Modern Intelligence

High-Level Overview

Modern Intelligence is an Austin, Texas-based AI company founded in 2020 (with some sources noting 2021), specializing in defense-grade artificial intelligence for high-fidelity target analysis and decision-making using minimal data.[1][2][5] It builds the Cutlass AI platform, a software product that processes sensor data in real-time from any hardware—such as UXS, ships, planes, or command posts (COPs)—to detect, track, and share non-proprietary target tracks, acting as a distributed "red force tracker" for U.S. warfighters.[4][5] Serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and related entities like SOCOM, ONR, JIATF-S, NSW, NGA, and USAF, it solves critical problems in domain awareness, maritime operations, vessel detection, and breaking data silos across legacy, current, and future systems.[1][3][4] The company has raised over $12M in VC funding (including a $5M Seed VC round) from investors like Bedrock, Caffeinated, Contrary, Air Street, and Champion Hill, with a team of 14 demonstrating strong early momentum through government sponsorships, TS FCL clearance, and testing in simulated INDOPACOM and SOUTHCOM missions.[2][4]

Origin Story

Modern Intelligence emerged from the vision of founders John Dulin (investment and software engineer), Joe Cieslik (developer and former CEO of Whiteboard Dynamics), and Tristan Tager (AI scientist and mathematician), who launched the company in 2020 in Austin, Texas.[1] Previously known as Dulin Defense, it pivoted to focus on proprietary advances in information and complexity theory to accelerate AI adoption in defense, addressing gaps in real-time sensor processing for warfighters.[1][2] Early traction came from developing Cutlass, tested with key DOD partners like ONR and USAF, achieving >90% accuracy in vessel detection using FLIR and earning praise for unique re-identification capabilities in maritime environments.[4][5] This hands-on validation, combined with $12M+ in funding and SOCOM sponsorship, marked pivotal moments propelling its growth.[4]

Core Differentiators

• Minimal Data Efficiency: Delivers high-fidelity target analysis and decision-making with "tiny data samples, not thousands," enabling superior insight on edge devices without massive datasets.[2][5]
• Hardware and Software Agnostic: Plug-and-play integration with any sensors, platforms (UXS, ships, planes, COPs), legacy systems, or future R&D hardware, via open API for real-time, shareable tracks.[3][4][5]
• Advanced Target Capabilities: Detects, tracks, remembers, and re-identifies novel targets (e.g., vessels, weapons, threats) across time and platforms; breaks data silos; spoof detection (e.g., satellite AIS); tested at >90% accuracy.[4][5]
• Proven Real-World Edge: Runs on the edge for autonomy, commanders, and weapons; validated in DOD missions with quotes like "a class above any partner" and "significant improvements over other capabilities."[4][5]
• Team and Security: 14-person team of top talent doing cutting-edge research; TS FCL cleared and SOCOM-sponsored for secure defense delivery.[3][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Modern Intelligence rides the wave of AI-driven defense modernization, where surging geopolitical tensions (e.g., INDOPACOM, SOUTHCOM) demand real-time sensor fusion amid data explosion from diverse DOD assets.[1][4] Timing is ideal as U.S. military invests heavily in edge AI to counter adversaries' drone swarms, spoofing, and asymmetric threats, with Cutlass enabling "distributed red force tracking" that unifies siloed sensors— a market force amplified by commercial AI spillovers into classified ops.[3][4][5] It influences the ecosystem by setting a "new standard" for defense AI, fostering interoperability across branches and allies, while attracting VC into dual-use tech; competitors like Accrete and Equitus focus on broader enterprise/gov AI, but Modern's defense-specific, minimal-data edge carves a niche in a sector projected for exponential growth.[1]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Modern Intelligence is poised to scale Cutlass across more DOD platforms, leveraging its $12M+ funding and sponsorships to secure prime contracts and expand to acoustic/satellite "sandwich" detection for full-spectrum maritime dominance.[4][5] Trends like autonomous swarms, JADC2 integration, and AI ethics in warfare will shape its path, potentially evolving it into a cornerstone of U.S. battlespace awareness with international export potential.[3][4] As defense AI funding surges, its minimal-data innovation could redefine operational confidence for warfighters, cementing its role from startup to indispensable ecosystem player—empowering the modern warfighter with unmatched speed and accuracy.[5]