The Startup Defense

Step into the future of defense technology and venture capitalism as David Rothzeid, a seasoned Air Force veteran with 13 years of experience, guides us through an illuminating exploration. Delve into the realm of low Earth orbit satellites, cutting-edge venture funding, and remarkable advancements in defense technology. Gain insights into the dynamic intersection of defense tech and venture capital that is reshaping industries and discover how this episode serves as a catalyst for innovation and progress. David shares his passion for national security technology and the exciting traction companies are gaining in this space.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Venture Capital and Defense Tech David and Callye discuss the challenges and potential returns of investing in defense tech. David explains Shield Capital's approach to investing and the importance of commercial applications for the success of a company. They also discuss the challenges startups face in targeting both defense and non-defense markets simultaneously.05:48 - Investment StrategyDavid shares insights on how his background in the Air Force informs his investment decisions and how Shield Capital helps its portfolio companies navigate the complexities of the defense ecosystem. He also talks about the importance of understanding the acquisition process and the value of partnerships.12:01 - Making Strategic Decisions as a StartupRothzeid talks about the challenges startups face when approached by entities like the Air Force for demonstrations and how those exercises might not lead to the type of traction. He mentions the importance of understanding the decision-makers involved and whether it will lead to something worthwhile.00:15:04 - Highlighting Albedo: Game-Changing Satellite ImageryRothzeid highlights Albedo, a company that is putting up satellites in very low earth orbit with exquisite sensors that will be a game-changer for both the national security mission and commercial industries.23:48 - The Exciting Journey of a VCDavid shares his insights on the excitement and challenges faced by venture capitalists, emphasizing the need for strategic portfolio construction and the importance of having conviction in the founders they choose to invest in.25:24 - Criteria for an Investable StartupDavid discusses the key criteria that Shield Capital looks for in a startup, including the applicability of the technology to both commercial and national security, the stage of the business, and the market potential. He also highlights the importance of the founder's vision and the ability to build a billion-dollar business.Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen David Rothzeid - Shield Capital https://shieldcap.com https://twitter.com/ShieldCapVC https://www.linkedin.com/company/shieldcap/ About David RothzeidDavid Rothzeid is a Vice President of Investments for Shield Capital, a venture capital firm with over $170 million in assets under management based out of San Francisco, CA. David is responsible for sourcing, diligencing, and supporting cutting edge start-ups across multiple technology verticals operating at the nexus of commercial innovation and national security. David separated as a Major from the United States Air Force after thirteen years on active duty. With assignments at the Pentagon, Defense Innovation Unit, Air Force Materiel Command, Special Operations Command, and Air Force Space Command, David earned distinction as an innovative acquisition officer pioneering the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and promoting other transaction (OT) authority among other

