Afleveringen
-
In this episode, we speak with Mike Flanigan, the CEO of Seasats, a startup building the future of maritime autonomy.
-
This month on the Mission Matters podcast, we sat down with Justin Fanelli, the CTO of the U.S. Department of the Navy, and Artem Sherbinin, the CTO of the U.S. Surface Navy to discuss the future software-defined Navy. We cover everything from computer vision deployment in the maritime domain to why technology will matter in a conflict with China to what “software defined warfare” actually means.
As always, please let us know your thoughts, and please reach out if you or anyone you know is building in the national security domain.
Key words: Navy, technology adoption, software-defined systems, integration, resilient communications, data integration, hybrid forces, geopolitical context, defense technology, innovation, AI integration, defense tech startups, naval operations, generative AI, military technology, DOD tech adoption, Ukraine conflict lessons, computer vision, maritime technology, startup advice
Chapters
Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles
Challenges in Technology Adoption and Integration
The Future of Software-Defined Warfare
The Importance of Data Integration
Geopolitical Context and the Navy's Role
The Urgency of Technological Integration in Defense
Reviving Patriotism and National Security
Success Stories in Defense Technology Integration
Building Effective Partnerships for Innovation
Key Metrics for Measuring Success in Defense
Integrating New Technologies with Existing Systems
Learning from Successful Startups in Defense
Advice for Startups Entering the Defense Space
Innovative Program Management in Defense
Strategic Partnerships and Funding Mechanisms
Outcome-Driven Metrics and Accountability
Future Wishes for Defense Technology
Lessons from Ukraine for Indo-Pacific Conflicts
Generative AI in the Navy
Challenges of Technology Integration in the DoD
Building for the Navy: Unique Considerations
Computer Vision in the Maritime Domain
Adversaries' Adoption of Maritime Technologies
Understanding Adversaries' Military Technology Approaches
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
What does this new trillion-dollar defense budget and "Big Beautiful Bill" mean for national security startups?
This week on the Mission Matters podcast, I sat down with my teammates Michael A. Brown and David Rothzeid, two former leaders at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to unpack what the trillion-dollar defense budget really means for startups . With only $150B officially appropriated so far via the “Big Beautiful Bill,” there’s still a ton of complexity and opportunity ahead.We break down:
🔴 What’s actually been passed (hint: not the full trillion) and what’s still in flux
🔴 The current state of funding for cutting-edge technologies like Golden Dome, unmanned systems, space tech, and AI
🔴 Where DOD is lagging (AI, autonomy, EW) and what surprises are buried in the latest bill (F-35 cuts?!)
🔴 How startups should position themselves to win contracts
🔴 Where primes will dominate vs. where new entrants can thrive
🔴 What SPEED and FoRGED Acts mean for acquisition reform (spoiler: goodbye to some arcane accounting standards)
🔴 Why DoD “buying as a service” might finally stick
Whether you're a founder, investor, or policymaker—this episode’s for you. It’s a masterclass in how national security budgets translate into startup opportunity.
As always, please let us know your thoughts, and please reach out if you or anyone you know is building in the national security domain.
Keywords: Defense budget,NDAA, Appropriations Act, President's budget request, Big Beautiful Bill,defense spending, startups, commercial technology, unmanned systems, AI, cybersecurity,space technology, defense acquisitions, venture capital, dual-use technology.
Chapters:
Introduction to Defense Budgeting and Startups
Understanding the Defense Bill
Emerging Technologies: Space, AI, and Unmanned Systems
Challenges and Opportunities for Startups
Navigating the Defense Acquisition Landscape
The Debate on Defense vs. Dual-Use Startups
The Role of Space in National Security
Innovations in Defense Acquisition Policies
Impact of the Forge and Speed Acts
Executive Orders and Their Implications
Investment Thesis in Defense Technology
-
This episode of the Mission Matters podcast features a conversation between Shield Capital Managing Partner Philip Bilden and Vice Admiral Kevin “Kid” Donegan. This episode covers everything from:
The role of cutting edge technology like cybersecurity, drones, and AI in the conflict
The current state of Iranian proxy forces in the Middle East
How the conflict in the Middle East compares to Ukraine
And more!
