Warhound Secures $200 Million to Build Genetically Advanced Military Dogs

Warhound, a new venture developing genetically engineered canines for military and law enforcement use, emerged from stealth on Thursday with $200 million in funding. The round, which values the company at $1.2 billion, includes investors such as Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, a venture firm backed by the CIA and other U.S. intelligence agencies. The company is a joint effort between Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril.

The venture aims to address a critical shortage of qualified working dogs within the United States. According to the company's launch announcement, over 80% of the U.S. military's working dogs are imported from Europe, yet fewer than half of those animals ultimately meet the requirements for service. Warhound intends to alter this dynamic by engineering animals specifically suited for demanding missions.

Lamm explained that the initiative began roughly a year ago following a conversation with Luckey regarding military working dogs. Subsequent research into breeding practices revealed that many candidates fail to complete training due to inherited health issues, including poor eyesight, cancer, hip dysplasia, or muscle atrophy. To counter this, the team has analyzed top-performing breeds, specifically the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, and established a biobank of cell lines from them.

From these stored cells, the company plans to edit genetic material to enhance physical capabilities such as speed, agility, and olfactory senses for bomb detection. Lamm stated that the objective is to create "a new type of dog" with improved health and longevity. In tandem with genetic modifications, Anduril will supply protective equipment and software, including vests and goggles, intended to boost situational awareness for both the animals and their handlers.

Regarding the timeline, Lamm indicated that the first batch of dogs is currently being cloned and incubated, with births anticipated early next year. The company expects the dogs to begin service duties within two years. Viagen, a company owned by Colossal, will partner with Warhound to handle the cloning process, utilizing technology that Lamm noted has a high success rate and is already used in endangered species protection programs.

While specific pricing has not been determined, Warhound plans to sell to first responders, the Department of Defense, military service groups, and police forces. Lamm stated the company has briefed various government groups regarding the business. Furthermore, the organization is collaborating with the American Humane Society to certify training programs. A spokesperson for the Society said, “We applaud Warhound and Colossal for inviting the country’s first national humane organization, which is grounded in science and ethics, to have a seat at the table.”