This 21-year-old founder cut open his leg to show off his biotech. Then he raised $4.3 million from Peter Thiel and others.

At just 21 years old, Jake Adler is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the biotech and defense industries with his company, Pilgrim. In a bold and unconventional demonstration, Adler tested his flagship product, a hemostatic dressing named Kingsfoil, by inflicting controlled wounds on his own thighs. The video, intended for potential investors, showcased how Kingsfoil effectively halted bleeding, illustrating its potential life-saving applications on the battlefield. Adler, who assured viewers he took precautions by numbing his legs and using a biopsy tool, has created a product that transforms upon contact with skin, forming a gel-like substance that promotes clotting and wound healing. Named after a healing herb from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," Kingsfoil aims to fill a critical gap in medical care for soldiers, despite advancements in battlefield technology. Following the daring demonstration, Pilgrim successfully raised $4.3 million in seed funding, with Cantos VC leading the investment round, supported by prominent names such as Thiel Capital and Day One Ventures. Adler is aware of the competitive landscape, noting existing companies like QuikClot and HemCon, but believes Kingsfoil's unique formula positions it to meet urgent military needs. Adler's vision extends beyond military applications; he hopes to eventually market Kingsfoil to civilians. He believes that the technology developed for defense will ultimately benefit everyday consumers. His ambition reflects a growing trend in dual-use startups that cater to both government contracts and commercial markets. While Kingsfoil is not yet available to the public, Adler is optimistic about a streamlined path to FDA approval, which could take as little as six months. In addition to Kingsfoil, Pilgrim is developing two other innovative products: an inhaled mist aimed at neutralizing chemical threats and a surveillance platform designed to detect hazardous substances in sensitive environments. The five-member team at Pilgrim operates from a hybrid office-lab in California, where they prioritize rapid development to address pressing medical challenges. Adler, who became a Thiel Fellow after high school, is driven by the potential of technology to enhance human capabilities and aims to establish Pilgrim as a leading force in the biotech sector.