The SEC claims a 'boiler room' operation defrauded retirees by selling shares in private companies like SpaceX, Anduril, Anthropic, and Perplexity, while concealing massive hidden fees.
Brian Schimpf, CEO of defense company Anduril, spoke on The Tech Download podcast about the role of artificial intelligence in warfare and the company's manufacturing initiatives.
Defense technology company Anduril is reportedly in discussions to raise new funding that would value the company at approximately $100 billion, more than tripling its valuation from the previous year.
Boeing has unveiled its flight-ready Ghost Bat combat drone, while rivals General Atomics and Anduril Industries showcased their own full-scale models, signaling a new era of autonomous warfare.
Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries have introduced a new autonomous aircraft platform, 'Thunder,' designed for both defense and commercial applications, targeting operators of Apache and armed reconnaissance helicopters.
The Farnborough Airshow saw several significant announcements, including Bell delivering its 700th Bell 505 helicopter. Additionally, BETA Technologies and Anduril with Archer unveiled new hybrid-electric and autonomous military VTOL aircraft, respectively.
Brian Schimpf, CEO of defense tech startup Anduril, cautions against initial public offerings at a time of potentially irrational tech valuations. He also shared a message for OpenAI and Anthropic.
Betting markets are offering insights into their expectations for the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Stripe, Discord, and Anduril, reflecting investor sentiment.
Anduril Industries, a defense systems manufacturer, is employing unconventional strategies to identify and recruit talent. According to Jeff Miller, few defense companies actively recruit beyond traditional methods.
Anduril is reportedly eyeing a Nissan factory in Japan as a potential site for building military drones. This move could signify a significant expansion of drone manufacturing capabilities in the region.
US military technology company Anduril is reportedly interested in appointing Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amiram Norkin, a former air force chief, to head its local operations in Israel.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf stated that modern conflicts prioritize economic disruption, targeting infrastructure like data centers and shipping routes, and highlighted US challenges due to economic ties with China.
Donald Trump has threatened Iran with strong attacks and claimed the US is extracting Iranian oil, stating that the ceasefire with America has become meaningless, as the US also sanctioned individuals linked to Iran's missile network.
Companies like Anduril and Shield AI are reportedly expanding their sales beyond traditional weapons, leveraging the current climate of heightened geopolitical tension to grow their business.
Trump's Pentagon is reportedly looking to collaborate with "disruptive" defense newcomers, such as Anduril, to mass-produce large stockpiles of cheap missiles for potential future conflicts.
Anduril Industries has seen its valuation soar to $61 billion after securing a massive funding round backed by Thrive Capital and a16z, highlighting strong investor confidence in the defense technology company.
Companies like Palantir, SpaceX, and Anduril are emerging as new leaders in the defense sector, pushing out traditional military giants as the Pentagon shifts towards more cost-effective and rapid warfare strategies.
HD Hyundai announced an expansion of its collaboration with US partners in naval and uncrewed vessel technologies, including signing an MoU with Anduril Industries, following its participation in Sea Air Space 2026.
North Korea announced it successfully tested a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine for a missile capable of reaching the US mainland, with leader Kim Jong Un observing the test as part of the country's strategic arsenal development, marking an important phase in its strategic weapons program.
Matthew Steckman, president and chief business officer of Anduril, stated that defense tech companies must 'create a monopoly' to ensure their survival and dominance in the sector.
Anduril and Palantir are reportedly collaborating on the development of software for the Golden Dome Missile Shield, an exclusive report from the Wall Street Journal reveals.
A new Pentagon mega-contract is redefining Silicon Valley's engagement with the U.S. military, with defense tech firm Anduril's president confirming its heavy participation in the Middle East war, utilizing its AI-powered Lattice software for counter-drone operations. The 'war unicorn' is now set to begin combat drone production, as next-gen startups increasingly challenge traditional big defense primes with weaponized AI and interceptor drones.
Anduril Industries is set to begin production of high-speed combat drones at its newly established US plant within days, marking a significant step in defense technology manufacturing.
The Pentagon has awarded a significant $20 billion contract to AI defense company Anduril, utilizing its Lattice software to identify targets and accelerate decision-making in combat zones. This follows previous AI acquisitions from Palantir and Scale AI.
