All Quiet on the Second Front

Episode 57. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt sits down with Wasim Khaled, CEO of Blackbird.AI, to explore the critical issue of disinformation and its implications on modern society. Wasim shares his journey from being a gearhead with a computer science background to co-founding Blackbird.AI, a company dedicated to combating the manipulation of narratives in the information age. The conversation delves into the evolution of disinformation, the challenges in identifying truth in a complex media landscape, and the innovative approaches Blackbird.AI employs to address these issues.Wasim emphasizes the existential threat posed by disinformation, highlighting how it influences everything from public health to geopolitical stability. He discusses the importance of narrative intelligence and the tools his team has developed to quantify and mitigate the effects of disinformation. This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of modern information warfare and the innovative solutions being developed to counteract it.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The journey from tech enthusiast to disinformation expertUnderstanding and defining narrative attacksThe role of technology in detecting and combating misinformationReal-world implications of disinformation on businesses and national securityThe impact of generative AI and the need for regulation in the information ecosystemConnect with Wasim:• LinkedIn: Wasim KhaledConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front Systems

Devaki Raj, Chief Digital and AI Officer at Saab, talks about transitioning AI to defense, user empathy in AI development, and challenges of integrating small AI companies into larger defense contractors. Topics include AI's impact on national security, real-world testing, and the importance of adapting to evolving technologies in the defense sector.

Episode 55. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Eric Slesinger, General Partner at 201 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain. 201 Ventures focuses on advancing freedom and autonomy in Europe by backing pre-seed and seed-stage companies in the intelligence, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. Eric, originally from Washington D.C., shares his journey from engineering and intelligence to leading 201 Ventures. Throughout the episode, Tyler and Eric delve into the critical role Europe plays in global security and the evolving dynamics of the defense technology landscape. Eric highlights the shifting focus towards economic competition and the need for Europe to bolster its defense tech capabilities internally. They discuss the increased defense budgets across major European countries, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the need for innovative approaches to address the continent's unique security challenges.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The shift in Europe's defense strategyThe impact of economic and geopolitical instability on securityThe role of startups and innovative tech in defense modernizationNavigating the complexities of European defense procurementThe critical need for anticipatory thinking and strategic investment in defense techConnect with Eric:LinkedIn: Eric SlesingerConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler SweattWebsite: Second Front SystemsCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Season 3, Episode 54. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Thomas Hendrix, Founder and Managing Partner at Decisive Point, to explore the intersection of venture capital and defense technology. Thomas shares his unique journey from a Special Forces officer in the Army to a finance professional on Wall Street, and ultimately to founding Decisive Point.  They dive into the nuances of bringing commercial technology to the defense sector, discussing the challenges and opportunities of dual-use technologies, and the importance of hardware and software integration. Thomas offers insights into the regulatory landscape, the role of government as a first customer, and the critical aspect of empathy and understanding in developing technologies for the defense community.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The journey from military service to venture capitalThe evolving landscape of dual-use technologiesStrategic partnerships and navigating government procurement processesUnderstanding the regulatory hurdles in defense tech adoptionConnect with Thomas:LinkedIn: Thomas HendrixConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.com

Season 3, Episode 53. Today on All Quiet, Tyler sits down with Steve Bowsher, CEO of In-Q-Tel, to delve into the intricate world of venture capital as it relates to government needs. Steve shares his journey from government consulting to Silicon Valley and ultimately to leading In-Q-Tel. Throughout the episode, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities in aligning the goals of high-quality venture-backed startups with the mission requirements of government agencies. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of global threats, the strategic use of commercial technology in national security, and the ongoing efforts to maintain the United States' leadership in technology and defense.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Critical insights on balancing quantity and quality in deal flowThe importance of proactive outreachThe real value of post-deal support in reducing friction for technology adoption Connect with Steve:LinkedIn: Steve BowsherConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Jacqueline Tame, from SVDG and Playground Global, discusses the impact of venture capital on defense innovation, navigating government policies, AI in legal analytics, global tech advancements, and bridging Silicon Valley and Pentagon for national security.

Season 3, Episode 51. In this episode of All Quiet, Second Front Systems’ VP of Security Donnie Hasseltine hosts Matt Conner, chief information security officer (CISO) at Westinghouse Electric Company and independent board director at Second Front Systems. Matt shares his journey into the world of cyber security, from his start at Cape Canaveral Air Station working in information security to his tenure as CISO at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and beyond. The conversation delves into how the role of the CISO has evolved from a niche technical position to a key player in strategic business decisions, reflecting on how cyber security is a crucial component of modern military operations and corporate strategy alike.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Exploring the intersection of cyber security and business strategy.Insights into the transformation of cyber security roles over the past two decades.The impact of cyber security on the efficiency and safety of military operations.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: Matt ConnerConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 50. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Glenn Cowan, CEO and founder of ONE9 Investments, Canada’s leading dual-use technology innovation ecosystem for critical infrastructure and national security. Glenn is a seasoned Canadian venture capitalist, retired special operations officer, and accomplished investor. Together they discuss Glenn’s journey from the Canadian Armed Forces to spearheading Canada's pioneering defense-focused venture capital fund. They shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the Canadian defense sector, particularly in developing and investing in technologies that address specific national security needs.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Transitioning from military to venture capitalStrategic importance of Canadian investment in defenseUnique positioning of Canada in the global defense landscapeModernizing Canada’s defense capabilities and infrastructureConnect with Glenn:LinkedIn: Glenn CowanConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Explore the AI adoption and challenges in the DoD with insights from CDOs at DARPA and AFR. Learn about AI applications in federal agencies, efficiency and innovation in the DoD, utilizing AI for learning enhancement, and the evolution of digital and AI roles in DoD leadership.

Joseph Larson discusses the impact of algorithmic warfare, integrating AI in defense, adapting to rapid tech advancements, and learning from global events for future defense strategies.