephen Oskoui

Venture Partner

Neil Ruthven

CFO

Eric Scott

Principal

Matias Van Thienen

Partner

Past deals in Defence

Amca

Seed Round in 2025
Amca acquires and develops critical aerospace and defense products and then scales them to deliver what the industry needs next. The company emphasizes rapid prototyping and delivery of new products, aiming to respond promptly to customer needs. Amca is committed to deploying top engineering and manufacturing talent to assist customers in building new products and solving complex problems.

Anduril Industries

Series F in 2024
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Swarm Aero

Seed Round in 2024
Swarm Aero is a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to enhance national defense capabilities. The company focuses on enabling small teams to operate thousands of uncrewed vehicles, particularly in communications-limited and contested environments. By leveraging advanced technology, Swarm Aero aims to provide innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in complex scenarios.

Hadrian

Series B in 2024
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

SpaceX

Private Equity Round in 2023
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Hadrian

Series A in 2022
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

AREVO

Venture Round in 2021
Arevo, located in Silicon Valley, California, specializes in the development of advanced technology for direct digital additive manufacturing of lightweight, ultra-strong composite parts intended for high-volume end-use applications. By integrating innovative materials, robust design and build software, and free motion robotics, Arevo facilitates true three-dimensional construction, advancing 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing. The company empowers designers and manufacturers to leverage the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. Arevo has achieved early success in producing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and is well-positioned to enhance additive manufacturing services globally.

Anduril Industries

Series D in 2021
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Hadrian

Seed Round in 2021
Hadrian is a startup focused on manufacturing precision components specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. The company designs and operates autonomous, software-defined factories that produce critical components for technology firms involved in building rockets, satellites, jets, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Hadrian aims to deliver precision components efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling frontier technology enterprises to accelerate their production processes.

Anduril Industries

Series C in 2020
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Anduril Industries

Series B in 2019
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2019
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Anduril Industries

Series A in 2018
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Anduril Industries

Seed Round in 2017
Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Modumetal

Venture Round in 2015
Modumetal, Inc. is a manufacturer and developer of nano laminated metals and materials, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional sales office in The Woodlands, Texas. The company specializes in producing industrial-scale nanolaminated alloys that are stronger and lighter than steel, as well as more corrosion-resistant and durable than traditional metals. By utilizing electricity instead of heat in their manufacturing process, Modumetal reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance solutions. Their products, which include customized alloys, coatings, fasteners, pumps, valves, and production tubulars, cater to various industries, including energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, infrastructure, and construction. Modumetal's technology enables these sectors to enhance performance and achieve cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials.

Tribogenics

Series B in 2015
Tribogenics is focused on developing low-cost, portable x-ray solutions utilizing triboluminescence technology, which generates x-rays through a process akin to static electricity. This innovative approach allows for the creation of miniature x-ray devices that can be used across various sectors, including mining, industrial applications, military operations, and medical imaging. The company's technology is based on research conducted at UCLA by leading scientists and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. By providing affordable and easily transportable x-ray solutions, Tribogenics aims to enhance the accessibility of x-ray functions for its customers, enabling them to perform materials analysis and imaging in diverse settings.

SpaceX

Series G in 2015
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Palantir Technologies

Series H in 2013
Palantir Technologies, established in 2003, specializes in developing data integration and analysis platforms. The company offers two primary products: Palantir Gotham, designed for enterprises to manage, secure, and analyze data, and Palantir Metropolis, focused on quantitative data analysis. Palantir serves a wide range of sectors, including government, defense, finance, healthcare, and others, helping them make sense of large, complex data sets. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

Tribogenics

Series A in 2012
Tribogenics is focused on developing low-cost, portable x-ray solutions utilizing triboluminescence technology, which generates x-rays through a process akin to static electricity. This innovative approach allows for the creation of miniature x-ray devices that can be used across various sectors, including mining, industrial applications, military operations, and medical imaging. The company's technology is based on research conducted at UCLA by leading scientists and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. By providing affordable and easily transportable x-ray solutions, Tribogenics aims to enhance the accessibility of x-ray functions for its customers, enabling them to perform materials analysis and imaging in diverse settings.

SpaceX

Series F in 2010
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.

Palantir Technologies

Series D in 2010
Palantir Technologies, established in 2003, specializes in developing data integration and analysis platforms. The company offers two primary products: Palantir Gotham, designed for enterprises to manage, secure, and analyze data, and Palantir Metropolis, focused on quantitative data analysis. Palantir serves a wide range of sectors, including government, defense, finance, healthcare, and others, helping them make sense of large, complex data sets. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

SpaceX

Series D in 2008
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies, is a space transportation company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including notable vehicles such as Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship. SpaceX develops a range of technologies including crew and cargo capsules, rocket engines, and avionics, alongside guidance and control software. A key focus of SpaceX is the creation of partially reusable launch vehicles, such as Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which aim to reduce the costs associated with space travel. By enabling the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, SpaceX seeks to advance the capabilities and affordability of space exploration and travel.
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