Anduril Lands $20 Billion Pentagon Contract For "Modern Battlefield" Hardware
Nine days after Axios reported that Palmer Luckey's Anduril was raising around $4 billion at a $60 billion…
Η Anduril Industries εξαγόρασε την εταιρεία παρακολούθησης πυραύλων και διαστημικών πληροφοριών ExoAnalytic Solutions με στόχο να εξασφαλίσει συμβόλαιο συνεργασίας για το νέο προηγμένο σύστημα…
Palmer Luckey, founder of defense tech startup Anduril, has emerged as a key figure in the Pentagon's efforts to modernize the U.S. military with autonomous weapons, particularly under President Trump's agenda.
Rise Of Europe's "War Unicorns" As Goldman Maps The Defense-Startup Ecosystem
The "war unicorn" startup boom we pointed out the other week isn't just an American story. It's happening across the West, as defense startups built around dual-use technology could become the next hot bubble.
Goldman analysts, led by Sam Burgess, told clients on Tuesday that European defense is seeing a "rise of the startups," which could reshape an industry long dominated by major defense contractors.
Burgess said there are more than 380 defense tech startups across Europe, and these companies have raised over $3 billion, heavily focused on dual-use areas like AI analytics, autonomy, sensing, cyber resilience, and next-generation communications.
He said these startups are clustered around major innovation hubs in London, Munich, Stockholm, Paris, and Helsinki, backed by early-stage investors and public programs, including the NATO Innovation Fund and the EIF Defense Equity Facility.
Here's a visual breakdown of the EU defense startups ecosystem:
"Recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, have underscored the need for rapid technological iteration, multi-domain integration, and a digitally enabled battlefield," Burgess said.
Burgess' note is exactly on point and follows our view of the rise of war unicorn startups as big defense primes face an "adapt or die" moment, as the war in Ukraine and a surge in dual-use technologies (drones, ground bots, and AI kill chains) have pushed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to recently announce a move to accelerate the fielding of this new technology.
Translation: The DoW under Hegseth and the rest of the procurement process are moving away from bloated legacy defense primes toward defense tech startups, creating a boom as we've characterized by the rise of war unicorns like Palmer Luckey's Anduril Industries.
The shift away from big defense primes in the DoW's procurement process comes as the war in Ukraine has given military planners and strategists an uncomfortable preview of what conflict in the 2030s could look like. It's not just about expensive stealth jets, bombers, and big, fancy missiles and cannons. It's about ground robots, drones, and consumer-grade products that can easily be weaponized.
Professional subscribers can read the full note on Europe's rise of defense startups on our new Marketdesk.ai portal.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 05:45
A 'boiler room' operation faces accusations of concealing fees totaling $74 million from investors in private companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, Anduril, and Perplexity.
Defense technology company Anduril Industries is reportedly aiming for a $100 billion valuation in its latest funding round, indicating significant investor interest in the firm.
Archer Aviation has introduced a new commercial aircraft model, developed in collaboration with Anduril. This marks a significant step in their partnership.
Anduril Industries unveiled its autonomous attack rotorcraft 'Thunder' at the Farnborough Airshow, designed as a drone wingman, while India also advanced its indigenous unmanned systems with the Varun.
Archer Aviation's stock surged by 18% after the company unveiled a new autonomous military vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft in collaboration with Anduril. This announcement also provided a boost to other eVTOL companies like Joby and EHang.
Other companies awarded the contract included Palantir and Athea SAS. NATO said that it would select a single solution for long-term implementation at the end of the assessment period.
A new generation of US millionaires, often from tech backgrounds, is developing unusual spending habits, such as buying meteorites and specialized vehicles, posing a challenge for traditional luxury brands.
Anduril's CEO is in Israel to meet with key figures in the defense industry, signaling the company's intent to expand its presence and secure major defense deals in the region.
US defense firm Anduril is reportedly in discussions to utilize a Nissan plant in Japan for drone manufacturing, a move that could transform one of Japan's historic car factories into a weapons production hub.
Anduril Industries is accelerating its defense-tech expansion by exploring entry into Israel, with candidates being shortlisted to manage its operations in the country.
Anduril founder Palmer Luckey urged critical resets across defense procurement, manufacturing, innovation, and national identity, advocating for the U.S. to become the world's leading arms exporter.
Kuwait is reportedly turning to Anduril for a $2 billion counter-drone defense system, a decision prompted by a recent airport attack involving an Iranian Shahed-136 drone.
Anduril's substantial $61 billion valuation is seen as a strategic wager on the Pentagon's ability to accelerate its procurement processes. This valuation underscores investor confidence in the defense technology company's future growth.
The Pentagon is expanding its missile programs by partnering with "disruptive" defense newcomers, such as Leidos and Anduril. This initiative aims to build large, affordable stockpiles of missiles for future military needs.
