Published on May 30, 2026
Brandon Tseng co-founded Shield AI with his brother Ryan over a decade ago, inspired as a Navy SEAL officer. In the early years, the defense-tech landscape was largely overlooked, especially in Silicon Valley. Concerns over the ethical implications of autonomous weapons made it difficult to garner interest and investment.
However, in recent years, attitudes shifted dramatically as conflicts intensified. Shield AI now boasts a valuation of nearly $13 billion, with its autonomous drones deployed on battlefronts from Ukraine to the Middle East. Tseng finds himself navigating the complex moral landscape that accompanies the evolution of warfare powered .
The company’s flagship product, Hivemind, enables drones to operate independently, using advanced algorithms instead of relying on human input or GPS. Tseng’s vision has expanded, predicting a future where autonomous systems will outnumber humans. He sees this progression as an opportunity to fulfill critical military needs while also addressing broader societal challenges.
As Shield AI continues to innovate, questions about accountability and governance loom large. Tseng emphasizes the importance of aligning allies with U.S. values, asserting that collaboration can influence foreign military practices over time. The potential impact of their technology raises profound ethical considerations, making the path ahead as crucial as the technology itself.
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