Salesforce to Acquire Defense AI Startup Rune for $375 Million

Salesforce has agreed to acquire Rune Technologies, a defense technology startup that builds AI-powered logistics software, in a deal valued at $375 million. The price will be paid in cash and stock.

Founded in 2024, Rune develops software that helps the US military forecast its supply needs and manage logistics operations in the field. Its technology supports the planning of materials that troops require and the coordination of the logistics processes behind them.

Building out Missionforce

Salesforce serves defense and national security agencies through a business unit called Missionforce, which it launched last year. According to the company, Missionforce has grown 80 percent year over year, helped in part by a 10-year, $5.6 billion contract with the US Army.

By integrating Rune's field logistics data into Missionforce, Salesforce aims to move beyond back-office planning and support operations on the battlefield as well.

Investors and valuation

Rune has raised a total of $30 million from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures and IQT, the venture firm backed by the CIA. Last year, in a Series A round led by Human Capital, the startup reached a valuation of $127 million. The $375 million price therefore is roughly three times that figure.

The deal is the latest in a busy year of acquisitions for Salesforce. The company agreed to buy the AI agent platform Fin for $3.6 billion, acquired Qualified for $1.2 billion, and signed a deal to purchase Listen Labs.

For Salesforce, the Rune purchase signals a deeper push into government and military work, where AI-driven logistics and planning tools are becoming a growing priority.