Defense Unicorns Secures $15 Million Funding Boost from U.S. Space Force

Insider Brief:

• Defense Unicorns has received a $15 million funding increase from the U.S. Space Force Strategic Funding Initiative (STRATFI) to update launch IT systems and software applications.
• Defense Unicorns’ open-source technologies offer a comprehensive Unicorn Delivery Service (UDS) solution, facilitating the accelerated delivery of software and AI capabilities to diverse environments.
• Image credit: Defense Unicorns

Defense Unicorns, a veteran-owned startup specializing in open-source software and Artificial Intelligence (AI), has announced a $15 million contract from the U.S. Space Force Strategic Funding Initiative (STRATFI) to update the nation’s launch IT systems and software applications. This partnership, forged with the Program Executive Office Assured Access to Space (AATS), marks a pivotal moment in bolstering the nation’s space launch capacity and meeting the burgeoning demand for both federal and commercial launch operations.

Jeff McCoy, Co-Founder of Defense Unicorns, emphasized the critical need for rethinking secure access to space in light of escalating launch demands. He stated, “The launch capacity of the nation continues to skyrocket. To hit this demand, the nation needs to rethink how we manage our secure access to space.” McCoy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the nation’s space capabilities through collaboration with the Space Force.

STRATFI, designed to support promising small businesses with innovative technologies, has recognized Defense Unicorns’ potential to deliver strategic capabilities to the United States Air and Space Force. Major Jason Lowery, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the Assured Access to Space PEO, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in keeping pace with the rapid expansion of the US launch industry.

Defense Unicorns’ open-source technologies offer a comprehensive Unicorn Delivery Service (UDS) solution, facilitating the accelerated delivery of software and AI capabilities to diverse environments. Addressing unique challenges in software delivery for national security, such as cyber security compliance and integration at scale, the UDS empowers mission operators to deploy secure software seamlessly, regardless of their mission environment.

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