Jonathan Pan, a former U.S. Army officer turned gaming executive, is merging his expertise in both fields to build AI-driven software for military operations.
Exia Labs, a Bellevue, Wash.-based startup, has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to develop its AI-powered military planning tool, Blue, described as a “copilot for military operations.”
Innovative Business Model
Unlike traditional defense tech companies, Exia Labs is initially focusing on a political simulation video game, Mr. President, set to launch in July. Revenue from the game will support the development of its long-term military AI solutions.
“Our intent is to bring commercial AI and gaming capabilities to the Department of Defense,” Pan explained. The company found that the DoD prefers to work with software providers that have additional revenue streams, making video game sales a strategic funding approach.
How Blue Enhances Military Decision-Making
Exia Labs’ product, Blue, integrates AI-powered agents that analyze documents, automate decision-making steps, and simulate military strategies. The software supports the U.S. Army’s Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), offering real-time analysis for field units.
- Units from the 101st Airborne Division and the Washington Army National Guard are currently testing Blue in field exercises.
- Inspired by professional wargaming techniques, the platform aims to modernize military planning through AI-driven simulations.
Funding and Leadership
Exia Labs was co-founded by Pan and Serj Kazar, a former colleague at Riot Games. Pan, who previously worked on gaming projects at Amazon, Meta, and Walmart, also co-founded an esports team called Ember.
The $2.5 million seed round was led by a16z Speedrun, Andreessen Horowitz’s gaming-focused accelerator. Other investors include Space Capital, Anorak Ventures, Pathbreaker Ventures, and Mana Ventures.
With its AI-powered military strategy software and an innovative funding model, Exia Labs is redefining the intersection of gaming, AI, and defense technology.