Startup Warhound Raises $200 Million to Breed Gene-Edited Dogs for the US Military

A new startup called Warhound has secured $200 million in funding with the aim of genetically engineering dogs for the US military and equipping them with advanced gear. The venture is a joint effort involving Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences and Palmer Luckey of Anduril.

Lamm told Wired that the company has already begun editing the genes of cell samples taken from its first group of donor dogs. Those samples came from top-performing military, police and first responder dogs across the United States, mostly Belgian Malinois, along with some labradors and shepherds. The plan is for scientists working for Colossal to modify the animals' genes and then clone them.

The initial research will concentrate on lowering the odds that the dogs develop health problems common to their breeds, including hip dysplasia and certain cancers. Lamm suggested to TechCrunch that further enhancements could follow. Additional genetic changes might make the animals faster and more agile, or sharpen their sense of smell.

Both founders come with high-profile track records. Luckey founded Oculus VR and designed the Oculus Rift headset. His defense company, Anduril, partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to develop artificial intelligence for the Pentagon, and it has more recently won a US Army contract to build the service's next-generation battlefield intelligence system alongside Palantir. Lamm's Colossal Biosciences is behind several "de-extinction" efforts, including one that claims to have revived the dire wolf and another that seeks to bring back the woolly mammoth.

Anduril's role is focused on equipment rather than biology. Warhound does not appear to be planning cyborg dogs, at least for now. Instead, Anduril will design tools and the software that runs them, intended to protect the animals while they work. Examples include goggles, vests and body armor.

The ownership structure is somewhat distinct from the partnership's public profile. Luckey is a partner in the business, but neither he nor Anduril holds a stake in the startup. Colossal Biosciences does have equity, and Lamm sits on the company's board. David Spirk, who most recently worked at Palantir, is the CEO.

Warhound expects the first batch of its genetically engineered dogs to be born in early 2027. The animals will be trained for the kinds of jobs working dogs already perform, such as detecting bombs and assisting in search-and-rescue operations.