War on the Rocks
Defense and Capital: A Conversation with Raj Shah of Shield Capital
Oct 31, 2023
In this podcast, Raj Shah, Air Force veteran and venture capitalist, discusses the intersection of defense and capital. They cover topics such as implementing commercial innovation in the defense sector, the importance of artillery and technology insertion in lower technology areas, challenges faced by companies disrupting the defense industry, and the positive impact of successful national security companies on venture investors and entrepreneurs.
23:51
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Quick takeaways
- DIU's contracting speed was instrumental in bridging the Valley of Death and justifying new technology adoption.
- Supporting startups in the defense tech industry is crucial for national security and presents a remarkable investment opportunity.
Deep dives
The origins of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and its early innovators
Raj Shah, the former head of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), discusses the origins of DIU and its early innovators. Secretary Ash Carter is credited as the original visionary behind the importance of commercial innovation and technology in the battlefield. Shah highlights that DIU embarked on a mission to modernize the military by leveraging AI and cybersecurity. However, he also mentions the challenges they faced while dealing with various constituencies in Washington.
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