$200 million funds new genetically engineered war dogs

The startup Warhound has secured $200 million in fresh capital to begin engineering specialized dogs for defense and law enforcement sectors. This significant funding round values the company at $1.2 billion and brings in major backers such as Sequoia, 8VC, and In-Q-Tel. In-Q-Tel is a venture firm with ties to the Central Intelligence Agency and other U.S. intelligence agencies. Corner Ventures also joined the group of investors supporting this ambitious initiative.

The concept emerged from a partnership between Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril. Lamm notes that he met Luckey approximately one year ago at a conference where they discussed the state of military working dogs. Lamm subsequently researched breeding practices and identified issues like inherited health problems, including poor eyesight, cancer risks, and hip dysplasia. These conditions often prevent dogs from completing training or lasting in service. He believes genetic editing can address these flaws while enhancing traits like speed, agility, and olfactory sensitivity.

Currently, the United States relies heavily on foreign sources for its canine workforce. According to the company, more than 80 percent of military working dogs are imported from Europe. Additionally, less than half of these imported dogs are deemed fit for service. Warhound aims to reverse this trend by creating a domestic supply of high-performance animals. The team has collected cell lines from top breeds, specifically Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, and stored them in a biobank. They will use these cells to edit genes, adding beneficial traits and removing detrimental ones to produce a new type of working dog.

Anduril will provide the technological hardware for these animals. The company plans to equip the dogs with items such as protective vests and goggles. These tools will feature data sensors that send real-time information to human handlers. This setup is designed to improve situational awareness and coordination during dangerous operations. Lamm describes this approach as adding capabilities to the dog rather than modifying the animal internally. He argues that safer and healthier dogs will perform better in the line of duty while also protecting their human partners.

The first batch of engineered dogs is expected to be cloned and incubated soon. Births are anticipated in early 2027, with the goal of having the animals in service within two years. Viagen, a company owned by Colossal, will handle the cloning process. Lamm states that Viagen’s technology has a high success rate, a method already used in Colossal’s efforts to protect endangered species. The new dogs will be sold to first responders, the Department of Defense, military service groups, and police forces, though pricing has not yet been determined.

Warhound is working under the guidance of the American Humane Society to certify its training program. The organization aims to ensure the animals are treated humanely throughout their service lives. Upon retirement, these dogs are expected to enter the Society’s Military Working Dog Reunification Program or other available support programs. The American Humane Society stated that it looks forward to collaborating with Warhound and Colossal to ensure ethical and scientific standards are met for the animals in their care.