The Startup Defense

Callye Keen interviews Chase Blanton from SatCube, delving into the evolving landscape of the space economy and advanced communications. They discuss the future of wireless communication, the challenges of navigating national security in defense tech, and Chase's personal journey from military communications to leading a tech startup. The conversation highlights the importance of user experience in technology, the potential of quantum computing, and the need for agility in the rapidly changing tech environment.TakeawaysThe space economy is rapidly evolving with new technologies.Quantum edge computing will revolutionize communications.The future of connectivity may eliminate the need for physical cables.Chase Blanton's military background shaped his approach to leadership.Navigating national security is complex for foreign partnerships.SatCube focuses on user experience in their products.The defense tech industry faces unique challenges in agility and innovation.Sales in tech can be a form of problem-solving.Transitioning veterans often find their way back to defense tech.The future of communication is moving towards a wireless, interconnected world.LinksSatCube: https://satcube.com/Chase Blanton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-blanton/

 Callye Keen talks with Luke Fischer, CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, about democratizing satellite technology. Luke shares his journey from military service to tech entrepreneurship, detailing the innovations at SkyFi that make satellite imagery and data more accessible and affordable. They discuss into the challenges of satellite technology, the future of the industry, and Luke's role in the upcoming community event "Austin 4 America." SkyFi is changing the landscape by allowing users from various sectors to easily task satellites and utilize earth intelligence like never before. Episode Highlights:Luke Fischer's Journey: From serving in the army and working at Uber to co-founding SkyFi. Luke's diverse background from military service to tech innovation has equipped him with unique insights into both the defense and commercial sectors.What is SkyFi? An earth intelligence platform that simplifies the process of accessing satellite and aerial data for various uses—from agriculture to defense.The Power of Satellite Imagery Today: Luke discusses how SkyFi enables anyone from government agencies to private individuals to task satellites and gather real-time data, which was once a capability reserved for a select few.Challenges in Satellite Technology: Luke talks about the technical and regulatory hurdles they face and how SkyFi is navigating these challenges.Democratizing Space Data: A deep dive into how SkyFi's platform allows users to access satellite technology without the traditional barriers, significantly lowering costs and opening up new possibilities for innovation.Future of Satellite Technology: Insights into the future advancements in satellite tech and how these will impact various industries globally.Austin for America: Luke shares his upcoming initiative, a community event in Austin that aims to foster collaboration among defense tech companies, showcasing how the city is becoming a hub for defense and tech innovation.Luke Fischer is the CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, a revolutionary platform that simplifies the tasking of satellites for imagery and data collection, making it accessible to a wider audience. Prior to founding SkyFi, Luke served 16 years in the U.S. Army, where he specialized in aviation and participated in numerous deployments. His post-military career includes significant roles at Uber and Joby Aviation, and he brings a wealth of experience from the defense, technology, and transportation sectors to his current role at SkyFi.Relevant Links:SkyFi WebsiteSkyFi AppAustin 4 AmericaLuke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukemfischer/ 

Greg Davis, founder of Overwatch Imaging, shares insights into his journey from working in large aerospace companies to starting his own venture. He discusses the importance of community, collaboration, and partnerships in the defense tech industry, as well as the innovative solutions Overwatch is developing to automate overhead intelligence collection. Greg emphasizes the challenges of building a startup in a complex market and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.TakeawaysGreg is passionate about making a big impact through Overwatch Imaging.The journey from corporate to startup is driven by market opportunities and personal challenges.Community and collaboration are essential for startup growth.Navigating the defense tech landscape requires understanding complex ecosystems.Partnerships with larger companies can accelerate growth and innovation.Overwatch focuses on automating overhead intelligence to improve efficiency.The bottleneck in intelligence collection is often human resources, not technology.Teamwork and shared values are crucial for startup success.Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding, requiring focus on impactful solutions.Aspiring entrepreneurs should embrace the startup experience for personal and professional growth.About Greg Davis Founder and CEO of Overwatch, a cutting-edge company specializing in advanced defense technologies. With a background in military operations and technology development, Greg has spent over two decades leading innovations that bridge the gap between commercial and defense sectors. Overwatch focuses on enhancing operational capabilities through autonomous systems, AI-driven solutions, and data analytics, empowering defense forces to maintain superior strategic advantage. Greg's leadership and vision have positioned Overwatch as a key player in the evolving landscape of defense innovation. Websitehttps://www.overwatchimaging.com/