The US Space Force has awarded $3.2 billion in Golden Dome missile defense contracts to 12 companies. This includes firms like SpaceX and Anduril, tasked with developing advanced missile defense capabilities.
The Trump administration is reportedly aligning with a group of "Neo-Primes" including Anduril, Palantir, and SpaceX, which are transforming the way America conducts warfare.
A new study reveals that the war in Iran has led to significant changes in Romanian consumer habits, with people eating out less, abandoning preferred brands, and actively seeking discounts due to rising fuel prices.
Defense technology companies Anduril and Palantir are continuing their exclusive collaboration on the development of software for the Golden Dome missile shield system, as confirmed by recent reports from the Wall Street Journal.
Anduril and Palantir are reportedly collaborating on the development of software for the Golden Dome Missile Shield, according to exclusive reports from the Wall Street Journal.
The high demand for Anduril shares, with buyers willing to pay a premium of up to 40%, has been likened to the intense competition for Taylor Swift concert tickets.
Cu ocazia Zilei Mondiale a Sănătății Orale, celebrată în fiecare an în data de 20 Martie, Haleon România – producătorul brandurilor Sensodyne și pardontax, lider global în sănătatea consumatorului și…
The U.S. Army has awarded Anduril a significant $20 billion contract to modernize its defense capabilities with artificial intelligence, primarily focusing on counter-drone operations.
Anduril, a defense technology company founded by Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, is reportedly expanding into space operations to support President Trump's 'Golden Dome' project.
Defense-tech giant Anduril is looking to increase its defense manufacturing capabilities in Japan by hiring locally and expanding domestic supply chains for products it may provide to the Japanese government.
Shield AI's Hivemind AI pilot successfully flew Anduril's YFQ-44A uncrewed aircraft for the first time in a test over the Mojave Desert, as part of a program to develop future Air Force uncrewed wingmen.
Exclusive emails have revealed that Palmer Luckey, co-founder of defense firm Anduril, has donated millions to Republicans and bundled additional funds while his company secured billions in sole-source Pentagon contracts.
Anduril, a defense technology company, is reportedly in discussions to raise new funding that would value the company at $100 billion, more than tripling its valuation from the previous year.
The collaboration between Archer and Anduril is reportedly setting ACHR stock on a new defense-oriented flight path, indicating potential growth and strategic shifts for the company.
US defense firm Anduril has introduced a new 'Thunder system' concept, showcasing how advancements in manned-unmanned teaming and drone swarms could fundamentally alter future battlefields.
Palmer Luckey's defense company, Anduril Industries, has unveiled Thunder, an autonomous tiltrotor aircraft designed to deliver missiles, drones, electronic-warfare systems, and cargo.
The CEO of defense technology company Anduril has cautioned that valuations in the artificial intelligence and defense industries are becoming dangerously inflated, stating his company is not rushing to an IPO.
Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa has signed a cooperation agreement with American company Anduril, with Poland expressing interest in producing Barracuda missiles, pending an official order from the Ministry of National Defense.
A market summary highlights several key developments, including Anduril's headquarters being up for sale and ongoing tensions involving Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside other financial news.
Anduril and General Atomics have been awarded contracts by the US Air Force for the production of wingman drones. These contracts signify a significant step in the development of autonomous aerial support systems.
Anduril, a California-based defence technology start-up, is advocating for a reset of US arms export controls, with its CEO seeking to involve allies in the production of lower-cost weapons.
Goldman Sachs has reportedly met with Palmer Luckey’s defense startup, Anduril, as 'war unicorns' like Anduril emerge as key players in reshaping defense technology by providing affordable, scalable advanced weaponry.
Mario Draghi was honored with the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, where he delivered a speech emphasizing the need for Europe to be more assertive globally and unite to face new geopolitical realities. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis also spoke at the ceremony, praising Draghi's support for Greece during its crisis.
Defense technology company Anduril Industries has secured $5 billion in new funding, doubling its valuation to an estimated $61 billion. This significant investment highlights the continued boom in defense tech funding.
Anduril has announced the team selected to work on its Golden Dome project, a new space-based missile interceptor effort. This initiative aims to develop advanced defense capabilities.
The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, identified as Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada. This bounty targets the head of the Shiite militia, which Washington considers a terrorist organization.
The Trump administration is increasingly collaborating with a new group of "neo-primes" like Anduril, Palantir, and SpaceX, which are fundamentally changing how America wages war. These companies are introducing advanced technological approaches to defense.
