Shield AI Reaches $12.7B Valuation with 140% Growth, Secures $2.9B in New Funding

Shield AI, the San Diego-based defense technology startup, raised $2 billion in a Series G round co-led by Advent International and JPMorgan Chase's Security and Resiliency Initiative, with an additional $500 million in preferred equity from Blackstone. The round valued the company at $12.7 billion, a 140% jump from its $5.6 billion valuation a year ago, and brings total new capital to approximately $2.9 billion.

The company projects revenue exceeding $540 million for 2026, representing more than 80% year-over-year growth. Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software platform was selected in February 2026 as a provider for the U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone prototype program. Its V-BAT reconnaissance drone has logged over 130 sorties in Ukraine since June 2024, operating under electronic warfare conditions that validate the technology in real combat scenarios.

The capital will fund the pending acquisition of tactical simulation company Aechelon and continued scaling of operations. At approximately 23x forward revenue, the valuation implies high expectations, but Shield AI's battlefield-tested technology and major military program wins position it as a leading IPO candidate in the defense tech space for 2026-2027.