Israeli Startup Developing Mini Bulldozer to Destroy Hamas Tunnels Raises $25 Million from Anduril and SpaceX Executives

Israeli startup Traysar, specializing in underground warfare technology, has raised $25 million from senior executives at Anduril, SpaceX engineers, Craft Ventures, and AI advisor to Donald Trump David Sacks, alongside Lux Capital and Israeli fund Entree Capital. Founded in 2024 by Yadin Sofer, Asher Katz, and Gilad Edin, Traysar develops small engineering vehicles and mining machines designed to destroy terror tunnels and underground military bases. The company employs about 20 people in Tel Aviv and Austin, Texas, and is valued at an estimated $100 million.

Traysar's flagship product is a miniature bulldozer resembling the D9, equipped with a hydraulic drill and explosive deployment system to demolish terror tunnels. This system has already been tested in Hamas tunnels in Gaza and is also intended for use against underground smuggling tunnels between Mexico and the United States. The startup also plans to develop a cylindrical tunnel boring machine capable of reaching deep underground military facilities in countries like Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea.

The startup's CEO, Yadin Sofer, a serial entrepreneur and former fintech founder, emphasized the strategic importance of subterranean warfare, especially after recent conflicts in Iran demonstrated the difficulty of targeting deeply buried sites. Despite Israel's recognition of the tunnel threat, the U.S. has yet to adopt a clear policy on underground warfare, making Traysar's technology particularly relevant to American defense needs.

Traysar's connection to SpaceX's Boring Company engineers helped attract investment and expertise, including the recruitment of veteran Boring Company engineer Greg Johnson as chief engineer. The company overcame early funding challenges by successfully testing its prototype with Israel's Ministry of Defense, shifting perceptions from skepticism to serious interest. Sofer highlighted the need for the U.S. to develop a strategic approach to subterranean warfare, noting that Traysar aims to fill this gap and support operations against underground military infrastructure worldwide.

The startup's investors include prominent figures from Anduril, such as founder Palmer Luckey, though his direct involvement remains unconfirmed. Luckey has publicly advocated for increased investment in underground warfare technologies. Traysar's innovative approach positions it as a unique player in a niche defense sector with growing global relevance.