Warhound has emerged from stealth with a $200 million seed round to build a domestic supply of military and public-safety working dogs using advanced genetics, cloning, training, and defense technology.
The Texas-based defense technology company was conceived by technology entrepreneurs Ben Lamm and Palmer Luckey and is being led by CEO David Spirk. Warhound plans to produce working dogs for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and emergency response teams while reducing U.S. dependence on overseas suppliers.
The company is backed by In-Q-Tel, Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Franklin Templeton, 8VC, USIT, Bob Nelsen, Breyer Capital, CAZ Investments, Neogenesis, Builders VC, Lux Capital, and other investors.
Warhound is developing a vertically integrated system that combines biotechnology licensed from Colossal Biosciences with cloning, secure biobanking, specialized training, and animal care. The company plans to preserve genetic material from high-performing working dogs and use genetics and reproductive technologies to produce animals with characteristics suited to demanding operational environments.
Through a partnership with Anduril Industries, Warhound’s dogs will also use technology designed to improve situational awareness and protection in the field. The planned equipment includes eye and ear protection, software, cybernetic augmentations, and Anduril’s Eagle Eye technology.
Warhound is targeting a significant supply-chain problem in the military working dog market. More than 80% of U.S. military working dogs are currently sourced from Europe, according to the company. Warhound also said fewer than half of dogs entering the approximately three-year acquisition and training process ultimately qualify for service.
The company aims to improve those outcomes by producing healthier dogs with a higher probability of successfully completing training and remaining operational throughout their working lives.
Spirk brings experience across the military, intelligence community, government data programs, and defense technology. He previously served as the first Chief Data Officer for the Department of Defense and U.S. Special Operations Command and later worked as a Senior Counselor at Palantir Technologies.
Animal welfare will be incorporated into Warhound’s program under guidance from the American Humane Society, which will certify training programs and help support the reunification of retired military working dogs with former handlers as well as adoption programs.
Warhound said technologies and therapeutics developed through the initiative could eventually be applied beyond military working dogs to improve the health and welfare of dogs more broadly.
KEY QUOTES:
“Every day, we ask dogs to put their lives on the line to protect ours. They detect explosives, protect our troops, and run toward dangers that most people are trained to run away from. Yet we’re still relying on outdated approaches to breeding and training these extraordinary animals, with too many never making it through the process. We have an opportunity to fundamentally change that. Colossal has spent years pioneering breakthroughs in genetics, cloning, and animal biology, and now we’re applying that science to give these dogs the best possible chance at a long, healthy life and a successful mission. If we’re going to ask man’s best friend to protect America, we owe it to them to use every tool at our disposal to protect them, too.”
Ben Lamm, Co-Founder Of Warhound And Colossal Biosciences
“Man’s best friend deserves man’s best tech.”
Palmer Luckey, Co-Founder Of Warhound
“Our long-term goal is simple: healthier dogs, better-prepared teams, and more service members and first responders coming home safely. Leading Warhound, and strengthening America’s working-dog capabilities, is an opportunity to apply my experience to a mission I care deeply about: protecting people and helping the animals who support them. My focus is building a team that can turn scientific advances into capabilities that work in the field.”
David Spirk, CEO Of Warhound
“Working dogs are extraordinary animals whose courage and loyalty save lives. We owe these dogs a commitment to their well-being that matches their service to us. What excites me about Warhound is the opportunity to make health, welfare, and exceptional care fundamental to a working-dog program from the very beginning. Success means helping these dogs thrive throughout their lives—from training and active service to the loving, dignified retirement every canine hero deserves.”
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President And CEO Of American Humane Society
“Palmer, Ben and the Warhound team are exceptional. Sequoia is proud to back them.”
Shaun Maguire, Partner At Sequoia Capital
