Last Updated: 1 May 2025
EdgeRunner AI, a startup building mission-specific, on-device AI for defense and enterprise, has closed a $12 million Series A round led by Madrona Ventures. The round also saw participation from HP Tech Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Four Rivers Ventures—who previously led EdgeRunner's $5.5 million seed round in June 2024. With this new funding, EdgeRunner’s total capital raised reaches $17.5 million.
Madrona’s Matt McIlwain will join the company’s board of directors, bringing deep experience in enterprise and defense-focused AI investments.
EdgeRunner AI develops AI agents that operate air-gapped—meaning they run locally without requiring internet connectivity—specifically designed for mission-critical use cases. Its current focus is on providing personalized AI assistants tailored to military roles, such as logistics or maintenance. These tools aim to give warfighters real-time, context-aware support even in disconnected or degraded environments.
"Our mission is to build domain-specific AI agents that increase the probability of our warfighters winning the fight and bringing them home."
Tyler Saltsman, Co-Founder & CEO at EdgeRunner AI
EdgeRunner’s platform runs multiple open-source large language models locally on devices like AI PCs or edge computing hardware. It supports functions such as chat, transcription, language translation, summarization, code generation, and more. Integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Outlook, and Google Workspace further extend its utility in real-world scenarios.
The new funding will enable EdgeRunner to expand its team and continue developing its core platform. A key priority is deepening capabilities for military occupational roles through specialized AI adapters that improve accuracy and relevance.
"With this new funding, we will grow our team, invest in product development, and execute on our vision."
Tyler Saltsman
The company is also investing in readiness for large-scale government partnerships. Earlier this year, EdgeRunner signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to create specialized AI agents for Air Force operational roles.
Founded by Tyler Saltsman and Colton Malkerson—both of whom have experience in the U.S. military and AI leadership roles at AWS—EdgeRunner combines domain understanding with technical capability. The leadership team aims to close the gap between defense needs and AI usability in the field.
“Madrona has been a partner to us since day one and we’re thrilled they are leading our Series A. We’re fortunate to have Matt McIlwain join our board as he brings deep industry experience that will help take EdgeRunner to the next level.”
Colton Malkerson, Co-Founder & COO at EdgeRunner AI
In addition to its military focus, the company is gaining attention in the broader tech landscape. It was recently named to CB Insights’ AI 100 list for 2025, recognizing high-potential startups in the artificial intelligence space.
EdgeRunner was recently approved as an “Awardable” vendor for the Department of Defense’s CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace. Its platform is now listed for use in critical missions across the DoD.
By operating in Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments, EdgeRunner’s platform provides a secure, energy-efficient, and reliable alternative to cloud-based systems—well-suited for defense, national security, and private sector applications.
