The Startup Defense

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.

In this episode, Robert Shelton, a retired tech industry professional, discusses his passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various industries. He shares his background working at Microsoft and the company's role in the AI revolution. Shelton also highlights the transformation of the tech industry in the federal space, particularly in national security and intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of working with startups and small companies, as they often drive innovation and bring fresh perspectives to the market. Shelton explores the potential impact of AI on knowledge worker jobs and discusses the changing job landscape. He concludes with advice for startups, encouraging them to get their ideas out there and leverage platforms like YouTube and podcasts to gain visibility and support.00:00 Introduction and Passion for AICallye Keen introduces Robert Shelton, who shares his post-retirement passion for artificial intelligence and programming, highlighting the rapid advancements in generative AI.01:16 Shelton's Tech Background and Microsoft's AI InitiativesRobert delves into his extensive background in technology, focusing on his time at Microsoft and their significant contributions to the AI revolution.02:09 Microsoft's Role in Defense and IntelligenceThe conversation shifts to Microsoft's proactive stance in the defense sector, especially when others stepped back, and how startups began contributing to national security.02:59 The Transformation of the Tech Industry Towards Federal SpaceDiscussing the tech industry's evolution, Robert and Callye explore the impact of startups and innovation on national defense and security solutions.11:09 The Impact of AI on the Workforce and IndustryThe dialogue turns to the broader implications of AI on jobs, the workforce, and how it's changing the landscape for programmers and other knowledge workers.29:36 Future of AI and Advice for StartupsRobert shares his perspective on the future possibilities with AI in national security and offers valuable advice for startups looking to make an impact.TakeawaysArtificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including national security, mental health, and data analysis.Startups and small companies play a crucial role in driving innovation and bringing fresh perspectives to the market.The adoption of AI may lead to changes in the job landscape, with certain career fields being reduced or eliminated while new opportunities emerge.The accessibility of AI tools and platforms allows startups to compete with larger companies and create impactful solutions at a fraction of the cost.Entrepreneurs should focus on getting their ideas out there and leveraging platforms like YouTube and podcasts to gain visibility and support.

This conversation explores the shift from manufacturing in China to Mexico, particularly in the context of the Southern California manufacturing renaissance. The guest, Terry Arbaugh, discusses the benefits of manufacturing in Mexico, including proximity to the US market and the ability to work closely with customers. The conversation also touches on the opportunities in defense tech and the potential for regulation changes to support domestic sourcing. The importance of getting people excited about manufacturing and the impact it can have on communities is highlighted.TakeawaysManufacturing in Mexico offers benefits such as proximity to the US market and the ability to work closely with customers.The Southern California region is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance, with increased investment and growth in the industry.Opportunities in defense tech are expanding, and near-shoring in Mexico can provide a strategic advantage.Regulation changes may support domestic sourcing and encourage the growth of manufacturing in the US.It is important to get people excited about manufacturing and showcase the impact it can have on communities and the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 The Shift from China to Mexico09:14 Benefits of Manufacturing in Mexico12:20 The Southern California Manufacturing Renaissance19:46 Participating in the Growing Ecosystem23:32 Opportunities in Defense Tech27:21 Regulation Changes and Near-Shoring29:17 The Long-Term Impact of Manufacturing32:27 Getting People Excited About Manufacturing38:49 The Importance of Marketing Manufacturing

Welcome back to The Startup Defense, in this week’s episode Callye Keen talks with John Ferry about innovation in government contracting. Ferry shares his background from military service to working acquisitions. Topic Highlights:[00:00] Introduce John FerryCallye Keen introduces John Ferry, CEO of UseRogue.com, an organization blazing the trail of applying AI to the GovCon industry. [02:12] The DARPA Experience and Technology Transition Ferry's recount of his tenure at DARPA illuminates the process of transitioning technology from labs to operational forces. This segment explores the nuances of bringing innovative solutions to the warfighter, emphasizing the organizational skills required to navigate the defense ecosystem.[04:00] The Role of AI in Streamlining AcquisitionHighlighting his passion for applying cutting-edge technology to government procurement, Ferry discusses how automation and AI can revolutionize the acquisition process, making it faster and more efficient.[07:00] Misconceptions in Selling to the Government Ferry addresses common misconceptions about selling technology to the government, shedding light on the distinction between users and customers within the DoD. This discussion is crucial for startups aiming to navigate the complex web of defense procurement successfully.[18:28] Rogue: Revolutionizing Proposal Writing with AI An in-depth look at Rogue, Ferry's venture into using AI for proposal writing, offers a glimpse into the future of GovCon. This highlight underscores the transformative potential of AI in reducing the complexity and cost of proposal writing, making defense contracting more accessible.[29:16] The Defense Innovation Ecosystem: A Call for Realistic Expectations Ferry critically examines the current state of defense venture capital and innovation, urging startups to temper their expectations and understand the long-term nature of DoD contracting. Parting Thought:"Invest as much time into the people as you do into the process... You can make a quick buck, but you can't make a long buck if you do it wrong."  John FerryCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ John Ferry - UseRogue.comWith over 15 years of work experience in the defense and government sectors, John Ferry is the Chief Executive Officer of UseRogue.com, a company that applies AI to the GovCon industry. He is also the President of Trenchant Analytics, LLC, where he oversees the company's strategic vision, business development, and customer relations. John has a Masters of Public Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from American Military University. As a former Army officer and Special Forces candidate, John has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the operational force, and he leverages that expertise to match user needs and technology capabilities to identify opportunities for technology transition.LinkedInUseRogue.comTacgov.com

