In-Q-Tel

CIA-backed strategic investor — national-security technology

Strategic/CVC Strategic Non-Profit 📍 Arlington, VA Founded 1999

AUM

Not Disclosed

Strategic / Balance-Sheet

PRIVATE

In-Q-Tel was founded in 1999 as a non-profit, mission-driven strategic investor working on behalf of the US Intelligence Community. Famously made the seed investment in Keyhole (the Google Earth predecessor) and was an early Palantir backer.

Firm Profile

Firm Type

Strategic/CVC

Subtype

Strategic Non-Profit

Founded

1999

Arlington, VA

Country

USA

Parent Company

US Intelligence Community (charter)

Notable Partners

Steve Bowsher (CEO)

Portfolio Companies (48)

Enriched 2026-09-06 · QuantLogix research

Unit June Enter Series Odyssey Light Ledger Harbinger Lyzr Atomic AI Scale AI Stem AI Sure Stoke Space Lambda Anaconda Glimpse Emerald AI Colossal Biosciences Substrate Stark Defence Starcloud Twenty1800 Tysons BoulevardSuite 1200Tysons, VA 22102Company NameDeal DateDeal TypeDeal SizeIndustryCompany StageLead PartnerIn-Q-Tel has a portfolio of 490 companiesHigh TechFeatured InvestmentsReject all cookiesAllow all cookiesCompany Name\\ ![Category\\ ![Location\\ ![Status\\ ![load moreTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyAccept all cookiesPreferences

Investment Focus

Stages

Series A · Series B

Sectors

Defense · Cybersecurity · Intelligence · Biosecurity · Space

Strategic/CVCGovernment-LinkedDefense TechNon-Profit

Investor data reflects publicly disclosed AUM, fund sizes, and portfolio holdings as of recent date. Refreshed periodically.