Trae Stephens’ journey is like something out of a spy novel. His story began in a small Ohio town, where the events of 9/11 ignited a passion to serve his country. Determined to find a career in national defense, Stephens applied to various prestigious universities. None were interested in him, so he took matters into his own hands—he traveled to Washington, DC, walked into Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and talked his way in. There, he honed his skills in Arabic and “computational linguistics,” a field that would later become key to his early work in counterterrorism.
Stephens landed in a U.S. intelligence agency (he can’t specify which one), applying his linguistic and analytical skills to desktop counterterrorism. But, like many bright minds in government, he became frustrated by the bureaucracy and outdated technology holding him back. His career took a sharp turn when he met people at Palantir, a Silicon Valley startup using data mining to secure government contracts. The company, backed by the influential Founders Fund, offered Stephens a job, where he quickly found himself at the crossroads of military technology and venture capital.
From Palantir to Anduril: Building the Future of Defense Tech
After years at Palantir, Stephens joined Founders Fund as a key member of the investment team, reporting to Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley’s most controversial conservative figures. But the real turning point in his career came with the rise of Donald Trump. In 2016, when Trump won the presidency, Stephens ran the transition team for the Department of Defense, an experience that set the stage for his next big venture: Anduril Industries.
Stephens co-founded Anduril with VR visionary Palmer Luckey, aiming to revolutionize defense technology with AI and mixed reality. Initially focused on building “smart battlefields,” the company has grown rapidly, now developing autonomous fighter jets and submarine drones. Stephens and his team at Anduril have one goal: to modernize military technology and make the U.S. more competitive in a fast-evolving global landscape. Today, Anduril is valued at $14 billion and has secured multiple billion-dollar defense contracts, making it one of the fastest-growing defense tech companies in history.
Navigating Silicon Valley’s Military Stigma
When Anduril first launched, many engineers were hesitant to work on defense tech due to the industry’s controversial reputation. But in recent years, geopolitical realities—like the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel—have shifted public perception. Stephens believes people now recognize the importance of developing technologies that can “move the needle for humanity,” even if that means building tools for war. He dismisses criticism from what he sees as a small fringe group, arguing that the ethical alignment of Anduril’s work with government regulations keeps their mission on track.
The company recently raised $1.5 billion to build a “hyperscale” factory for producing low-cost, autonomous weapons, which Stephens believes is crucial to addressing modern geopolitical threats. He points to the depletion of weapons in Ukraine as evidence of the need for a faster, more agile supply chain. Rather than relying on massive, expensive systems like aircraft carriers, he argues, the future of warfare will be dominated by smaller, more cost-effective autonomous solutions.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Autonomous Warfare
The rise of autonomous weapons inevitably raises ethical concerns, especially regarding AI’s role in combat. Stephens is quick to point out that the U.S. Department of Defense has established clear rules to ensure that humans remain in control of life-and-death decisions. In Anduril’s case, even the autonomous fighter jets they build—part of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program—are always commanded by a human operator. The goal, Stephens says, is to remove people from dangerous tasks while making warfare more precise and ethical.
But even Stephens admits there are no guarantees. “Humans fight wars, and humans are flawed,” he says. Mistakes are inevitable, but he believes autonomous systems, guided by ethical principles, can minimize harm and reduce the likelihood of escalation in conflicts.
The Trump Connection and the Future of Defense Tech
Stephens is no stranger to politics. Having led the Trump Defense Department transition, he’s often asked about his political stance and potential future roles in government. While he admits to being right-leaning and sees flaws in both parties, he believes the Republican Party’s focus on defense and law enforcement—despite its sometimes harsh rhetoric—aligns more with his values. Although he’s fully committed to Anduril for now, Stephens doesn’t rule out a return to public service if the opportunity arises.
One notable connection is his relationship with JD Vance, the Republican Senator from Ohio and a rising figure in conservative politics. Both Stephens and Vance share similar roots, having grown up in neighboring towns in Ohio. Stephens sees Vance as a thoughtful leader, though he acknowledges the state of political discourse in America is deeply concerning.
Balancing Faith, Technology, and Venture Capital
What makes Stephens stand out in Silicon Valley is his unabashed Christian faith. He’s open about his beliefs and has even given talks about the intersection of technology and Christianity. In an industry known for its secular culture, Stephens argues that people are more curious than judgmental when they encounter a Christian in tech, often asking thoughtful questions about his faith.
As a partner at Founders Fund, a venture capital firm that has invested in groundbreaking companies like SpaceX and Neuralink, Stephens believes there’s a moral obligation to use technology for the betterment of humanity. He sees venture capital not as a tool for extracting wealth but as a means of creating it—aligned with his Christian values of abundance and stewardship.
Sol: The Wearable E-Reader
In addition to his work at Anduril and Founders Fund, Stephens has also co-founded a consumer tech company called Sol. The startup makes a $350 wearable e-reader, born out of Stephens’ frustration with traditional devices. His vision was simple: to create a device that lets you read hands-free, whether lying on a beach or lounging in bed. Sol is still in its early stages, but Stephens is excited about the potential.
The Future of Trae Stephens
Whether serving in government or building cutting-edge technology, Trae Stephens is a man on a mission. His career spans intelligence work, venture capital, and defense technology, all driven by a desire to protect his country and push the boundaries of innovation. With Anduril on the rise and his influence growing in Silicon Valley, Stephens is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of defense tech—and maybe even the future of U.S. policy.
As the world continues to grapple with new geopolitical challenges, Stephens’ work at the intersection of technology, ethics, and national security will be increasingly relevant. Whether he’s building autonomous fighter jets or wearable e-readers, one thing is clear: Trae Stephens is just getting started.