AI tech is increasingly merging with defense tech. This trend is attracting both venture capital and policymakers. As AI evolves, its use in defense is rising. This brings both opportunities and concerns. A notable development is the rising flow of venture money into both AI and defense tech. It signals that dual-use technologies—those that serve both commercial and military purposes—are here to stay.
This shift has caught the attention of lawmakers and defense experts. They want to keep the U.S a leader in AI. They also want to manage concerns about foreign influence, especially from China. A new player is Humba Ventures. It recently launched a $40 million fund for deep tech and defense startups.
The latest episode of TechCrunch’s podcast, Equity, discussed Cohere, an AI startup. It is notable for its quiet business approach despite a big deal with Palantir. The podcast also explores the IPO climate. Is it wise to go public during an election year? Will the IPO dry spell last into 2025? Finally, it raises a question. Should founders be wary of foreign-backed investments?
For more insights, listen to the full episode of Equity. It’s on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify.
