Warhound, a startup developing genetically engineered working dogs for the military, police and emergency response teams, has raised $200 million in funding as it emerges from stealth. The funding round included investors such as In-Q-Tel, Sequoia and 8VC, valuing the company at $1.2 billion.
The company was founded by Ben Lamm, co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, and Palmer Luckey, co-founder of defence technology company Anduril. Warhound aims to develop working dogs that can perform dangerous tasks, including bomb detection, search operations and other specialised missions.
According to the company, more than 80% of working dogs used by the U.S. military come from Europe, while fewer than half of the dogs sourced are considered fit for service. Warhound aims to address this supply challenge by developing dogs with improved health, strength and mission-specific abilities.
The startup plans to use genetic engineering technology to improve traits such as speed, agility, longevity and the ability to detect explosives. Its team is studying leading working dog breeds, including Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, to identify genetic traits that could improve performance.
Warhound will also work with Anduril to develop technology for working dogs and their handlers. This could include protective vests, goggles and sensor-equipped equipment that helps handlers monitor situations and coordinate operations more effectively.
The company believes that combining genetic improvements with protective equipment and technology could make working dogs safer and more effective during missions.
Colossal Biosciences, known for its work on de-extinction projects involving animals such as the dodo and woolly mammoth, owns equity in Warhound and is licensing its technology to support the startup. Luckey is a partner in the business but does not hold equity in the company, according to Lamm.
Warhound plans to begin with cloned dogs, with the first batch expected to be born in early 2027. Colossal-owned cloning company ViaGen is partnering with Warhound on the project. The startup hopes to have the dogs enter service within the following two years.
Warhound expects to sell its dogs to customers such as the U.S. Department of Defense, military organisations, police forces and first responders. The company has not yet announced its pricing.
It is also working with the American Humane Society on the certification of its training programme. Warhound said it hopes retired dogs will be able to enter existing programmes that help former military working dogs find homes.
