Scout Ventures announced the closing of its oversubscribed $125 million Fund V, a vehicle designed to invest in emerging technologies that serve both commercial markets and national security missions.
The Austin-based venture capital firm focuses on early-stage companies developing dual-use technologies across sectors, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, space infrastructure, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and advanced power systems. These technologies are increasingly viewed as critical to global defense deterrence and modern military capabilities.
Fund V will support startups developing capabilities such as AI-enabled command and decision systems, ground- and aerial-autonomous platforms, GPS-denied navigation and electronic warfare technologies, space infrastructure, and advanced energy systems that enable modern defense operations. Scout Ventures said these technologies are foundational to how military forces move, communicate, and operate in contested environments.
The firm frequently backs companies founded by veterans or entrepreneurs with military and intelligence backgrounds, citing their operational expertise and firsthand understanding of defense-related challenges. Scout’s investment team also works closely with portfolio companies on business development, talent recruitment, go-to-market strategies, and navigating both government and commercial customer environments.
Scout Ventures said the new fund builds on its prior investment track record, which includes exits and milestones such as AeroVironment’s acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, Voyager Technologies’ 2025 initial public offering, and ID.me reaching unicorn status.
The firm said its broader mission is to back technologies that strengthen deterrence and national security while also generating commercial value.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are excited by the overwhelming support we’ve received for Fund V. This oversubscribed raise reflects the growing recognition of Scout’s unique position at the intersection of national security and critical technologies. We’re honored by the continued confidence from our existing partners and thrilled to welcome new institutional investors who share our conviction in backing exceptional founders solving critical challenges for both commercial and defense markets.”
Cody Huggins, Partner at Scout Ventures
“Scout Ventures doesn’t just write checks; they bring the kind of operational fluency and strategic reach that only comes from years spent at the intersection of defense and deep technology. For a company like Havoc, where the gap between technological capability and mission-critical deployment has to close fast, that distinction matters enormously. Scout’s network, their understanding of how systems scale in contested environments, and their conviction in dual-use innovation make them far more than a capital partner; they’re a force multiplier.”
Paul Lwin, CEO & Co-Founder of Havoc AI
“Our mission is straightforward: help build technology so capable that it deters adversaries from ever firing a shot. Fund V doubles down on the founders and breakthrough technologies that will define how the globe projects strength, maintains readiness, and protects its interests over the next two decades. We are committed to backing exceptional entrepreneurs tackling the world’s most pressing challenges at the intersection of commercial opportunity and national imperative, with a particular focus on the veteran and military-affiliated founders who understand these problems most deeply.”
Brad Harrison, Founder And Managing Partner At Scout Ventures
