Ares Industries, Y Combinator’s inaugural defense startup, officially launched earlier this week.
In a recent post on the YC website, Ares Industries detailed their mission to develop affordable cruise missiles that can be integrated with existing launch systems, aiming to provide the Department of Defense with advanced capabilities at a fraction of the size and cost.
Founded by Devan Plantamura and Alex Tseng, Ares Industries has conducted successful prototype tests in the Mojave Desert and aims to supply operational missile systems to their initial clients by mid-2025.
Plantamura and Tseng emphasized their commitment to supporting the US defense infrastructure by offering innovative anti-ship cruise missile solutions to help address national security concerns and contribute to global peacekeeping efforts.
According to YC partner Jared Friedman, the incubator has been actively seeking defense technology startups since earlier this year, marking a departure from the traditional Silicon Valley focus on consumer tech.
Notably, YC’s CEO Garry Tan has ties to successful defense technology company Palantir, which has gained recognition for its government collaborations. Palantir CEO Alex Karp has stood by the company’s commitment to Western values despite facing criticism for its controversial projects.
