In-Q-Tel (IQT)

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a non-profit, strategic venture capital firm established in 1999 by the CIA to bridge the gap between the technological innovations of the private sector and the needs of U.S. intelligence and defense agencies. With a global investment platform, IQT identifies and invests in startups across frontier technologies like AI, cybersecurity, biotech, space systems, and microelectronics. Their investments are designed to enhance national security, working closely with partners such as the CIA, NSA, U.S. Space Force, and international allies like the U.K. and Australia. IQT typically invests between $250,000 and $3 million, leveraging both equity investments and development agreements. They focus on startups that offer dual-use technologies—solutions that serve both commercial and government applications. Over its 25-year history, IQT has backed over 500 companies, many of which have grown into industry leaders, including Palantir, GitLab, and Xanadu. The firm’s investments have led to over 30 unicorns and numerous public company exits, illustrating its significant impact on both commercial and national security landscapes.