The Merge E48 – Golden Dome, DIU, and the Innovation Reckoning
7 snips
Jun 22, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a dive into defense tech investing trends and the buzz around the Golden Dome initiative. They explore frequency auctioning and the urgency for a U.S. reckoning shaped by Ukraine's conflict. Criticism of the Defense Innovation Unit sparks debate on military innovation and creativity. Historical insights on naval warfare reveal how innovations like the gyroscope transformed strategy. The conversation culminates in reflections on evolving military tactics and the interplay between traditional and modern technology.
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Jake’s VC Fundraising Experience
- Jake shared his experience as a fund manager, investing in people building really cool technologies.
- He spends his life raising money and allocating it to the smartest investments, acting as a high-prestige middleman.
Defense Tech Investing Insights
- Defense tech investing is tough but more deterministic if you understand the networks and spending.
- Slower acquisition cycles provide long paper trails that help de-risk investments unlike other sectors.
Golden Dome’s Ambitious Defense Plan
- Golden Dome aims for fast fielding of space and missile defenses, targeting 2028 demos and 2031 full capability.
- The project is extremely ambitious with projected costs up to $800 billion over 20 years.
