Episode 96 — The Growth Rocketship: Shield AI’s Takeoff Shows What’s Possible in Defensetech

Founded in 2015, Shield AI uses technology and intelligence systems to protect service members and civilians. The venture-backed unicorn’s flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms to reliably support complex missions in contested environments. Latham represented Shield AI on its US$240 million strategic funding round, raising the company’s valuation to US$5.3 billion, in March 2025.

In this episode of Connected with Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham’s Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, engages in a dynamic conversation with Shield AI’s Chief Financial Officer Kingsley Afemikhe and Chief Legal and Information Officer Jim Carlson. They discuss Shield AI’s historic Series F1 fundraising, the macro trends in defense and AI shaping the future, and the company’s strategic positioning to navigate these developments.

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