The Future of Defense: Highlighting Innovations in AI and Global Strategy, Fundings: Acceleron Fusion, FlyGuys, Cyvatar
2 October 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Reality Defender: We are proud to highlight Reality Defender’s vital work in combating AI-driven threats like deepfakes. Following the recent news of US Senator Benjamin Cardin encountering a deepfake posing as a Ukrainian official during a Zoom call, Reality Defender’s technology is more critical than ever in preventing these deceptive attacks.
Reality Defender has already made waves in the cybersecurity space, recently completing the prestigious Intel Ignite accelerator. Selected as one of just 10 companies from over 200 applicants, it has received invaluable mentorship on product development, IP protection, and scaling. Its cutting-edge platform continues to stand out, offering powerful deep fake detection that protects governments and organizations worldwide.
Additionally, we are proud of Reality Defender for partnering with PeakMetrics to enhance their AI-powered narrative intelligence platform with cutting-edge deepfake detection. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity by helping organizations detect and defend against fraud, impersonation, and AI-driven disinformation.
HawkEye 360: We’re also thrilled to announce that HawkEye 360 has been awarded a third option year and a six-month contract extension for the Radio Frequency Emitter Data contract by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). This milestone not only reflects the strong partnership they’ve built with the NGA but also reinforces their commitment to providing innovative RF analytics that enhance global safety.
In addition to the contract extension, HawkEye 360 has secured a task order valued at $2.5 million for emerging commercial analytics services. This recognition highlights the trust the NGA places in their advanced capabilities in geospatial intelligence.
The U.S. Can Provide an Alternative to China in Sub-Saharan Africa
China's growing influence in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Zambia, is often perceived as coordinated and effective. It is aimed at dominating critical minerals and undermining Western interests through state subsidies and aggressive business practices. While the Chinese government provides money and infrastructure to African nations in exchange for resources, the situation in Zambia reveals a more complex reality.
Not all Zambians view China positively, as there is significant resentment towards larger Chinese state-owned enterprises from smaller independent operators. Zambians express a desire for Western investment despite frustrations with the slow processes and conditions imposed by Western companies. While Chinese businesses contribute significantly to infrastructure development, many Zambians are concerned about poor labor practices, predatory business tactics, and political interference.
The US must rethink its approach to sub-Saharan Africa by prioritizing strategic minerals and engaging more actively in the region. This will create an environment in which Zambian authorities can demand better conditions from their Chinese partners or turn to Western firms instead.
More Links to Explore:
Founded: 2023
Key People: CEO Ara Knaian
Elevator Pitch: Clean energy systems intended to power cities, charge electric cars, and fuel rockets.
Funding: The company raised $15.37 million of venture funding from ImpactAssets and other undisclosed investors on September 27, 2024.
Founded: 2014
Key People: CEO Joseph Stough
Elevator Pitch: Drone services intended to make aerial data accessible and affordable.
Funding: The company raised $1.69 million of venture funding in the form of convertible debt from undisclosed investors on September 27, 2024.
Key People: CEO Corey White
Founded: 2019
Elevator Pitch: A cybersecurity platform intended to deliver reliable, repeatable, and measurable outcomes.
Funding: The company raised an undisclosed amount of debt financing on September 26, 2024.
Look for a new episode of the Securing the Future Podcast wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Hector Xu, founder and CEO of Rotor AI, to discuss the groundbreaking technology behind converting traditional helicopters into autonomous drones for both civilian and defense applications.