In this episode of The Startup Defense, Callye Keen sits down with Dan Magy, exited founder and CEO of Firestorm, to explore the future of UAVs, the reindustrialization of America, and the challenges of defense innovation. They dive into the evolving role of drones in modern warfare, the barriers faced by smaller defense companies, and how Firestorm is revolutionizing manufacturing at scale for defense technologies.Topics Discussed:[0:00] Introducing Dan MagyCallye introduces Dan Magy, discussing his background in drones and counter-UAV technologies.[0:55] The Changing Face of WarfareDan highlights how modern warfare and drone use have drastically evolved, with drones now serving as critical tools on the battlefield.[3:34] Reindustrializing AmericaThey explore how companies like Firestorm are helping to drive the reindustrialization of the U.S. through innovative, in-field manufacturing solutions.[7:10] Challenges in U.S. Drone ManufacturingDan talks about the high cost, long lead times, and inefficiencies in current defense manufacturing, contrasting it with Firestorm’s agile approach.[11:25] Risk and Innovation in DefenseThe conversation turns to how the Department of Defense is risk-averse and the hurdles small companies face in getting contracts and scaling innovations.Key Takeaways:The Future of UAVs is About Resupply - Dan emphasizes that the real challenge in drone warfare is resupplying at scale, which Firestorm addresses through in-field manufacturing capabilities.Small Businesses Drive Defense Innovation - Unlike traditional defense contractors, smaller startups like Firestorm are more agile and take risks to develop cost-effective solutions quickly.The U.S. Faces a Manufacturing Gap - There’s an urgent need to reinvigorate America’s manufacturing capabilities to meet the demand for defense technologies, a gap Firestorm is helping to fill.Quotes:"Drones today are essentially flying IEDs, and we need to rethink how we build, supply, and use them." – Dan Magy"Resupply and in-field manufacturing are critical to making UAVs truly attritable in modern warfare." – Callye KeenAbout Guest:Dan Magy is the CEO of Firestorm, a company focused on developing multi-mission drones and revolutionizing defense manufacturing through 3D printing. With a background in both destroying and manufacturing UAVs, Dan brings a unique perspective to the challenges of defense technology and risk management. Learn more about Firestorm at Firestorm.Resources Mentioned:FirestormBeyond Capital

