Anduril Industries, an AI-driven defense technology startup founded by Palmer Luckey, is reportedly in discussions for a new funding round that could elevate its valuation to $28 billion. This round, anticipated to raise up to $2.5 billion, is expected to be led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, indicating strong investor confidence in the company’s rapid growth.
This prospective funding comes shortly after Anduril’s previous raise of $1.5 billion in August 2024, which valued the company at $14 billion. The substantial increase in valuation within a few months underscores the company’s accelerating momentum in the defense technology sector.
Established in 2017 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Anduril specializes in developing autonomous weapons systems, including advanced drones and a variety of sensors. The company recently announced plans to construct a large-scale manufacturing facility named “Arsenal 1” in central Ohio. This 5 million-square-foot plant, set to begin production by July 2026, aims to produce military drones and autonomous aerial vehicles, creating approximately 4,000 jobs in the region.
In 2023, Anduril launched “Lattice for Mission Autonomy,” an AI-enabled software platform designed to coordinate teams of autonomous systems under human supervision during missions. This innovation reflects the company’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into defense operations, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness.
Founders Fund has been a supporter of Anduril since its inception, with co-founder Trae Stephens serving as a partner at the firm. Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and a prominent tech investor, has a history of backing defense-related ventures, further solidifying the partnership between Anduril and Founders Fund.
Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance invested in Anduril during his tenure as a venture capitalist and continues to hold stakes in the company, according to his financial disclosures. This connection highlights the company’s influential network and its strategic importance within the U.S. defense landscape.
Anduril’s rapid ascent in the defense technology sector is marked by its innovative approach to integrating AI with autonomous systems. The anticipated funding round and the forthcoming Ohio manufacturing facility underscore the company’s commitment to advancing defense capabilities and its significant role in shaping the future of military technology.
