AI and Defense: Startups Shaping the Future

Explore the dynamic world of AI and defense tech startups as Anthropic challenges OpenAI with massive fundraises, and former DeepMind employees launch a new venture focused on AI protein design. Discover how Draper University is transforming startup education in Silicon Valley, and learn about European defense tech startups like ARX Robotics, which are innovating in response to rising military budgets. This episode offers insights into the strategic maneuvers and innovations driving the future of technology and global security.

Sources:
https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2025/ai-startups-anthropic-nears-openai-in-fundraises-but-lags-far-behind-in-adoption/
https://www.statnews.com/2025/02/12/former-deepmind-staffers-launch-ai-protein-deisgn-startup/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2025/02/12/building-the-largest-startup-residency-in-silicon-valley-the-growth-of-draperu/78468409007/
https://fortune.com/europe/2025/02/12/war-european-defense-tech-startups-military-budgets-ukraine-robots/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:40) AI Startups: Anthropic Nears OpenAI in Fundraises but Lags Far Behind in Adoption
(00:04:15) With $40 million, former DeepMind employees launch startup 'laser-focused' on AI protein design
(00:06:51) Building the Largest Startup Residency in Silicon Valley: The Growth of DraperU
(00:09:58) With war on their doorstep, European defense tech startups are gunning for a slice of growing military budgets