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Artificial intelligence continues to dominate global venture capital flows, but its rise is not occurring in isolation. According to recent Crunchbase data, funding growth is spreading into sectors that combine AI with physical systems or apply automation to complex, high-risk environments. Robotics, defense technology and cybersecurity are all seeing sharp increases in investment, reflecting a broader shift toward technologies that can operate reliably at scale, under real-world constraints.
One of the clearest examples is robotics. As AI capabilities mature, investors are increasingly backing systems that move beyond software and into the physical world. Venture funding for robotics reached nearly $14 billion last year, a 70% increase compared to 2024 and higher than even the peak levels seen in 2021. Much of this capital is flowing into platforms designed for general-purpose use, from industrial automation to human-like machines capable of working alongside people. Figure, which develops general-purpose robotic systems, raised $1 billion in a Series C round. Apptronik, focused on humanoid robotics, secured a combined $734 million across its Series A and B rounds, while Neuralink, which develops brain–computer interface technology with potential implications for human–machine interaction, raised $649 million in a Series E.
Defense technology is experiencing an even sharper acceleration. Total venture funding in the sector climbed to $8.5 billion last year, more than doubling year over year and marking a new high. This surge is driven by the growing demand for autonomous systems, sensor fusion and AI-enabled command and control. Anduril Industries, which builds autonomous defense platforms and AI-driven operational software, raised $2.5 billion in a Series G. Germany-based Helsing, which develops AI software for reconnaissance, targeting and autonomous systems across air, land and maritime domains, secured approximately $693 million. Saronic, specializing in unmanned surface vessels for maritime security and surveillance, raised $600 million.
From a homeland security and defense perspective, these technologies directly address modern operational challenges. Autonomous platforms, AI-assisted decision-making and networked systems reduce reliance on manpower, improve situational awareness and allow forces to operate effectively in contested or denied environments. Governments are increasingly prioritizing rapid deployment of such capabilities, a trend reinforced by major procurement initiatives and growing defense budgets.
Cybersecurity is also benefiting from the broader AI wave. Global investment in the sector exceeded $18 billion last year, up 26% year over year, with strong momentum at early stages. Cyera, which uses AI to provide data-centric security and compliance across cloud environments, raised $940 million across its Series E and F rounds. Identity security platform Saviynt secured $700 million in a KKR-led Series B, focusing on AI-driven access governance for human and non-human identities. Quantinuum, combining quantum computing with cybersecurity applications, raised $600 million in a Series B, while NinjaOne, an endpoint management and security platform, raised $500 million in a Series C.
Taken together, these funding trends point to a clear direction: investors are backing technologies that merge AI with hardware, autonomy and security, aiming to deliver systems that can function at scale in both civilian and defense environments.