Dave Sterling of Royce Geo and Callye Keen (Kform) discuss the fusion of commercial technology, complex data, and national security. Sterling's unique perspective on the intersection of defense, technology, and startup culture offers invaluable insights for innovators and leaders in the defense sector.Topic Highlights:[00:00] Introduce Dave SterlingCallye Keen introduces Dave Sterling, CEO of Royce Geo a leader within the IC and DoD in enterprise IT, advanced analytics, and intelligence modernization, rapidly increasing intelligence production, situational awareness and delivering answers to some of the hardest issues currently facing US national security.[05:08] The Convergence of National and Commercial IntelligenceDiscussing the integration of national technical means and commercial data, Sterling emphasizes the need for practical technical expertise. He details how Royce Geo leverages this convergence to provide actionable intelligence, illustrating the company's strategic shift towards comprehensive, tech-driven solutions.[09:00] The Role of Advanced Analytics in IntelligenceSterling shares insights into Royce Geo's core competency in advanced analytics and its impact on agile data collection and processing. He reflects on the journey from traditional intelligence methods to pioneering real-time, automated data analysis, revolutionizing intelligence gathering.[26:32] Talent Acquisition and Training in Intelligence A key focus for Sterling is harnessing untapped talent. He discusses the strategy of employing individuals with strong technical backgrounds and then immersing them in intelligence work, effectively bridging the gap between technology and defense intelligence.[32:13] Future Trends in Commercial Space and Intelligence Looking ahead, Sterling predicts significant developments in commercial space, emphasizing the need for faster data transmission and processing. He foresees a growing reliance on commercial assets for national security, underscoring the importance of speed and resilience in intelligence operations."Really understanding the problem, I think, has been a big part of our success... If you really want to make it in this industry and have that enduring name... you've got to understand the problem. And if you do that, then I think the rest of it will come." - Dave SterlingCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ Dave Sterling - Roye GeoDave started Royce Geo back in 2015 with the idea of making analysis more powerful with greater speed through automation. Fast – forward to today, Royce Geo is a leader within the IC and DoD in enterprise IT, advanced analytics, and intelligence modernization, rapidly increasing intelligence production, situational awareness and delivering answers to some of the hardest issues currently facing US national security. Sterling has over 20 years of geospatial expertise serving as analyst for NGA and building a GEOINT portfolio for KEYW (now Jacobs). It was this combined mission experience gained through government service and corporate capabilities development at KEYW that set the tone for what Royce Geo would be today and for the future… where unrelenting mission focus is combined with force multiplying innovation. Today, Sterling leads operations, strategy and sets corporate vision for Royce Geo.https://twitter.com/Royce_Geo https://www.facebook.com/roycegeoconsultinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/roycegeo  