In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen talks with David Schiff from the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). They explore David's extensive work in defense innovation and discuss the crucial programs and opportunities available for innovators looking to contribute to national security. David shares insights on fostering collaboration across different sectors, the significance of human-centered design, and the role of NSIN in accelerating defense-related technologies from early stages to commercialization. This episode provides valuable information for anyone interested in navigating the defense innovation landscape.[00:01:00] David Schiff’s Passion and Background David shares his passion for connecting people and ideas across ecosystems, highlighting his journey from joining the Navy to working in defense innovation. He discusses his experiences in both military and civilian roles, which have shaped his approach to fostering collaboration in defense.[00:06:00] Role and Impact of NSIN David provides an overview of NSIN’s mission and various programs. He emphasizes the importance of student involvement and tech transfer in driving defense innovation and supporting startups through different stages of technology readiness.[00:08:00] Programs and Opportunities at NSIN Details on NSIN’s initiatives, from early-stage technology readiness programs to supporting dual-use innovation. David explains how NSIN helps startups transition to defense applications and the value of these programs in fostering innovation.[00:12:00] Challenges and Solutions in Defense Innovation David discusses common obstacles faced by startups in the defense sector, including the complex facility clearance process. He shares examples of successful initiatives and process improvements that NSIN and other organizations are implementing to address these challenges.[00:17:00] Future of Defense Innovation David shares his thoughts on the increased budget for DIU and its implications for the future of defense innovation. He talks about the impact of international partnerships, upcoming programs, and his optimism for continued growth and collaboration in the sector.Key TakeawaysConnecting Ecosystems: Collaboration across different sectors is crucial for accelerating innovation in defense.Human-Centered Design: Incorporating user-centered approaches can significantly improve defense solutions.Importance of Networking: Building connections and finding mentors are essential for navigating the defense innovation landscape.Efficiency and Innovation: Streamlining processes and leveraging disruptive technologies can enhance efficiency in defense spending and logistics.Opportunities at NSIN: NSIN offers various programs for early-stage technologies, dual-use innovation, and student involvement in defense projects.Resources Mentioned:NSIN (National Security Innovation Network): NSIN.milCTO Innovation: CTOInnovation.milDefense Innovation Unit (DIU): DIU.milDefense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF): DEFGuest Bio: David Schiff is a key figure at NSIN, with a rich background in defense innovation, including his time at NavalX and Defense Entrepreneurs Forum. His work focuses on connecting innovators with defense opportunities, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration across various sectors. 

In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen sits down with James Parker from Leonid Capital Partners to dive deep into the financial strategies essential for defense startups. They discuss the crucial phase of avoiding the dreaded "Valley of Death," where many promising startups falter. James shares insights on leveraging government contracts for non-dilutive funding, the importance of maintaining equity, and how Leonid Capital’s innovative credit-focused approach provides vital support for companies tackling national security challenges. They explore real-world scenarios, from securing initial SBIR awards to managing significant contract wins, and offer practical advice for founders navigating the defense tech ecosystem. This episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories that highlight the impact of financial strategies on the success of defense startups. Key TakeawaysLeverage Non-Dilutive Funding: Non-dilutive funding, such as government contracts and SBIR programs, is crucial for startups to maintain equity while securing necessary capital for growth. James Parker emphasizes the importance of leveraging these opportunities to avoid giving away equity too early and to preserve ownership.Understanding and Negotiating Government Contracts: Many startups face challenges with the complexities of government contracts. James advises founders to thoroughly understand and, if necessary, renegotiate their contract terms, particularly CLIN schedules, to ensure a steady cash flow and avoid long payment gaps that could hinder their operations.Strategic Use of Credit Financing: Leonid Capital Partners’ unique credit-focused approach allows startups to borrow against future contract values. This innovative financing solution provides immediate capital to support growth without diluting ownership, making it a valuable tool for companies in the defense sector.Impact and Ethos in Business: Embedding a mission-driven ethos into the business model can lead to both personal fulfillment and business success. Leonid Capital’s commitment to giving back a significant portion of profits to military families and veteran communities highlights the importance of aligning business operations with personal values and societal impact.Navigating Growth Challenges: Startups often encounter the “champagne problem” of rapid growth following significant contract wins. James discusses practical strategies for scaling operations, managing cash flow, and ensuring sustained growth without compromising the company’s stability or equity.Key Quotes"Keep your equity, execute your equity when it's really important, find strategic partners." - James Parker"Build something to own it forever, and the best way to get an exit is if you don’t have to sell it." - James Parker"It's about avoiding the champagne problems of success and ensuring you don't crash and burn in the Valley of Death." - Callye KeenAbout James ParkerJames Parker is co-founder and President of LEONID. He has also served as CEO and CFO in a variety of privately held and publicly traded companies. In addition to his experience as a NASA Flight Controller, James also worked as an engineer and consultant with major Defense and Aerospace companies including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon

