Dual-Use Tech Roundup

22 November 2021 - satellite imagine, cyber

Funding Announcements

Hawkeye 360:  🔊

Hawkeye 360 is taking a different approach to delivering and analyzing geospatial information. Instead of utilizing imaging satellites, the company monitors radio frequency signals. The company not only collects this data, they also provide analysis on their findings which bridges the gap between collection and analysis in the industry. On November 8th, 2021, the company closed their Series D round of funding where they raised $145 M. The round was led by Insight Partners and Seraphim Space Investments. Other investors include SVB Capital, Jacobs Engineering Group, and New North Ventures. The company has secured $50 M in contracts in 2021 and plans to expand the size of their current satellite clusters called “Constellations”.

Netography: 🔐

Cyber security is paramount since our modern society relies heavily on the cloud and storing sensitive information digitally. Netography is taking a different approach to protecting customer’s networks. The company utilizes the customer’s current network and network devices to collect data in order to detect any potential threats. On November 15th, 20201 the company raised $45 M through a combination of Series A and debt funding. This deal was led by SYN Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners. This round of funding will be put towards technology enhancements and innovation, as well as sales and channel expansions.

Applied Intuition: 🚗 

Autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality in modern day society, however they require a great deal of testing before they can hit the roads. Applied Intuition creates simulations that allow engineers to test their products at scale. Autonomous vehicles have also been increasingly important in the defense industry. The company raised $175 M in Series D funding with a $3.6 B post-money valuation, the round closed on November 11th, 2021. This round was led by Coatue Management, Addition, and Elad Gil. The company plans to expand into other verticals such as commercial trucking, mining, and defense as it expands.

Density: 🧠

Density utilizes depth measuring sensors in conjunction with artificial intelligence to gather data and generate insights on how people utilize space within offices and buildings. This data and insights are valuable to companies for increasing productivity, but it could also have defense and security applications. On November 10th, 2021 the company raised $125 M in Series D funding giving them a $1.05 B valuation. This round was led by Kleiner Perkins and now brings their total capital raised to $225 M. The company had also acquired HelixRE which makes digital representations of buildings.

Beacon AI: ✈️

Beacon AI is an aviation technology automating many routine and repetitive tasks. They also look to improve the operational efficiency of commercial and defense aircraft fleets. Beacon AI recently closed their seed round, led by Sam Altman, president of Y-Combinator, Lachy Groom, and Jet Blue Technology Ventures. In prior rounds, New North Ventures participated as one of their first checks.