In EP032 of "The Startup Defense," host Callye Keen engages with Roy Edwards, an expert in business automation and remote work. This insightful dialogue delves into the nuances of integrating AI and automation in both government agencies and commercial businesses. Topic Highlights:[00:00] Introduce Roy Edwards Callye Keen introduces Roy Edwards, President & Chief Operations Officer at Capital Presence, where he helps Organizations and the Military to #WorkWherever while being more productive using Microsoft Power Platform. [06:13] Embracing Automation and AI Discussing the early resistance and current embrace of automation, Roy Edwards highlights the evolution and impact of AI and automation in streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency in various sectors.[13:09] The Transformation of Government ProcessesEdwards shares insights on how government agencies are increasingly adopting automation, moving from traditional methods to more efficient, AI-enhanced processes, significantly improving operational capacity.[20:30] The Necessity of Hybrid Work Models Keen and Edwards discuss the inevitability and current reality of hybrid work models, stressing the importance of adaptability in today's workforce and the role of existing technologies in facilitating this shift.[29:00] Training and Security in Remote Work Addressing security concerns in remote work, Edwards emphasizes the importance of training and appropriate network use, ensuring data security even in non-traditional work environments.[34:57] Building Remote Work Cultures The conversation shifts to how startups can cultivate a thriving remote work culture, focusing on the importance of clearly defined processes and core values for effective team collaboration and cultural integration.[39:23] Advantages of Remote Teams for Startups Roy Edwards discusses the strategic benefits for startups in embracing remote teams, highlighting the potential for attracting diverse talent and the importance of adaptable processes in a remote setting."Processes over people, people over technology. That's my baseline." - Roy EdwardsCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ Roy Edwards - Capitol Presence Roy is a Cloud executive, Microsoft Subject Matter Expert, and the current President and Chief Operations Officer of Capitol Presence. Roy specializes in Robotic Process automation, Artificial intelligence, and is a remote work advocate. He is the host of the Work Wherever Podcast.https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-edwards-spsme/https://goworkwherever.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-wherever-podcast/id1512353766 

In the riveting EP031 of "The Startup Defense," host Callye Keen engages with Eric Frahm from Gallium Solutions. This episode unveils the transformative trends in defense innovation, focusing on the integration of commercial technology into national defense. They explore the significant role of dual-use technologies and the evolving landscape of defense startups. Frahm, with his insights from AFWERX to Gallium, offers a compelling view of the future of defense innovation and its impact on national security.Topic Highlights:[00:00] Introduce Eric Frahm Callye Keen introduces Eric Frahm, founder of Gallium Solutions, where Eric and his team are focused on making government collaboration affordable, accessible, and achievable.[02:03] Venture Capital in Defense Innovation Frahm notes the growing interest of venture capitalists in defense-focused startups, indicating a mature and investable ecosystem where dual-use technologies are gaining prominence.[08:18] Navigating the Government Innovation Ecosystem Frahm reflects on the progress in understanding government processes within the defense innovation space, highlighting a shift from basic knowledge to a more sophisticated grasp of complex government systems, as observed at the Fed Supernova conference. This evolution indicates a deeper, more effective engagement of companies with government entities in defense innovation.[18:16] Government as a Catalyst in Technological Advancement The conversation debunks the notion of the government merely being a customer, instead highlighting its pivotal role in driving technological advancements, especially in defense.[21:17] Prospects of Defense Innovation Eric provides a future outlook on defense innovation, predicting an accelerated pace of change and the necessity for operational transformation to fully harness emerging technologies.[29:40] The Critical Role of Manufacturing in Defense A discussion on the indispensability of manufacturing technology and resilience in national security, stressing the need for a robust industrial base to support and sustain defense requirements.[31:29] Guidance for Startups in Defense Space Offering practical advice, Eric urges startups in the defense sector to seriously consider the complexities of government contracting and the importance of strategic planning and team building in this niche.Parting Thought:"In the defense space, if you think there's a shortcut, you're heading towards a brick wall." - Eric Frahm emphasizes the importance of respecting the process and commitment in the defense innovation sector.Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ Eric Frahm - Gallium SolutionsWith a successful 20+ year Air Force career focused on aviation and revolutionizing military operations and technology, Eric is focused on sharing his extensive knowledge with our team and clients. Eric was a founding member of the AFWERX Austin team and played a pivotal role in remaking the Air Force’s SBIR process. Eric became a master at crossing the “technology valley of death” between R&D and transition in the government. Today, he’s a mentor at startup accelerators across the country and a frequent public speaker. As our Strategic Advisor, Eric creates broad client strategy, identifies government opportunities, and helps set client efforts apart from the competition.https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-frahm/https://www.galliumsolutions.co/

In an engaging conversation, Brandon Shelton, founder of TFX Capital and seasoned veteran, highlights the unique strengths of veteran entrepreneurs. He discusses how military experience shapes resilience and creative problem-solving, vital in the startup landscape. Shelton reveals the critical dynamics of founding teams, emphasizing a blend of mission-driven mindsets and domain expertise. He also tackles the delicate balance of hubris and humility needed for entrepreneurial success, providing insights into the emerging trends in defense technology investments.