In this episode of Startup Defense, host Callye Keen welcomes Graham Plaster, the Director of Nautilus at Defensewerx. Graham discusses his passion for bridging the gap between American innovators and warfighters, sharing insights into his journey from the military to defense innovation. He explains how his background and entrepreneurial spirit led him to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the tech world and the defense sector.Key Topics:Introduction to Graham Plaster:Graham's background in the military and his entrepreneurial roots.His current role at DefenseWerx and his focus on innovation in the defense sector.Bridging the Gap:The challenges of connecting innovators with the defense sector.The importance of closing the gap between tech innovators and warfighters.Innovating for Defense:Differences between innovating around a problem and innovating around a capability.The impact of asymmetrical warfare on defense innovation.The role of the 9/11 Commission Report in shaping modern defense strategies.Defense Works and Nautilus:Overview of Defensewerx and its various partnership intermediary agreements (PIAs).The role of Nautilus in accelerating access to non-traditional companies.Collaboration with other government agencies and military organizations.Key Technology Areas:Importance of hypersonic countermeasures and cyber defense.Emerging threats and the need for innovative solutions in defense.Component Repair Center Collaboration Event:The initiative to improve on-demand part manufacturing for military needs.The potential impact on the defense industrial complex.Advice for Innovators:The concept of dual market technology.The importance of human terrain in innovation ecosystems.Encouragement for emerging tech startups to engage with defense-focused organizations.Quotes:“Innovation ecosystems are a human terrain.” - Graham Plaster“Run fast and build things.” - Graham PlasterResources:NautilusDefensewerxConnect with Graham Plaster:LinkedIn: Graham PlasterSubstack: http://diie.substack.comConnect with Callye Keen:LinkedIn: Callye KeenTwitter: @CallyeKeen

On this episode of The Startup Defense, Callye Keen speaks with Brandon Tseng, former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Shield AI, a company at the forefront of defense technology, specializing in AI-driven autonomous systems. In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of AI from concept to implementation in military aviation, including autonomous F-16 dogfights and the broader implications for future warfare.Brandon shares his transition from Navy SEAL to tech entrepreneur, driven by a deep passion for enhancing national security and global stability through advanced technology. He discusses the inception of Shield AI with his brother Ryan, their challenges, and the vision that propels their innovations.Key highlights of this episode include:AI in Aviation vs. Autonomous Vehicles: Brandon outlines why AI in aviation presents a technically simpler challenge compared to autonomous driving, despite high stakes.From SEAL to CEO: Explore Brandon's journey from the military to co-founding a leading AI firm, including the challenges of aligning a start-up with defense sector needs.Autonomous F-16s: Insights into Shield AI's groundbreaking work in fully autonomous dogfighting with F-16s, showcasing the advanced capabilities and potential of AI in combat scenarios.The Path to Autonomy: Brandon discusses "climbing the aviation food chain," a strategy to integrate AI across various military platforms, starting with simpler systems and moving towards more complex applications.Working with Family: The dynamics and benefits of founding and scaling a high-stakes tech startup with a sibling.Future of Shield AI: Brandon touches on upcoming initiatives and the strategic focus on expanding AI applications across different military domains, reinforcing their mission to protect service members and civilians effectively.Brandon's insights are not just about the evolution of military tech but also about the perseverance required to innovate within the tightly regulated defense sector. His reflections on working alongside his brother, the iterative process of securing funding, and navigating the complexities of defense acquisitions provide a compelling roadmap for any entrepreneur looking to make an impact.For anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and defense, this episode is a must-listen, offering a deep dive into the future of warfare where AI pilots are no longer the stuff of science fiction but a rapidly approaching reality. Tune in to explore how Shield AI is shaping the future of defense technology through innovation and strategic execution.About Brandon TsengBrandon Tseng is Shield AI’s Co-Founder, President, and Chief Growth Officer. Previously, Brandon proudly served in the Navy for seven years as a SEAL and Surface Warfare Officer aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). He founded Shield AI – with the mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems – driven by firsthand experiences during deployments to Afghanistan (x2), the Pacific Theater, and the Arabian Gulf. At Shield AI, he leads all aspects of growth – business development, corporate development, strategy, marketing, and government relations – to help Shield AI achieve its mission at a global scale. Brandon earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and his MBA from Harvard Business School.Learn Morehttps://shield.ai/

