EdgeRunner AI is a Seattle, WA-based developer of a generative AI platform designed for domain-specific AI for the warfighter, defense community, and regulated enterprises. The company offers a platform for on-device AI agents, ensuring data privacy, security, and performance across various hardware platforms. Thus, it enables defense professionals and regulated enterprises to enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding sensitive data.
EdgeRunner AI was funded $12 million, led by Madrona Ventures, with participation from seed lead Four Rivers Ventures. New angel investors HP Tech Ventures and Alumni Ventures joined, bringing the total funding to $17.5M. Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona Ventures, will join EdgeRunner AI’s board of directors.
The new funding will accelerate the deployment of EdgeRunner’s “edge AI” systems—tools that run advanced machine learning models on local hardware, eliminating reliance on cloud computing or constant connectivity.
At its core, EdgeRunner is solving a problem that’s long plagued defense and tactical operations: how to run robust AI systems in environments where internet access is unreliable or nonexistent.
Edge AI refers to artificial intelligence that runs on devices rather than in distant data centers. This allows for real-time decision-making in the field, whether it’s identifying threats via drone footage, parsing local radio chatter, or guiding autonomous ground vehicles—all without a data uplink.
EdgeRunner’s hardware and software stack is designed for these harsh, bandwidth-constrained conditions. The company’s flagship product, Praetorian, is a compact, ruggedized AI module that can be mounted on drones or vehicles or carried by soldiers. It runs large language models (LLMs) and vision systems directly on-device, allowing for autonomous sensor data analysis and instant recommendations.
Until now, most military AI has relied heavily on cloud infrastructure or large server deployments, often far from the field. EdgeRunner is flipping that model. Its edge devices process data locally, improving speed and reliability and adding a layer of operational security by keeping sensitive data off networks.
The U.S. Department of Defense has already shown interest. EdgeRunner is currently piloting its systems with several defense agencies under small-scale contracts, and Schiavo said the company is actively expanding these partnerships.
While the initial focus is defense, EdgeRunner sees potential for its tech in disaster response, border security, and even space missions—any scenario where latency is critical and connectivity can’t be guaranteed.
The $12 million injection will help EdgeRunner double its engineering team, expand its testing programs, and refine its product suite. According to Red Cell Partners, the investment is not just about a promising startup—it’s about reshaping the way critical AI systems are deployed.
As the Pentagon and allied forces look to modernize their tactical capabilities, companies like EdgeRunner may be the key to unlocking battlefield-ready AI without a signal to function.
EdgeRunner’s funding marks a significant vote of confidence in the future of offline AI. With battlefields, borders, and crisis zones growing more complex, the ability to bring high-performance AI to the edge isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative.
By: K. Tagura
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