EdgeRunner AI, a leader in domain-specific, air-gapped, on-device AI agents for military and enterprise, announced the closing of its $12 million Series A fundraise. This funding round was led by Madrona Ventures with participation from seed lead Four Rivers Ventures and joined by new investors HP Tech Ventures and Alumni Ventures. This brings EdgeRunner AI’s total funding to $17.5 million.
EdgeRunner AI provides a Generative AI platform that delivers occupation—and mission-specific AI agents air-gapped on device. Specifically developed for the warfighter, this technology offers both defense and enterprise users a hyper-personalized assistant powered by AI agents that functions independent of internet connectivity.
What EdgeRunner does: The platform is powered by multiple open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) optimized for running locally on-device, such as AI PCs or edge computing devices, and offers users several features, including chat, Q&A, summarization, language translation, transcription, code generation, multi-document RAG (PDF, Word, PowerPoint), text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and tool function calling integrations (Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Slack, and more). Occupation-specific adapters for various military personas like logistics, maintenance, and acquisitions, provide users more accurate and relevant responses.
By running locally on device, the platform is more energy efficient and cost-effective and offers increased data privacy, security, and reliability in Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments.
Recent deals: EdgeRunner AI signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance cutting-edge, agentic on-device AI technology for the warfighter. Through the CRADA, AFRL and EdgeRunner AI will develop AI agents customized for the Air Force, specifically targeting unique occupational specialties (AFSCs).
And the company was recently designated as an “Awardable” vendor for the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace. EdgeRunner AI’s platform has been added to the Marketplace and is available to support critical missions across the DoD.
What the funding will be used for: The company will use the new funding to grow its team and invest in product development.
Previous funding round: EdgeRunner AI had completed its $5.5 million seed round led by Four Rivers Ventures in June 2024, reflecting the company’s rapid progress in less than a year.
New board member: Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona Ventures, will be joining EdgeRunner AI’s board of directors.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our mission is to build domain-specific AI agents that increase the probability of our warfighters winning the fight and bringing them home. With this new funding, we will grow our team, invest in product development, and execute on our vision.”
Tyler Saltsman, Co-Founder & CEO at EdgeRunner AI
“Madrona has been a partner to us since day one and we’re thrilled they are leading our Series A. We’re fortunate to have Matt McIlwain join our board as he brings deep industry experience that will help take EdgeRunner to the next level.”
Colton Malkerson, Co-Founder & COO at EdgeRunner AI
“Tyler and Colton bring an incredible combination of experience—deep service within the U.S. military and federal government—paired with talent, demonstrated by years of building and applying world class AI technology at AWS and beyond. That gives them unmatched insight into what the warfighter needs today, and what the absolute cutting edge of technology can provide. EdgeRunner’s mission—delivering secure, intelligent, air-gapped AI to support those who serve—is one we’re honored to back.”
Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona
