Summary:
1789 Capital, co-founded by Omeed Malik with Donald Trump Jr. as a partner, invested in defense startups Vulcan Elements and Hadrian.
Vulcan Elements produces rare-earth magnets for military use and raised $65 million in Series A funding, with over $2.5 million in Defense contracts.
Hadrian is building automated factories for aerospace and defense, with a $260 million Series C round involving Peter Thiel's Founders Fund.
These investments align with increased US defense spending under the Trump administration and growing Silicon Valley interest in military tech.
1789's portfolio under 'American Exceptionalism' includes xAI, Neuralink, and Polymarket, emphasizing strategic national interests.
Omeed Malik's 1789 Capital, with Donald Trump Jr. as a partner, has recently invested in two defense technology startups, capitalizing on increased government spending on national security under the Trump administration.
In recent weeks, 1789 Capital invested in Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina-based maker of powerful rare-earth magnets used in drones, radar systems, and other military applications. This investment, part of Vulcan's $65 million Series A round led by Altimeter Capital, was not previously disclosed. Vulcan has secured over $2.5 million in Defense Department contracts, highlighting its strategic importance.
Additionally, 1789 took a stake in Hadrian, a company building automated factories for aerospace and defense manufacturers. Hadrian's CEO, Chris Power, announced this on X last month. 1789 participated in Hadrian's $260 million Series C funding round, led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and Lux Capital, with a new factory in Arizona set to open by late 2025.
These moves deepen 1789's involvement in the military supply chain, following earlier investments like in Anduril Industries. They reflect a broader trend of Silicon Valley money flowing into defense hardware and technology, driven by government contracts and legislative increases in defense spending.
Under the theme of 'American Exceptionalism', 1789's portfolio includes diverse companies such as Elon Musk's xAI and Neuralink, Happy Dad hard seltzer, the Enhanced Games, and an increased stake in prediction site Polymarket.
Rare-earth magnets have become a focal point due to trade tensions with China, a key supplier, which cut off access amid tariff disputes. This underscores the strategic value of investments like those in Vulcan Elements.
A representative for 1789 did not respond to requests for comment, and spokespeople for Vulcan and Hadrian declined or did not immediately comment.
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