The IO Podcast: Investor + Operator Ex Navy SEAL: When To Quit Vs Persevere In Business + How I Started A Successful Venture Firm!
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Oct 14, 2025 Larsen Jensen is an Olympian swimmer-turned-Navy SEAL and the founder of Harpoon Ventures, focused on tech for defense. He shares his journey from the Olympics to elite military training, emphasizing the mindset needed to succeed in both. The discussion pivots to the critical moment of knowing when to quit or persevere in a startup, highlighting market timing and product fit. Larsen also details his venture into military tech investing, discussing the evolution of Harpoon Ventures and the increasing interest in defense technology.
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Olympic Medals And Lasting Records
- Larsen Jensen won an Olympic silver in 2004 (1500m) and a bronze in 2008 (400m).
- He still holds the American 400m record and reflects on the sacrifices of elite sport.
Meet The President, Then Join The SEALs
- After winning an Olympic medal Larsen climbed the stands and presented the bouquet to the First Lady.
- He told President Bush he was joining the Navy SEALs and later received a handwritten invite to visit the White House.
Hell Week And The Bell
- BUD/S started with ~225 candidates and finished hell week with about 42.
- Larsen says anticipation was worse than the event and he never considered ringing the quit bell.