News about venture capital

JPMorgan Chase said it has made $5 billion in startup investments in the first year of its U.S. security and resiliency initiative, a faster pace than expected. The bank had pledged $10 billion into startups over a decade and may expand the program beyond that amount, according to co-president Doug Petno. Among the disclosed stakes, JPMorgan has taken direct positions in Hadrian, which builds automated factories making parts for defense, aerospace and maritime companies, and Castelion, maker of the relatively low-cost hypersonic missile Blackbeard. The bank helped lead a $1.4 billion funding round for Hadrian and was involved in a $1 billion round for Castelion. The direct equity stakes mark a departure from JPMorgan's usual role as a lender and advisor.