a16z Podcast

Rebooting the Arsenal of Democracy with Palmer Luckey

Mar 7, 2023

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and co-founder of Oculus VR, dives into the evolution of defense technology since the 1960s. He highlights the critical need for tech companies to innovate rapidly as global threats evolve. Luckey debunks myths surrounding military technology, pointing out the stagnation in military innovation compared to civilian advancements. He emphasizes the necessity of revitalizing U.S. defense capabilities to counter adversaries leveraging consumer tech, advocating for a software-first approach to modernize military systems.

18:46

Creator website

Episode guests

Palmer Luckey

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Defense Industry's Lack of Innovation

01:18

Don’t trust a customer when they tell you what the solution is

01:21

Intro

2min

Myths and Realities of Military Technology Innovation

2min

The Shifting Landscape of Military Technology and Innovation

2min

The Innovation Gap in America's Defense Industry

4min

Revitalizing U.S. Defense Technology

9min

Starting in the 1960s, technology companies, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, were essential for creating the processors that would eventually launch satellites and guide missiles. Half a century later, today’s tech companies can — and need — to move even faster and smarter, as international adversaries scale up their aggressions. In this episode, Anduril Industries Founder Palmer Luckey will discuss how Silicon Valley is using new technologies to build new tools, systems, and companies to defend our nation and its interests.

Resources:

American Dynamism Summit: https://a16z.com/AD-summit/

Anduril’s website: https://www.anduril.com/

Find Palmer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PalmerLuckey

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

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