Powerlaw adds Shield AI, backer of $12.7B defense autonomy firm, to portfolio
What's the deal? Powerlaw Corp.Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (Nasdaq: PWRL), a publicly traded closed-end fund, has added defense autonomy company Shield AI as its newest holding and filed an updated Schedule of Investments with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as of June 30, 2026. The fund gives public investors indirect exposure to Shield AI through a special purpose vehicle.
Why now? Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software moved from a development program into a funded US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft production award in June 2026. The company raised $1.5 billion in Series G funding at a $12.7 billion post-money valuation in March 2026.
By the numbers: Shield AI reported $300 million in revenue in 2025 and has guided to more than $540 million in 2026 — growth of over 80%. Its Hivemind software has been deployed in combat since 2018 and has flown 26 vehicle classes.
What's the endgame? Powerlaw uses special purpose vehicles and other structures to offer public investors a mix of indirect and direct exposure to leading private technology companies. The updated filing details all holdings, valuations, and asset allocations at the close of the second quarter.
What they're saying: "We are on a mission to provide an opportunity for public investors to participate in the value creation that these future leaders are building in the historically exclusive private markets," said Mike DinsdaleDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, chief executive officer of Powerlaw Corp.Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →
The signal: Powerlaw's bet reflects growing interest in tapping private-market value through public vehicles, particularly in physical AI and autonomous defense systems — categories where much of the value is created while companies stay private, out of reach for most investors.
Read more: Minyanville
Image credit: Powerlaw Capital Group
