I'd guess 'grant' would be a better term than either for what's happening here. AFAIK, DARPA doesn't take equity, but does make grants based on intended deliverables.
('Investment' was used in the article in the general sense of "an investment in our children's future" or "investing in shared infrastructure", rather than expecting a specific liquid return like cash dividends or an appreciated exit event.)
('Investment' was used in the article in the general sense of "an investment in our children's future" or "investing in shared infrastructure", rather than expecting a specific liquid return like cash dividends or an appreciated exit event.)