Crossing the Valley

In this episode of Crossing the Valley, I had the pleasure of speaking with Misha Govshteyn, the CEO of Macrofab, a Texas-based cloud manufacturing company that is working to revitalize American manufacturing. With a network of over 100 factories across the United States and Mexico, Macrofab supplies defense contractors and helps them produce goods quickly, cost-effectively, and at a higher quality, all while keeping production closer to home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

Guests Brett Granberg and Nini Hamrick from Vannevar Labs discuss the company's rapid growth, profitability, and future plans in defense tech. They highlight building trust with customers, working with champions, and talent hiring strategies. The podcast explores the journey from idea to fundraising, early customer validation, and strategic decision-making in defense technology startups.

In this episode of Crossing the Valley, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jade Baranski, the founder and CEO of Mobilize. Mobilize is a company that connects end users within the federal government to the companies that provide the capabilities they need.Jade shares the story of how VISION came to be, starting with their participation in an Air Force pitch competition, with twists turns and pivots along the way. The end result is Vision, a data platform, has changed the way data is used in the defense “innovation” and acquisition communities to match buyers and sellers.For more on the Mobilize team, check out mobilizevision.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

CTV Subscribers,I’m excited to bring you this timely episode of "Crossing the Valley." I had the opportunity to sit down with Kara Kramer, the Director of Business Development at AeroVironment, and winner of the first Replicator award!In this episode, Kara spills the beans on AeroVironment's recent win, and goes in depth on the Switchblade loitering munition. We dive into the details of the program, the future of autonomy in the defense industry, and AeroVironment itself.Kara shares valuable insights on the importance of focusing on customer requirements, the benefits of working with both startups and large companies, and the significance of scalability in defense innovation.If you're interested in learning more about AeroVironment, their role in the Replicator initiative, and the future of autonomy in defense, this episode is a must-listen.If you’d like to learn more about AeroVironment, or to join the team, check out avinc.com! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

GoTenna is a great example of a company that built legit tech, found its niche in the federal market, and fought to survive long enough to generate the kind of traction that will allow it to be a smash hit. CEO Ari Schuler joined us to share his candid takes on the company, the journey, and the market. The company supports over 350 agencies in mission-critical operations around the world today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

Michael Grochol is a fascinating example of when a Silicon Valley-raised problem solver-come-national security expert. His approach to starting a company was long, methodical, and principled. And it led him to the helm of one of the nation’s fastest growing defense services companies.Unlike many founders, Michael actually turned down the first opportunity he had to start a company.Why?He felt he wasn’t prepared.So he focused on acquiring the skills and experiences he knew he would need, to be able to succeed when he finally stepped into the role.Fair to say, that bet is paying off!For more on IronEagleX: https://ironeaglex.com/For more on Michael Grochol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grochol/For more Crossing the Valley: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontdoorDefense This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

Former Palantir and Expanse employee Marc Frankel, now founder of Manifest Cyber, discusses tackling software supply chain vulnerabilities. Topics include the impact of past defense tech startups, S-bombs for software transparency, building a startup foundation from Palantir, and the critical need for AI transparency. The conversation delves into lessons learned from past experiences and future prospects in the defense tech sector.

Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace, discusses 3D printed rocket propellant, winning Congressional appropriations, and revolutionizing the propulsion market. Topics include innovative 3D printing in rocket fuel production, navigating niche space markets, military collaborations, and securing aerospace funding challenges.

In this conversation with Second Front Systems CEO Tyler Sweatt, we dive into Tyler's own transition from military to startups, what the Defense Department and startups miss about each other, and what the future holds for defense tech. Timestamps: 2:22 - Tyler's background and the journey to the C-suite 6:30 - The Second Front team and Kessel Run origin story 9:00 - Tyler reacts to the Defense Ventures Fellowship news 12:20 - What Second Front is doing and why 16:45 - How Second Front went to market initially 20:54 - You are not at a startup unless... 23:20 - "Mo ways for mo apps is mo better" 26:40 - Federal vs commercial business 31:16 - How to structure the government business for growth 33:55 - Startup culture vs big DoD culture 42:48 - Why a Prime didn't build Second Front's product 44:40 - Tyler's hopes for the industry For more on Second Front: secondfront.com To learn more about Offset Symposium: secondfront.com/offset-symposium  To read the case study: frontdoordefense.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com

OverviewCFD Research is a small business founded in 1987 in the Singhal family garage in Huntsville, Alabama. Today it is a $75M business that has received more than $100M in SBIR funding, with one of the highest commercialization rates in the business.We spoke with CEO and President Sameer Singhal about the company's business model, and how they go about delivering for the mission of national defense.For more:* On CFD Research: www.cfd-reserach.com* On Sameer Singhal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameer-singhal-304b6018/* Crossing the Valley: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontdoorDefense  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.valleycrossers.com