Callye Keen sits down with Heather Richman to discuss the transformation of defense programs into sustainable ventures, the significance of private capital, and the emergence of new players in the defense arena.They tackle how to create a thriving dual-use company and explore the potential value gap for innovators, where a commercial product can serve the DoD. Heather dives into the importance of embracing failure in the pursuit of national security and the necessity of clean capital in the startup arena. They delve into the possibilities of bridging the gap between the DOD and the private capital community, shedding light on the complexities of this process. They discuss the need for trusted relationships and the potential of innovation units. They cover insights learned from Heather's time in Washington. Topic Highlights:00:00 - IntroductionHeather shares her background and what she is passionate about right now.05:23 - Challenges and Opportunities in Bridging the DOD and StartupsCallye emphasizes the concept of "dual use," where innovations and products developed in the commercial sector can be repurposed for defense applications. This approach could save time and resources by not reinventing the wheel and leveraging already proven commercial technologies.14:15 - Commercial-Government Relations in DefenseHeather Richman identifies the inefficiencies in commercial-government relations due to frequent personnel changes in the defense department. In 2018, a surge of Chinese capital in Silicon Valley led to concerns about investment sources. This prompted the development of a "trusted capital marketplace" for clearer capital origin transparency.23:35 - Innovation & Government ChallengesKeen illustrates how the DoD and Intelligence Community face amplified versions of commercial market issues. While organizations like the US Cyber Command have specific areas of interest, these concerns are universally shared but bear greater consequences for the government.37:12 - Sustainable Defense Programs Heather Richman emphasizes the shift from repetitive appropriations to crafting self-sustaining defense programs, underscoring the role of private capital in this transformation.38:00 - The Reality of Technological Evolution Callye touches on the extensive infrastructure development, including software platforms and data centers, that companies like Nvidia invest in to make revolutionary tech applications feasible.40:04 - The New Face of Primes Heather Richman discusses the evolution and significance of prime companies in the defense sector. With evolving war scenarios, the role of primes becomes even more crucial.43:20 - Role of Venture CapitalHeather highlights the increasing interest of venture capitalists in the defense market, advocating for an incorporation of a national security perspective in investment choices.43:51 - Opportunities in Startup DefenseBoth Callye and Heather extend an invitation for deeper discussions and explorations into the defense startup ecosystem, highlighting its potential and Parting Thought"When you and I wake up every morning, I see the world through a national security lens. and I'd like for people to be thinking about national security as they're making choices." - Heather Jo RichmanCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ Heather Richman - Defense Investor Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherjrichman/

Meg Vorland, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at Dcode, shares her expertise at the crossroads of technology and government. She discusses how Dcode helps startups navigate the defense sector's complexities and the challenges posed by AI and ML. The conversation highlights the value of user stories, emphasizing active listening for effective communication. Vorland also touches on the importance of venture capital in driving innovation and the role of mentors in the startup ecosystem. Tune in for a fascinating look at government tech adoption and entrepreneurship!

Join Callye Keen as he engages with inventive engineer and entrepreneur, Matt Bilsky. From innovative product design to the challenges of running a successful startup, this episode uncovers the intersections of creativity, technology, and business.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Decoding Product Design with Matt BilskyMatt Bilsky explores the intricacies of product design, discussing the importance of user-focused development and its role in creating successful, marketable products.17:12 - Emerging Trends in Engineering Bilsky provides an overview of current trends in engineering, their impact on product development, and the exciting potential they present for the future of technology.22:50 - The Role of Persistence in InnovationBilsky highlights the pivotal role of persistence in the realm of innovation. His personal anecdotes underscore the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity.41:07 - Deciphering the Start-up LandscapeBilsky delves into the thrills and spills of running a startup, sharing insights on the journey from conceptualization to realization, shedding light on the dynamics of modern entrepreneurship.43:04 - Navigating Business ChallengesAn honest examination of the challenges encountered in business from Bilsky's experience, offering valuable lessons for those stepping into the entrepreneurial world.44:12 - The Future of TechnologyBilsky concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of technology, exploring its potential impacts on society and speculating on emerging trends in the field.Parting Thought:"The secret to successful product design is in understanding that it's not about what we make, it's about why and for whom we make it." - Matt Bilsky [01:45:30]Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Matt Bilskey - FLX Solutions, Inc. https://twitter.com/flx_solutions https://linkedin.com/company/flxsolutions https://www.facebook.com/FLXSolutionsInc https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbilsky 

