Summary Former DOGE officials raised $160 million for Cathedral, an AI startup focused on strengthening U.S. military cyber capabilities and operations.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A team of former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees has raised $160 million for a new artificial intelligence startup, Cathedral, aimed at expanding U.S. military cyber capabilities.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Cathedral plans to secure U.S. government contracts to enhance AI-driven offensive and defensive cyber operations against adversaries, including China. The company is also exploring the acquisition of a data centre or partnering with a provider to secure dedicated computing power for its cyber operations.
The startup was co-founded by former DOGE staffers Gavin Kliger, Luke Farritor, Marko Elez and Jack Stein. Sources said the recent funding round valued the company at $1.4 billion, with Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital leading the investment and taking seats on the company's board.
The funding reflects growing investor interest in startups founded by former DOGE officials, many of whom played key roles in the Trump administration's government restructuring and cost-cutting efforts during 2025.
Reuters reported Cathedral's valuation, mission and the involvement of former DOGE staffer Marko Elez for the first time. A Cathedral spokesperson declined to comment, while Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The company's founders maintain close ties with the Trump administration and U.S. national security officials. Gavin Kliger recently served as the Pentagon's chief data officer, while Luke Farritor and Marko Elez previously worked at SpaceX before joining DOGE. Elez later resigned over controversial social media posts but was subsequently reinstated following support from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
