14 cutting edge tech firms funded by the CIA
Larry Downing/REUTERS
In-Q-Tel (named after "Q" in the James Bond films) invests in companies that can deliver useful technology to the intelligence community within 36 months. But since it's structured as an independent, non-profit organization, it's rather unique: It's a VC firm that doesn't really need to make money back for outside investors, and it can tap into the deep pockets of the intelligence "black budget."
Its involvement in a startup is also a stamp-of-approval of sorts, often bringing in more money from other VC firms, to the tune of $11-$15 for every dollar the CIA kicks in. In-Q-Tel typically does not disclose the amount it invests, thought a Washington Post story from 2005 says the funding is often relatively small $500,000 to $2 million investments.
Here are some of the cutting edge companies the CIA has found useful.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Vodafone Idea FPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP and more
- Supreme Court expands Patanjali misleading ads hearing to include FMCG companies
- Reliance Industries wins govt nod for additional investment to raise KG-D6 gas output
- Best smartphones under ₹25,000 in India
- RCRS Innovations files draft papers with NSE Emerge to raise funds via IPO
- India leads in GenAI adoption, investment trends likely to rise in coming years: Report