In this engaging conversation, Callye Keen is joined by Dave Peterson, a defense entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge in defense startups. Their lively discussion revolves around the importance of startups in the defense space, market sizing, and potential challenges in the transition of commercial technologies to defense.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Defense EntrepreneurshipDave Peterson outlines the significance of entrepreneurship in the defense sector, highlighting the difference in culture, language, and processes from conventional startups, providing an overview of the role that startups play in contributing to defense innovation.18:32 - Challenges of Introducing Commercial Technologies to DefenseCallye Keen sheds light on the difficulties faced when introducing commercial technologies into defense. Discussing his experiences, he emphasizes the challenges of convincing defense stakeholders about the reliability and applicability of technologies proven in the commercial sector, often leading to resistance due to unfamiliarity.19:02 - Market Sizing and Value Proposition in DefenseCallye Keen discusses the complexities and uncertainties of sizing the defense market, especially when considering product applicability. He shares key strategies to estimate the total addressable market, the value of solving specific problems, and how the opaque nature of defense can sometimes be a barrier.20:14 - Understanding Your Market in DefenseDave Peterson explains why understanding the defense market is crucial, especially when trying to secure investment. From projecting future revenue to identifying potential competition, he highlights the importance of business intelligence for defense startups.22:09 - The Value of Dual Use for Defense StartupsBoth Callye and Dave discuss the advantages of dual-use strategies for defense startups, underscoring the protective benefits of diversifying into related markets. The conversation emphasizes on finding commercial applications for defense innovations to overcome potential hurdles.24:04 - Importance of Process and Mentorship in Defense Startups Dave Peterson's final thoughts revolve around the need for well-defined processes in defense startups and the value of seeking guidance from experienced individuals. He advocates for productization and quality control as key factors for success.Parting Thought:"Nobody wants to buy one-offs. They want to buy productized things with quality control enabled, in your whole process soup to nuts." - Dave Peterson [00:24:42]Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Dave Peterson - Fenix Grouphttps://www.fenixgroup.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-peterson-042b30125/ 

Callye Keen engages with tech entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, known for his excellent ability to attract and develop talent. A discussion on successful team building, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and identifying individuals with a shared vision is explored. Mintz's journey from aerospace to start-ups, and even his political run, serves as a backdrop for this deep dive into leadership dynamics.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Radar Innovations: Insights from SpartanNathan Mintz discusses the founding of Spartan, its products, and the unique value proposition they bring to the automotive sector.03:15 - Technological Evolution: From Military to Civilian UseMintz talks about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning technologies from the defense sector to civilian uses, such as automated vehicles.06:42 - Navigating a Start-Up: Spartan’s Growth StrategyMintz discusses Spartan's approach to developing its product, growing the team, and the key elements to their success.09:30 - Competition and Innovation: Radar Technology's FutureThe discussion touches on how competition fuels innovation in the radar technology industry. A competitive landscape can stimulate innovation, pushing companies to continually evolve their products. In a field that is advancing rapidly, staying ahead necessitates constant exploration of new possibilities. 15:04 - AI and Radar: Unlocking New PotentialMintz provides insights on the use of AI and machine learning in radar systems and its potential to revolutionize the field.19:17 - Attracting Top Talent: Transition at SpartanNathan Mintz details his decision to step back from the operational role at Spartan, making way for Dr. Matt Markle. He underlines the importance of understanding one's role in the company and picking the right successor for each stage of development.20:00 - Insightful Leadership: Choosing The Right RoleMintz talks about the self-awareness and humility required in leadership roles. He describes his aspiration to always be the 'dumbest person in the room,' illustrating the significance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals.23:02 - The Start-up Experience: Finding the Right FitAccording to Mintz, individuals who are content with monotony may struggle in the chaos and unstructured environment of a start-up. He stresses the importance of the pioneering spirit and curiosity in thriving amidst the uncertainties of a start-up.24:15 - The Political Drive: An Engineer in the AssemblyMintz’s political aspirations show a through-line of dissatisfaction and a desire to change things for the better. His experiences, including running for state assembly and co-founding the non-profit, California Common Sense, are highlighted.26:05 - Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Self-DoubtMintz encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step towards their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that the fear of not realizing one's full potential should never hold one back.Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Nathan Mintzhttps://spartanradar.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmintz/ https://twitter.com/mintz4assembly 

