Launchpad Build AI has opened its US headquarters in El Segundo and launched what it calls the world's first Manufacturing Language Model after raising $11 million in Series A funding. The company, formerly known as Launchpad Build, has rebranded to reflect its greater emphasis on artificial intelligence. Founded in 2020, the robotics firm operates from El Segundo and Edinburgh with deployments across the US and Europe. The new AI model works from photos, videos or CAD inputs to help factories develop automation systems, targeting high-mix, low-volume manufacturers. The company has appointed Ken Moynihan as chief technology officer and Yannis Georgas as head of Manufacturing Language Model. Series A investors included Lavrock Ventures, Squadra Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures and Scottish National Investment Bank.

Defense tech startup CX2, co-founded by Nathan Mintz and Porter Smith, announced a $31M Series A funding round in May 2023. The round was led by Point72 Ventures, with participation from new investors like Upfront Ventures, Pax Ventures, and 201 Ventures, as well as existing investors Andreessen Horowitz and 8VC. CX2 focuses on electronic warfare systems, aligning with the evolving nature of warfare, as seen in the Ukraine conflict.