Shield AI vs Skydio: employee equity compared
Secondary market prices, valuation trajectory, equity structure, and liquidity outlook for employees choosing between Shield AI and Skydio.
Shield AI
AI-powered autonomous defence platform; Hivemind AI pilot software flies F-16s and MQ-9 drones without GPS or comms.
Early-stage — IPO 4–6+ years away. High-risk, high-upside equity. Secondary indication near primary round valuation. Liquidity most likely via acquisition or late-stage tender.
Government-contract stability; ISO/NSO options; longer liquidity timeline vs consumer tech
Skydio
American autonomous drone manufacturer; best-known for obstacle-avoidance consumer drones and public-safety/enterprise platforms.
Early-stage — IPO 4–6+ years away. High-risk, high-upside equity. Liquidity most likely via acquisition or late-stage tender.
Government-contract stability; ISO/NSO options; longer liquidity timeline vs consumer tech
Key differences for employees
Equity structure
Shield AI grants ISO/NSO with strike prices ranging from $10–$18 depending on your grant year. Skydio grants ISO/NSO with strike prices from $6–$12.
Secondary market premium
The secondary market is pricing Shield AI at a +14% premium over its last primary round ($2.8B → $3.2B). Skydio trades at +5% over its last round ($2.2B → $2.3B). A higher secondary premium signals stronger investor demand and potentially better near-term liquidity for employees looking to sell.
Revenue and growth
Shield AI runs at $0.2B ARR, growing +120% YoY (very fast). Skydio runs at $0.1B ARR, growing +10% YoY. Revenue growth rate matters for equity because it drives the peer-multiple valuation — the method most correlated with exit multiples.
Liquidity timeline
Shield AI: Early-stage — IPO 4–6+ years away. High-risk, high-upside equity. Secondary indication near primary round valuation. Liquidity most likely via acquisition or late-stage tender.
Skydio: Early-stage — IPO 4–6+ years away. High-risk, high-upside equity. Liquidity most likely via acquisition or late-stage tender.
Calculate your specific grant
Enter your actual shares, equity type, and strike price. PrivatePulse calculates your personal equity value at both companies using 4 independent methods.