Warhound, a new defense technology company conceived by American technology entrepreneurs — Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm and Anduril’s Palmer Luckey — has raised a $200 million seed round.
Warhound will rebuild America’s domestic supply of elite working dogs for U.S. military forces, law-enforcement, emergency first response teams—a critical national security resource that the U.S. has long relied on foreign countries to provide.
Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, is on the board of Warhound and his company contributed its tech to the venture, while Luckey came up with the idea in conversation with Lamm. But Anduril is not part of the venture.
Led by CEO David Spirk, Warhound will reduce dependence on a shrinking European supply chain and strengthen America’s ability to protect its own people, infrastructure, and national security interests, the company said.
This kind of concept is sure to be controversial. It could conjure images of robo-dogs or using animals as engineered weapons. It’s also likely to be considered inhumane treatment of dogs if they’re to be used for combat. With so many wars happening, the idea of Terminator Dogs isn’t so far-fetched. But it’s quite possible that if these companies don’t create this blend of animals and technology, potential adversaries might very well do it.
Lamm said in an interview that this is why the venture has employed the help of the American Humane Society. Based in Texas, Warhound will operate under the guidance of the American Humane Society which will certify its training programs and support the reunification of retired military working dogs with their former handlers and adoption protocols.
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