In-Q-Tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is an independent, not-for-profit strategic investment firm established in 1999 by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Its mission is to bridge the gap between the technology needs of the U.S. intelligence and defense communities and the innovative capabilities of the private sector. IQT identifies startups led by visionary founders developing game-changing innovations in strategic technology areas, evaluates how these innovations can serve government missions, and helps adapt them for public-sector use while supporting the companies' commercial success. From its origins as a U.S.-centric organization focused on information technology, IQT has grown into a global investment platform. It invests in frontier technology domains including artificial intelligence, space systems, biotechnology, microelectronics, and many others. The firm has delivered significant mission impact for more than a quarter century, accelerating the transition of groundbreaking technologies from the private to the public sector to advance the national security and economic prosperity of America and its allies. IQT operates as a strategic investor and technology accelerator rather than a traditional venture capital fund. It works with a range of government partners and has expanded its partnerships over time, adding the U.S. Space Force as a partner in 2024. The organization is led by CEO Steve Bowsher, who became President and CEO in 2023, and a team of executives with expertise spanning technical, operational, investment, and program management domains. As a not-for-profit entity, IQT is not publicly traded and does not operate for profit maximization. Its unique model combines venture investing with mission-driven technology transition, making it a distinctive player in the national security innovation ecosystem. IQT closed its 800th investment in 2025, a milestone in its mission to invest in global innovation to secure the nation.

In-Q-Tel was conceived in 1998 and formally established in 1999 by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an independent, not-for-profit strategic investment firm. Its founding purpose was to leverage one of America's greatest strengths—the innovation engine of the private sector—to bridge the gap between the technology needs of the intelligence and defense communities and the innovative capabilities of private companies. From its origins as a U.S.-centric organization focused on information technology, IQT has grown into a global investment platform. Over its first quarter century, IQT built unparalleled expertise in helping startups adapt their highly innovative products in ways that both maximize mission impact for government partners and enhance the companies' commercial success. The organization expanded its focus beyond information technology into frontier domains such as space systems, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and microelectronics. Key milestones include: in 2023, Steve Bowsher became President and CEO, and IQT opened new offices; in 2024, IQT celebrated 25 years since its inception and added the U.S. Space Force as a new partner; and in 2025, IQT closed its 800th investment, a monumental achievement in its mission to invest in global innovation to secure the nation. Throughout its history, IQT has remained an independent, not-for-profit entity, not publicly traded, and dedicated to advancing the national security and economic prosperity of America and its allies.

• 2025

  IQT closes its 800th investment

• 2024

  IQT celebrates 25 years since inception and adds U.S. Space Force as a new partner

• 2023

  Steve Bowsher becomes President and CEO; IQT opens new offices

• 1999

  Formation of In-Q-Tel by the CIA as an independent, not-for-profit strategic investment firm

• 1998

  Ideation of In-Q-Tel

The most trusted leader in accelerating the transition of groundbreaking technologies from the private to the public sector to advance the national security and economic prosperity of America and its allies.

Product categories. Strategic venture investments · Technology transition support · Government partnership facilitation

• 2026.10.22

  Reported2026.10.22

  Warhound raises $200 million seed round[5]Warhound完成2亿美元种子轮融资prnewswire.com

  Warhound emerged from stealth with a $200 million seed round. The source identifies In-Q-Tel, Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Franklin Templeton, 8VC, USIT, Bob Nelsen, Breyer Capital, CAZ Investments, Neogenesis, Builders VC and Lux Capital among its backers.

• 2026.10.01

  Reported2026.10.01

  Armadin raises $255.5M Series B at over $2.5B valuation[6]Armadin以逾25亿美元估值完成2.555亿美元B轮融资techcrunch.com

  Armadin, the agent-swarm security startup founded by Kevin Mandia, announced on Thursday (2026-10-01) that it raised $255.5 million in a Series B round at a valuation of more than $2.5 billion. The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, with Bain Capital Ventures, Redpoint, 8VC, Ballistic Ventures, Google Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Kleiner Perkins, and Menlo Ventures joining in.

  Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.

• 2021.11.16

  Reported2021.11.16

  Fleet Space Technologies secures $26.4 million in Series B funding[7]Fleet Space Technologies获得2640万美元B轮融资prnewswire.com

  Fleet Space Technologies secured $26.4 million in Series B funding, valuing the company at $126 million. The round included follow-on investment from Artesian Venture Partners, Blackbird Ventures, Grok and Horizons Ventures, alongside commitments from new investors.

• 2021.05.27

  Xanadu raises US$100 million in Series B financing[8]Xanadu 获得 1 亿美元 B 轮融资optics.org

  Xanadu raised US$100 million in Series B financing, with Bessemer Venture Partners leading the round and several other investors participating.

• 2020.04.06

  Reported2020.04.06

  Myriota announces $19.3 million Series B funding[9]Myriota宣布获得1,930万美元B轮融资ibtimes.com.au

  Myriota announced a $19.3 million Series B funding round led by Hostplus and Main Sequence Ventures, with additional investors including In-Q-Tel, Right Click Capital, Singtel Innov8, Boeing HorizonX and South Australian Venture Capital Fund. The company said the funding would support further growth, including scaling its satellite network.

• 2019.11.26

  Reported2019.11.26

  Kasada closes $7 million Series A round[10]Kasada完成700万美元A轮融资prnewswire.com

  Kasada announced that it had closed a $7 million Series A round, which included funding from new investor In-Q-Tel.

Read more

1. 1IQTiqt.org
2. 2IQT | About | Our Historyiqt.org
3. 3IQT | About | Our Teamiqt.org
4. 4IQT | About | Our Milestonesiqt.org
5. 5Warhound完成2亿美元种子轮融资prnewswire.com
6. 6Armadin以逾25亿美元估值完成2.555亿美元B轮融资techcrunch.com
7. 7Fleet Space Technologies获得2640万美元B轮融资prnewswire.com
8. 8Xanadu 获得 1 亿美元 B 轮融资optics.org
9. 9Myriota宣布获得1,930万美元B轮融资ibtimes.com.au
10. 10Kasada完成700万美元A轮融资prnewswire.com