Episode Summary:Callye Keen discusses the complexities and challenges facing defense technology innovation with guest Rob Slaughter. They explore the landscape of government defense contracts, the role of open-source software in innovation, and the potential of leveraging AI in the defense sector.Topic Highlights:00:00 - The Government and Open SourceRob Slaughter discusses the pros and cons of using open-source software in the defense sector. He highlights the barriers to adoption, including policy restrictions and security concerns. This conversation provides an in-depth look at the potential for change in governmental processes. 15:47 - The Security of Open-SourceSlaughter delves into the security implications of using open-source software. He expresses a nuanced understanding of the benefits and drawbacks, such as the potential for a broader community to identify vulnerabilities versus the risks of exposure.30:02 - Balancing Innovation and PracticalityThere is a struggle between pushing for innovation and adhering to practical limitations. Rob and Callye explore this balance, discussing the importance of clear communication, understanding end-user needs, and the careful management of resources.38:49 - AI's Role in DefenseDelving into the opportunities AI presents, Rob paints a vivid picture of how machine learning models could process and extract information from government documents. However, he acknowledges the complexity of marrying classified information with AI, emphasizing the need for continued research and development.40:39 - Auditing vs ImplementationCallye Keen introduces a significant problem in the defense industry - the focus on audit standards over implementation standards. This shift in approach could significantly alter the way businesses interact with government defense contracts and improve operational efficiency. 42:40 - The Incentive DilemmaBoth Callye and Rob underline the tension that exists between innovation and profitability in the defense sector. This part of their discussion explores the reasons behind the defense sector's reluctance to embrace open source and the potential loss of expertise that could ensue. 44:12 - Shaping Defense InnovationRob draws attention to the innovation ecosystem within the defense industry, the budget allocations, and the impact of leadership changes. He also expresses his concern about the rapid turnover of personnel in government innovation programs, likening it to the challenges startups face. Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Robert Slaughter - https://www.defenseunicorns.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcslaughter/ https://www.youtube.com/@defense-unicornshttps://twitter.com/DefenseUnicorns

Episode Summary:In an enlightening conversation with Trish Martinelli, Callye Keen delves into the heart of problem-solving within the realm of defense innovation. They explore the intersection of bureaucracy and technological advancements, focusing on the role of an innovation mindset in revolutionizing the defense industry.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Embracing an Innovation MindsetAdopting an innovative mindset is vitally important, even within bureaucratic settings. Encouraging risk-taking and creativity, Martinelli highlights the need to foster an environment that facilitates progress and experimentation.16:01 - The Value of Innovation in Defense IndustryIn an engaging discussion with Callye Keen, Trish talks about the crucial role of innovation in the defense industry, emphasizing the need for industry-wide adoption of an innovation mindset to ensure national security and development.28:33 - Collaborative Approach to Innovation Discussing the evolution of the defense industry, Callye Keen shares his perspective on the increasing role of collaboration. The blending of commercial innovation and defense industry requirements is helping to expedite problem-solving and development.31:01 - Putting Users at the Center of SolutionsTrish elucidates the need for user-centric solutions within the defense department. She shares insights from Marina's book, "Hack your Bureaucracy", illustrating the need to improve user experience in the defense sector.29:00 - Learning from Commercial GiantsDrawing comparisons with UPS, Google, and Amazon, Callye encourages the defense sector to learn from the logistics and tracking systems of these industry leaders. This cross-industry learning is crucial to foster rapid innovation.33:42 - Engaging with Defense Entrepreneur ForumAs the Executive Director Emerita of the Defense Entrepreneur Forum, Trish advocates for joining passionate communities that are committed to problem-solving and innovation within the defense realm.34:00 - Understanding Ingredients and Knowing People for SuccessMartinelli lists two essential components for success in the defense department: understanding the systems and data, and knowing the right people. Building networks and asking good questions can significantly impact progress.Parting Thought:"Ask good questions, offer good solutions, and follow up. If you don't have a personal CRM or a way to process through LinkedIn connections and business cards, find your system that works or find a person that will do it for you." - Trish MartinelliCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Trish Martinelli - Defense Entrepreneur Forumhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/trishmartinelli-differencemaker/ 

