Updated:
Shield Capital
Shield Capital is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies building technologies that matter in artificial intelligence, autonomy,...
Shield Capital
Shield Capital is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies building technologies that matter in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cybersecurity, and space. Its veteran team of founders, investors, and national security leaders is mission-focused in support of entrepreneurs addressing the convergence of commercial technology and national security.
General information
Firm type
Private Equity
Year founded
2021
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Burlingame
Corporate office
San Francisco, CA, United States
Principals
Philip Bilden
Founder and Managing Partner
Raj Shah
Founder and Managing Partner
Michael Brown
Partner
John Serafini
Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Shield Capital?
Founding Managing Partners Philip Bilden and Raj Shah lead the investment team, supported by Partners Michael Brown and John Serafini. The firm lists seven investment professionals total on its team page, including Principals Akhil Iyer and David Rothzeid. Investment decisions appear concentrated within this group.
How does Shield Capital source deal flow?
Shield Capital sources primarily through its network of national security leaders, including a formal National Security Advisory Board that features a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and a former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. This architecture provides direct line-of-sight into defense procurement needs and the companies emerging to address them.
What investment stages does Shield Capital target?
Shield Capital invests at the early stages — seed and Series A. Recent disclosed deals include leading the seed round for Autonomous Cyber, co-leading the seed round for UFORCE alongside Lakestar, and co-leading Star Catcher's $65 million Series A. The firm describes its mandate as backing early-stage companies building technologies in AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, and space.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on private equity firms?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: