AI defence tech startup Arondite secures $12M to connect autonomous systems at scale

Whether deployed on a battlefield or across public infrastructure, the modern defence landscape now depends on networks of drones, robots and smart sensors. Yet these systems are often fragmented, sourced from different manufacturers and unable to communicate effectively. Arondite addresses this gap with a platform that serves as connective tissue-linking disparate hardware through a single interface and giving decision-makers real-time insight without compromising safety or command.
AI defence technology startup Arondite has raised $12M to connect autonomous defence systems through AI, enhancing safety and operational control. Based in London, the company was founded by British defence experts focused on building scalable “human-machine teaming” solutions.
The Seed funding round was led by global VC firmIndex Ventures, contributing $10M. It follows an earlier, previously undisclosed $2.25M pre-Seed round led byConcept VenturesandCreator Fund,bringing total capital raised to over $12M. The backing reflects growing confidence in Arondite’s ability to modernise AI defence integration for militaries and security teams.
Index Ventures, known for backing companies such as Aurora, Discord, and Deliveroo, sees transformative potential in Arondite’s approach.Hannah Seal, Partner at Index Ventures, said: “We’re thrilled to support Will and Rob on their journey to enable true human-machine teaming in the autonomous age. With their rare combination of real-world experience, technical expertise and startup acumen, they are uniquely equipped to change how people interact with robots while ensuring they safely retain control over critical decisions.”
Concept Ventures and Creator Fund have both championed early-stage deeptech and AI companies, with a focus on backing diverse, technically skilled founding teams. Their early belief in Arondite signals strong alignment with its long-term mission.
Arondite was founded by CEOWill Blyth, a former British Army Officer who later held roles at Palantir and AI defence firm Helsing, and CTORob Underhill, previously a lead engineer at BAE Systems and the Founding Engineer at Garrison Technology. The pair bring frontline military insight and advanced systems engineering to a sector that demands both.
The startup was born from Blyth’s direct experience in combat scenarios, where split-second access to accurate data can mean the difference between mission success and failure. “During my military career, having the right information at the right time was often a matter of life or death,” Blyth said. “Defence systems that don’t talk to each other make operations far more dangerous. My vision for Arondite was to create the software and AI tools to connect up defence hardware and give people working on the front lines the information, oversight and understanding they need to make use of machines and AI, without compromising safety and control.”
The platform is fully hardware-agnostic. Consequently, it supports devices from any vendor and combines them into one secure operating layer. In addition, it acts as a data engine. The system uses machine learning to process inputs and, in turn, generate insight for operators.
For example, early applications include minefield clearance and counter-intrusion defence. These tasks involve multiple machines working together under pressure. As a result, Arondite helps teams manage them more safely and efficiently.
Meanwhile, competitors like Anduril and Shield AI focus on building new autonomous hardware. In contrast, Arondite takes a different approach. Instead of replacing existing systems, it integrates what defence teams already use and improves coordination.
With the new funding, Arondite will grow its engineering and product teams. It plans to improve its interface and expand deployment across Europe. The company is also advancing its AI models to handle more complex decision-making.
Blyth concluded: “Defence organisations, governments and industry are increasingly relying on blends of autonomous systems. But current approaches to leveraging these complex webs of hardware and data aren’t keeping pace. That’s why Arondite’s ‘connective tissue’ approach is so vital right now. We need to offer teams new, scalable ways to work with machines. That’s the role we believe we can play in UK and European defence and security going forward.”