Valar Atomics, a nuclear energy startup backed by defense tech investors, has raised fresh funding at a $2 billion valuation, according to a Bloomberg report, signaling growing investor appetite for next-generation nuclear technologies to power energy-intensive industries.
The company secured approximately $450 million in new capital, including $340 million in equity and $110 million in debt, with the valuation reflecting the total capital raised in the round.
Valar Atomics is backed by Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, and Shyam Sankar of Palantir Technologies. The company declined to comment on the fundraising.
The latest round marks a significant step up from Valar’s earlier financing, including a $130 million raise in 2025, as investors continue to bet on nuclear power as a solution to rising global electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure and industrial decarbonization.
Founded in 2023 and based in California, Valar Atomics is developing advanced nuclear reactors designed for scalable deployment. The company’s broader vision includes building clusters of small reactors, sometimes referred to as “gigasites,” to supply large-scale energy needs for data centers, manufacturing, and other high-demand applications.
Unlike traditional nuclear developers focused solely on grid electricity, Valar is also exploring alternative applications such as producing synthetic fuels and industrial heat, positioning itself to tap into markets beyond conventional power generation.
The funding comes amid renewed interest in nuclear energy globally, as governments and private investors seek reliable, carbon-free power sources to support the rapid expansion of AI and other energy-intensive technologies. Valar’s growing valuation reflects both that momentum and the increasing role of Silicon Valley-backed startups in reshaping the future of nuclear power.
