Spear AI, a Washington, D.C.-based developer of maritime artificial intelligence solutions, has secured a seed funding round.
Investors
The round was led by Scare The Bear Capital and Cortical Ventures.
Scare The Bear Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Falls Church, Virginia. It focuses on making minority or growth-stage investments in small, founder-led businesses. It helps them show the strength and maturity of mid-to-large-sized companies.
Cortical Ventures is a San Francisco–based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021. With a $50 million inaugural fund, the firm focuses on investing in AI-native startups at the pre-seed to Series A stages, particularly in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and data platforms.
Spear AI Use of Funds
The company will use the funds to expand its product portfolio, scale its Horizon platform, grow its maritime sensor capabilities, and broaden its expert services in data and AI.
About Spear AI
Founded in 2021, Spear AI designs and delivers advanced artificial intelligence solutions that integrate seamlessly with maritime sensors, defense platforms, and edge computing environments. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Falmouth, MA, and Groton, CT, Spear AI develops modular AI application software such as the Horizon platform and affordable maritime sensors engineered for rapid deployment and high-tempo operations. In parallel, the company provides specialized technical services, including AI strategy development, data pipeline design, algorithm development, and operational integration, supporting clients in building and sustaining cutting-edge AI capabilities.
Funding Details
Company: Spear AI
Raised: Undisclosed
Round: Seed
Funding Date: July 2025
Lead Investors: Scare The Bear Capital, Cortical Ventures
Additional Investors:
Company Website: https://spear.ai/
Software Category: Maritime Artificial Intelligence / Defense Tech
Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spear-ai-secures-seed-funding-from-scare-the-bear-capital-and-cortical-ventures-to-accelerate-maritime-ai-solutions-and-expand-technical-services-302514158.html