What it is
Paladin Capital Group is a global investment firm headquartered at 2000 K Street NW in Washington, DC, with additional offices in New York, Palo Alto, London and Luxembourg. It was founded in 2001 by Michael Steed and Mark Maloney, who previously worked together at Ullico. Paladin initially invested across security, telecommunications, life sciences, structured finance and alternative energy before deepening its focus on AI, cyber and deep technologies from 2008 onward. The firm says it has completed more than 150 transactions, including more than 90 cyber and deep tech deals since 2008, and has managed more than $2 billion in assets and companies across multiple funds and vehicles.
What it invests in
Paladin describes itself as a multi-stage investor in innovative early stage and growth companies. Its investment strategy centers on two areas:
- Cyber, AI and deep tech: dual use solutions that serve both commercial enterprises and governments, with a focus on security, resiliency and safety.
- Digital biology and biosecurity: genomic analysis and editing, synthetic biology, bio-based products and regenerative medicine, often powered by AI.
The firm also names safety tech as an emerging area. It has published voluntary Investment Principles and Commitments for the cyber and secure AI investment community. Recent portfolio news on its site includes HawkEye 360, SandboxAQ, Corellium and CalypsoAI.
Who it is for
Paladin is most relevant to founders building security, AI or deep technology products, especially those selling to both commercial and government customers. It looks for early entrant opportunities in technologies it considers to be of absolute need, identified through themes developed with strategic advisers. Its website does not publish check sizes or a formal application process.
How to engage
The firm does not post pitch guidelines. Founders can review the portfolio and team pages to gauge fit and find relevant partners, then reach out through the contact page or the DC office at 202-293-5590.
Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem
Paladin is headquartered in Washington and has made cyber and deep tech investments since 2008, with an explicit interest in companies serving both commercial and government customers. That makes it relevant for DMV founders whose products sell into federal agencies as well as private industry, and its investment themes and portfolio offer a useful map of where dual use capital is flowing.
