Chariot Defense, a technology firm specializing in advanced battlefield power systems, has successfully closed a $34 million Series A funding round. The investment, led by Andreessen Horowitz, elevates the company's total capital raised to $41 million. This infusion of funds is set to accelerate the company's mission to solve the critical power constraints facing modern military operations, ensuring energy is never a limiting factor on the battlefield.
Addressing a Critical Battlefield Constraint
As warfare becomes increasingly reliant on electronic systems like drones, sensors, and communication tools, power has emerged as a significant vulnerability. Traditional power sources, such as diesel generators, are often inefficient, noisy, and produce detectable heat signatures, putting warfighters at risk. Chariot Defense was founded to address this challenge by creating a modern, resilient, and intelligent power infrastructure for the tactical edge.
The company's core solution is the Amphora platform, a deployable, software-defined power layer that intelligently manages energy. It senses the needs of mission-critical systems, prioritizing and routing power in real time to avoid interruption or wasted capacity. This approach enhances warfighter survivability and lethality by providing ubiquitous, dependable power with a minimal operational signature, a crucial advantage in contested environments.
Strategic Investment to Fuel Growth
The Series A round saw participation from a strong syndicate of new and existing investors, including DCVC, General Catalyst, and XYZ Venture Capital. This capital will be instrumental in scaling the production of Chariot's Amphora product line to meet rapidly growing demand. The company also plans to develop a sophisticated operating system for the command and control of electric power and significantly expand its engineering team.
Erin Price-Wright, General Partner at lead investor Andreessen Horowitz, highlighted the company's strategic importance in bridging a critical technology gap. She noted that Chariot is bringing commercial power innovations directly into national security to build the software-defined backbone modern military systems require. This investment reflects a belief that energy, speed, and adaptability will define the future of defense, with Chariot leading the charge.
Rapid Traction and Proven Field Performance
Since launching from stealth just six months ago, Chariot Defense has demonstrated remarkable momentum, moving from concept to revenue within a year. The company quickly advanced its technology from prototypes to deployment in demanding force-on-force military exercises. This rapid iteration and fielding have resulted in sales and contracts with the U.S. Army, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and commercial customers.
The Amphora product line includes the portable Amphora 24 and the larger Amphora 400, designed to power everything from sensors to command-and-control systems. CEO Adam Warmoth emphasized that the technology is shifting military planning from a focus on "gallons" to the "primacy of the kilowatt-hour." This fundamental change allows for more effective use of electronic systems, turning fuel directly into battlefield effects.
This $34 million investment marks a significant milestone for Chariot Defense, validating its innovative approach to solving one of the most pressing challenges in modern warfare. With strong backing and proven technology already in the field, the company is well-positioned to scale its operations and redefine the power infrastructure for the U.S. military and its allies. Chariot's continued growth will be pivotal in ensuring that future forces are powered for success in any environment.