Shieldwise Introduces Defender One, an AI-Powered Concealed Weapon Detection System, and Announces $5 Million Seed Raise

Security technology company advances from concept to an operational prototype as it prepares Defender One for real-world pilots and commercialization.

CHICAGO — Shieldwise, Inc., a security technology company developing AI-powered concealed weapon detection systems, today announced a major milestone: the development of an operational prototype of Defender One, its flagship AI-powered concealed weapon detection system.

With the prototype now operational, Shieldwise is entering its next stage and seeking $5 million in seed funding to further advance the technology, conduct real-world pilot deployments, prepare for manufacturing, expand its software platform, and accelerate commercialization.

From an idea to Defender One

Shieldwise was founded around an important public-safety question: Can modern technology help security teams identify a potential concealed threat before it becomes an incident?

Traditional security screening often relies on fixed checkpoints, metal detectors, manual searches, and other processes that can create delays and require people to pass through designated screening areas actively.

Shieldwise began exploring a different approach — combining artificial intelligence, imaging, and multiple sensing technologies into a system designed to help identify potential concealed weapons in real time.

That vision became Defender One.

After extensive work across hardware engineering, artificial intelligence, sensor integration, industrial design, and software development, Shieldwise has built an operational Defender One prototype.

“Seeing Defender One move from an idea to a physical, operational system has been one of the most important milestones for our company,” said Ali Hosseinzadeh, Shieldwise Founder and CEO. “We started with an ambitious vision. Today, we have a working prototype, and our focus is now on improving the technology, validating it in real-world environments, and preparing it for commercialization.”

Defender One combines high-resolution imaging, AI algorithms, and multi-sensor fusion and is being developed to identify potential concealed weapons, including guns and knives, under clothing or inside bags in real time.

Watch Defender One in Action: View the official Defender One demonstration video.

More than a camera

Shieldwise’s vision extends beyond the Defender One hardware.

The company is also developing a web and mobile software platform designed to provide camera management, real-time alerts, analytics, and secure multi-location monitoring.

Together, Defender One and the Shieldwise platform are intended to create a connected security ecosystem that brings detection, monitoring, notification, and response tools into one system.

Shieldwise is developing Defender One for environments including schools and universities, airports, transportation hubs, event venues, government buildings, and other high-traffic facilities.

Building a scalable security business

Shieldwise is building a scalable business model that combines hardware sales, installation services, and recurring software subscriptions, creating both upfront and recurring revenue opportunities.

The recurring software component is designed to support AI software updates, analytics, real-time alert integration, system monitoring, customer support, and ongoing platform capabilities as deployments grow.

Shieldwise plans to begin commercialization through real-world pilot programs, providing an opportunity to demonstrate Defender One in operational environments and build relationships with prospective customers. The company’s broader go-to-market strategy includes direct institutional sales and partnerships with security firms, government agencies, education organizations, and distribution partners.

Moving from prototype to real-world deployment

With the operational prototype completed, Shieldwise is now focused on the next phase of Defender One.

Key priorities include continued AI development and optimization, real-world testing and pilot deployments, manufacturing and supply-chain preparation, expansion of the Shieldwise software platform, and development of the infrastructure required to support commercial deployments.

Pilot programs will be an important part of this next stage, providing opportunities to evaluate Defender One in real operating environments and gather data and feedback to further improve the technology.

Shieldwise announces $5 million seed raise

To support this next stage, Shieldwise is seeking $5 million in seed funding.

The company plans to use the capital to advance AI development and optimization, launch pilot programs, prepare manufacturing and supply-chain operations, expand its software platform, and build the infrastructure needed to move toward commercialization.

“The prototype demonstrated our ability to turn the vision behind Defender One into a real system,” Hosseinzadeh said. “Our next challenge is taking Defender One from an operational prototype to a product that can be validated, manufactured, deployed, and supported at scale. This seed round is intended to help us make that transition.”

Shieldwise is welcoming interest from investors focused on opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence, security technology, and public safety.

Individual investors can learn more about Shieldwise and its current investment opportunity through the company’s Wefunder campaign.

Venture capital firms, family offices, strategic investors, and other qualified investors interested in discussing Shieldwise’s $5 million seed round can contact the company directly.

Website: www.shieldwise.co
Investment Opportunity:  Wefunder 
Investor & Media Inquiries: info@shieldwise.co