Episode Summary:In a thought-provoking dialogue, host Callye Keen engages with Michael Meyer, an intrapreneur innovator, in discussing the complex intersection of software and hardware. They delve into the transformation of the design process, the challenges of reaching end users, the impact of bureaucratic barriers, and the power of innovation to overcome these hurdles.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Innovation CultureMeyer attributes this shift from a checklist-based approach to a more iterative, experimental innovation culture largely to a new generation of leaders within the military who view the world differently. As the mentality towards innovation shifted, it sparked the rise of new initiatives and gave birth to a culture that encourages open opinions and problem-solving.11:30 - “Default Laziness”Callye and Meyer discuss the current business culture of "default laziness", where organizations tend to outsource any complex problem that arises rather than dealing with it internally. 18:44 - Rethinking the Engineering ProcessMeyer underscores the shift in engineering, particularly as hardware's rapid evolution slows, and attention focuses on maximizing data utility and developing efficient software that fits within existing hardware constraints.19:54 - The Software Age and Hardware ConstraintsMichael suggests we're in the 'software age,' where due to the increasing cost and complexity of advancing physical technologies, focus has shifted to software design, data compression, and usefulness of data.22:06 - Innovation as Communication SolutionDiscussing the rise of AI, Meyer notes that much innovation is driven by the challenge of bypassing bureaucratic barriers to effective communication, creating systems that infer and predict needs, reducing the need for explicit instruction.23:36 - Hardware as Software's ResidenceKeen describes his role in creating adaptable and modular hardware systems to accommodate varying data and software needs. He emphasizes that modern hardware's primary function is to enable data collection and transformation.25:28 - The Misunderstood Relationship of Hardware and SoftwareMeyer challenges the notion that "software is eating hardware," suggesting instead that software development is now being forced to adapt to hardware constraints, leading to more efficient and thoughtful software design.26:27 - Software Design Influencing HardwareMeyer presents Tesla as an example of a company that's mastered the art of developing software and then building hardware to support it. This reverse approach could potentially simplify physical building.Parting Thought:"At the end of the day, what makes you an innovator, especially in today's world, is aligning passion. Find what matters the most to you in your life, and then just use that as your inspiration for all your solutions." - Michael Meyer Callye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://youtube.com/@kforminc  https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Michael Meyerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-meyer-3a4442156 

Episode Summary:In this captivating conversation, host Callye Keen engages with his guest, Russell Waddell, in a deep dive into the world of manufacturing. Their discussion explores the evolution of manufacturing and the inherent need for collaborative work environments. The duo also underscores the significance of fostering talent and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.Topic Highlights:00:00 - Rejuvenating the Manufacturing SceneThe duo delve into the resurgence of manufacturing, with Waddell noting that the focus should not be on competition, but on creating quality products and cultivating a talented workforce.11:07 - The Power of Passion and ExperienceKeen highlights the importance of hands-on experience and passion in shaping the best engineers, emphasizing how a non-monetary drive can lead to impressive results and innovative solutions in the manufacturing field.14:29 - The Shift Toward FlexibilityThe conversation underscores the shift in the defense industry from large, long-term platforms to smaller, more flexible ones. This move fosters efficiency and expedites the production cycle.21:06 - The Future of ManufacturingCallye predicts a brighter future for manufacturing, particularly in the reshoring initiatives downstream of the CHIPS Act. Russ shares his aspirations of contributing to this promising future by aiding the creation of unique, useful products.24:27 - The Role of Collaboration in ManufacturingRuss elucidates how modern manufacturing is a team sport, highlighting the necessity for a range of skill sets and cross-team collaboration for efficiency and effectiveness in the manufacturing process.Parting Thought"We're in a world that doesn't allow us to grow fast enough or have the right resources. The only way forward is through collaboration and connectivity. In the end, our goal is to make cool stuff, and if I can work with 10 people who are making cool stuff, I can make 10 times as much stuff." - Callye KeenCallye Keen - Kformhttps://kform.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxJE64JgFTUAzDS3m-56FtA https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen Russell Waddellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-waddell/ https://www.russwaddell.com