AI weapons manufacturer Anduril, in collaboration with a satellite startup, is slated to develop 'Golden Dome,' a project envisioned by Donald Trump to station interceptor missiles in space, though its feasibility remains uncertain.
Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus VR, left Facebook (now Meta) amid controversy after selling his startup for $2 billion. He subsequently founded Anduril Industries, a defense-tech company, and recently commented on Meta's VR layoffs.
Silicon Valley giants Anduril and Palantir are reportedly developing crucial software for President Trump's $185 billion 'Golden Dome' anti-missile shield, a program where software is critical and could mean billions in new business for Palantir.
US President Donald Trump is backing a space-based anti-missile shield project, reportedly involving companies like Anduril and Palantir Technologies in its development.
Anduril and Palantir are reportedly collaborating on the development of software for the Golden Dome Missile Shield, according to exclusive reports from the Wall Street Journal.
Anduril Industries is investing in a streamlined factory design to enable the mass production of uncrewed fighter aircraft, signaling a shift towards more efficient defense manufacturing.
The US Army has secured an $87 million deal with Anduril for its AI-powered Lattice software, which will serve as the command and control platform for the joint counter-drone task force, aiming to enhance drone defeat capabilities.
Anduril Industries is set to acquire ExoAnalytic Solutions, a space surveillance firm, with the aim of expanding its 'Golden Dome' capabilities and doubling the size of its space unit through this defense acquisition.
Silicon Valley firms have poured $4 billion into defense technology company Anduril as the conflict in Iran continues, signaling increased investment in military innovation during geopolitical tensions.
Defense technology company Anduril is reportedly raising $4 billion in a funding round led by Thrive and Andreessen, valuing the company at $60 billion.
Jake Paul said he bonded with Sam Altman over a love of "fast cars."
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images; Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images
Jake Paul said that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman taught him to be "hella productive" with 15-minute meetings.
"Time is the most valuable thing, and it's the only reason you can't accomplish more," Paul said on "Sourcery."
Paul said that he met Altman at President Donald Trump's inauguration. His fund later invested in OpenAI.
Jake Paul was a firebrand YouTuber. Then he was an NFT merchant, and a betting site operator. Now, Paul is a professional boxer — and venture capitalist. And he's learning from one of the biggest names in tech.
On "Sourcery," Paul said that he met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman while sitting next to each other at President Donald Trump's inauguration.
"Sam likes fast cars, and so do I," Paul said. "So, we just started talking about cars, and then we got along, and that was really it."
Paul's Anti Fund — which is also led by his brother Logan and longtime founder Geoffrey Woo — invested in OpenAI in 2025. The biggest lesson he's learned from Altman is efficiency, Paul said.
He described the quick-and-tidy meetings that Altman runs. The OpenAI CEO "walks into the room, sits down, let's get right into the conversation, boom boom boom," he said.
In 15 minutes alone, Altman was "hella productive," Paul said. Then, Altman can go on to his next meeting and do it all over again.
"We'll do hourlong meetings or calls and just waste time," Paul said. "I think that was inspiring because time is the most valuable thing, and it's the only reason you can't accomplish more."
Indeed, Altman has long opted for the 15-minute meeting. In a 2018 blog post, he wrote that the ideal meeting time is either around 15 to 20 minutes or 2 hours, but "the default of 1 hour is usually wrong."
Paul has worked closely with OpenAI in the last year, beyond participating in fundraising.
Remember all of those strange Paul memes running around the internet during the Sora 2 launch? They were by design. Paul said he helped consult on the project and was one of the first to sign over his name, image, and likeness.
Woo also appeared on the podcast, and spelled out the thinking behind those far-out memes (such as an AI Paul declaring he was gay). "It was not something that was like, 'Hey, Jake Paul is now gay.' Jake was thoughtful in terms of why we were part of that launch."
Woo also said that he had formed a good friendship with Altman and Mark Chen, OpenAI's chief research officer.
For the Sora 2 launch, Paul said that he had "regular calls" with OpenAI and offered "super detailed consulting."
"Me and my brother have however many years combined of social media experience since the beginning," Paul said. "We were there when the term 'influencer' was even made up."
This background, Paul said, helped him give good advice on what OpenAI's social media-like interface should look like. He advised on both what creators and audiences wanted, he said.
Anti Fund closed its $30 million fund in September. Other investments include defense tech startup Anduril and prediction market Polymarket.
Woo said their ties to OpenAI remain strong. "We were just at OpenAI for three hours looking for other ways to collaborate," he said. "Things might be cooking."
Read the original article on Business Insider