Callye Keen speaks with William Treseder, Chief Strategy Officer at the Marine Innovation Unit and SVP at BMNT, a pivotal organization in the defense innovation space. William shares insights from his diverse career, discussing everything from 3D printing with his kids to complex defense contracting and the changing landscape of defense technology innovation.Key Topics Discussed:Journey into Defense Innovation: William traces his path from the Marine Innovation Unit to his current role at BMNT, highlighting how his past experiences influence his approach to innovation.Impact of 3D Printing: Exploration of how 3D printing technology is not just a tool for creation but a gateway for young minds into the realms of engineering and problem-solving.Hacking for Defense: William discusses the program's multifaceted impact, from offering real-world problem-solving for students to acting as a bridge between academic institutions and defense needs.Barriers to Innovation in Defense: The conversation dives into the systemic challenges and evolving landscapes of defense procurement and the integration of new technologies from non-traditional sources.Future of Defense Innovation: Discussion on the potential shifts in defense contracting and procurement, emphasizing the need for models that accommodate rapid technological change and non-traditional defense solutions.Key Quotes:"I've loved being a builder for a very long time, from zero to one phase, where you're just figuring things out." - William Treseder"Friction has built many great things, and curiosity—I'll make an argument for ignorance as well." - William Treseder"If you can hold on to that sense of curiosity, we're all better off, and some of those things will manifest as businesses later on." - William Treseder"The best decisions I've made were based on people...these are amazing people I want to work with." - William Treseder on joining the Marine Innovation UnitAbout William Treseder:

Episode Summary:In this episode of "The Startup Defense," Callye Keen sits down with Larsen Jensen, a former SEAL and Olympic athlete, who is making significant strides in the world of impact investing through his work with Harpoon. Larsen discusses his journey from a rural upbringing through elite athletics and military service to becoming a pivotal figure in defense-focused venture capital. He shares insights into the power of private capital to drive innovation in defense technologies and the importance of dual-use applications.Highlighted Topics:Larsen's Diverse Background: From his roots on a Californian almond farm to competing in the Olympics and serving as a Navy SEAL, Larsen's unique experiences have shaped his approach to venture capital and impact investing.Impact Investing in Defense: Larsen discusses how impact investing can simultaneously achieve significant financial returns and provide essential capabilities to the defense sector, contributing to national security.Challenges of Dual-Use Technologies: The conversation delves into the nuances of dual-use technology development, emphasizing strategic go-to-market approaches for startups in the defense and commercial sectors.The Role of Private Capital in Defense Innovation: Larsen highlights how private capital is increasingly pivotal in bringing cutting-edge technologies to the defense market, potentially accelerating development cycles and implementation.Advice for Entrepreneurs: Larsen encourages entrepreneurs to take bold actions and leverage their unique backgrounds to innovate within the defense sector, stressing the importance of moving from planning to execution to truly understand market needs.Key Quotes:"I'm passionate about making the improbable possible." - Larsen Jensen"Everything's out of reach until it's not." - Larsen Jensen on breaking into the defense industry"We need to mass our resources where there is a gap in the market we can exploit." - Larsen Jensen on strategic market entry"Stop thinking too much and start doing more." - Larsen Jensen on taking action in entrepreneurshipAbout Larsen Jensen:Larsen Jensen is the Founder and General Partner of Harpoon Ventures—one of the first dual-use venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, now with over $300M AUM. Larsen has led dozens of investments in defense tech, cybersecurity, AI, enterprise infrastructure, and frontier technology. Prior to his entrance into venture capital, Larsen was a two-time Olympic medalist (2004 and 2008) and maintains the American record in the 400m swimming event. After the Olympics, Larsen served as a Navy SEAL. Larsen previously held investment and asset management roles at UBS, Goldman Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Larsen earned a Bachelor’s degree from USC and an MBA from Stanford.