The Defense Tech Underground

005: Raj Shah - Unit X: The Rise of the Defense Innovation Unit

15 snips
Sep 19, 2024
Raj Shah, co-founder of Shield Capital and former managing partner of the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit, shares his remarkable journey from a small town in Georgia to becoming an Air Force pilot. He discusses the collaboration between tech startups and the military, highlighting innovative solutions like Shield AI's drone initiatives. Raj also addresses the bureaucratic challenges in funding military innovation and the necessity for modern warfare strategies to adapt to emerging drones. His insights bridge the gap between Silicon Valley's agility and national security needs.
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ANECDOTE

Personal Tablet in F-16

  • Raj Shah used his personal tablet in an F-16 because its moving map was superior to the aircraft's built-in system.
  • Similarly, ISIS used tablets for targeting rockets.
ANECDOTE

Outdated Software at Creech AFB

  • A Creech Air Force Base control center had modern hardware but ran Windows XP, limiting video footage quality.
  • Upgrading the system was blocked due to security approval issues, despite XP's outdated status.
INSIGHT

Choosing Not to Sell to the Government

  • Raj Shah's startup, composed of National Security Agency engineers, built software applicable to government use.
  • However, they chose not to sell to the government due to bureaucratic hurdles and investor advice.
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