Salesforce Targets Defense Tech With Reported $375M Acquisition of Rune

Salesforce has agreed to acquire Rune Technologies for $375 million in cash and stock, according to reports. The startup builds artificial intelligence software designed to help the U.S. military predict supply needs and manage logistics directly from the field.

The planned transaction feeds directly into Salesforce's Missionforce business unit, which serves national security and defense agencies. Since launching last year, Missionforce has grown 80% year over year. This momentum is fueled largely by a massive 10-year, $5.6 billion contract with the U.S. Army. Incorporating Rune's frontline logistics capabilities allows Salesforce to push its software beyond routine administrative planning and into active battlefield operations.

Founded in 2024, Rune has secured $30 million in total funding from backers including Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures, and the CIA-backed venture firm IQT. The defense tech startup previously reached a valuation of $127 million during its Series A round last year.

This agreement marks another move in an aggressive M&A strategy for Salesforce. The CRM giant has also pursued deals for AI agent platform Fin, Qualified, and Listen Labs over the course of the year. Representatives for Salesforce did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Rune transaction.