Warhound, a startup emerging from stealth, announced a $200 million funding round led by investors including In-Q-Tel, Sequoia, and 8VC, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. Founded by Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril, Warhound focuses on genetically engineering working dogs for the U.S. military, law enforcement, and emergency response teams.
The company aims to address the shortage and reliance on foreign sources for military working dogs, noting that over 80% of such dogs used by the U.S. military are imported from Europe, with less than half meeting fitness standards. Warhound plans to enhance key breeds like Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds by editing their genes to improve health, longevity, speed, agility, and sensory capabilities such as olfaction.
Colossal Biosciences will apply its gene editing and cloning expertise, leveraging cell lines stored in a biobank to create dogs with optimized traits. The first genetically engineered dogs are expected to be cloned and born early next year, with deployment anticipated within two years. Viagen, a Colossal-owned company specializing in cloning technology, is partnering with Warhound to support this process.
Complementing the genetic enhancements, Anduril will supply hardware and software solutions, including protective vests equipped with data sensors and eye goggles designed to enhance situational awareness and coordination between dogs and handlers. These technologies aim to improve safety and operational effectiveness without altering the dogs’ genetics.
Warhound has briefed multiple government agencies and plans to market its dogs to military, law enforcement, and first responder organizations. The company is collaborating with the American Humane Society to certify its training programs and ensure responsible deployment. Retired dogs are expected to be integrated into programs like the Military Working Dog Reunification Program to provide them with homes after service.
Ben Lamm emphasized that these genetically enhanced dogs will undergo standard military training and be managed by their respective handlers, ensuring operational control and safety. Palmer Luckey serves as a partner without equity ownership, while Colossal holds the company’s equity and licenses its technology to Warhound.