Mach Industries, a defense technology startup founded by 21-year-old Ethan Thornton, has raised over $80 million in funding since its inception in 2023, despite a major setback that could have derailed its progress. The company, which received its first seed investment from Sequoia Capital in the summer of 2023, has overcome a hydrogen gun prototype explosion that injured a team member and is now working with the US military to develop new weapons.

The incident, which occurred a few months before the Sequoia investment, was attributed to a lack of safety resources, according to Thornton. Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time at StrictlyVC in San Francisco, Thornton acknowledged that the company was trying to self-fund its project at the time and didn't have the necessary resources to ensure safety protocols were in place. The explosion led to a temporary shutdown of all work until the company secured funding from Sequoia Capital.

With the necessary resources now in place, Mach Industries has not only recovered from the setback but has also pivoted away from its initial focus on hydrogen, which Thornton described as "probably a bad tech bet" that required further development. The company is now building different kinds of weapons, including a new cruise missile and a bomb called "Glide" that can be fired from the edge of space.

Mach Industries has also made significant progress in its partnership with the US military, recently landing a U.S. Army contract and announcing plans for a network of decentralized factories it calls "Forge." Thornton attributes the company's success in securing funding to its ability to work with the federal government to develop programs of record around its prototypes. "Building a lot of prototypes" is a key part of why VCs have poured $85 million into the company, according to Thornton.

The company's ability to overcome its early setback and pivot its focus has impressed investors, who see huge potential in Mach Industries' innovative approach to defense technology. As the company continues to develop new weapons and decentralized manufacturing capabilities, it's clear that Mach Industries is poised to become a major player in the defense tech industry.

The story of Mach Industries serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of startups in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges it faced, the company has emerged stronger and more focused, with a clear vision for its future in the defense tech space. As the industry continues to evolve, Mach Industries is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping its future.