Keywords: Middle East, geopolitical briefing, national security, technology in warfare, nuclear program, Iran, US-Israel relations, cyber operations, AI
Chapters
Introduction to SHIELD Capital and Geopolitical Briefing
Admiral Kevin Donaghan's Background and Experience
Recent Activities in the Middle East
Command Responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan
Assessment of the Recent Conflict and Ceasefire
Iran's Military Capabilities and Regional Dynamics
Technological Advancements in Military Operations
The Role of Cyber in Modern Warfare
Leadership Assessment in Crisis Operations
Iran's Nuclear Program and Military Strategy
Regime Stability and Prospects for Change in Iran
US-Israel Relations and Military Collaboration
Iran's Global Influence and Terrorism Concerns
Geopolitical Implications for China and Russia
Investment in AI and Technology by Gulf Allies
The Future of GPS and Warfare Technology
Cybersecurity Threats from State Actors -
In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, David and I speak with Brendan Karp, the CEO of Obviant, a startup building a government market intelligence platform. In this episode, we discuss:
How Obviant is building the “source of truth” for DoD budget, contract, and program data—replacing PDFs and spreadsheets with structured, searchable intelligence and providing its customers with a decision edge
The painful reality of legacy DoD software systems like ABIDES and DTS, and why commercial technology should be powering national security workflows
How the DoD is rewriting acquisition playbooks—embracing OTAs, CSOs, and the software acquisition pathway to bring in non-traditionals faster
And more…
Keywords: Governmentprocurement, national security, commercial technology, defense budget, AIplatform, data integration, acquisition challenges, government contracts, technologytransition, procurement data, innovation programs, defense industry, softwareacquisition pathway, commercial solutions openings, other transactionauthorities.
Chapters
Understanding Obviant and Its Mission
The State of DOD Contracting Tools
Recent Changes in Acquisitions and Contracting
Rewriting the FAR: A New Approach
Innovative Contracting Mechanisms
Success Stories and Cultural Shifts
Executive Orders and Their Impact
Understanding Customer Needs and Data Challenges
The Role of Obviant in Data Integration
Navigating the Acquisition Process
Maintaining Data Accuracy and Relevance
Unlocking Insights for the DOD
Success Stories and Customer Impact
Advice for Startups in National Security
-
In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Akhil and Maggie speak with Brian Raymond, the CEO of Unstructured, a startup building the future of data tooling for generative AI, transforming unstructured data into structured data that can be used by AI models.
Episode overview:
Brian Raymond’s journey from the CIA and National Security Council to building Unstructured, an AI infrastructure startup.
The “unsexy” data and infrastructure challenge behind LLMs and agents — from PDFs and XML to chunked JSON.
How SOCOM, the Air Force, and the Army are leading the way in practical GenAI deployment
What commercial enterprises like Nestlé are doing with agents today — and what the DoD can learn from them
A tactical roadmap for AI adoption in national security — from policy fixes to compute access to trust-building
And much more
Keywords: AI, National Security, DoD, Infrastructure, Generative AI, Adoption, Challenges, Use Cases, Trust, Technology, Department of Defense, AI technology, open source, trust building, government initiatives, experimentation, deployment challenges, dual-use technology, AI infrastructure, future of AI
Key Themes
Navigating AI in National SecurityThe Evolution of AI in the DoDChallenges of AI Infrastructure in DefenseSuccess Stories in AI AdoptionBuilding AI Applications for GovernmentTrust and Results in DoD AI SolutionsThe Future of AI in National Security -
In this episode, Patrick O'Brien and Bohdan Volyanyuk, the founders of Autonomous Cyber discuss the evolution of cyber operations, the integration of AI in cybersecurity, and the challenges faced in modern warfare. They explore the concept of dual-use technology, the significance of the fifth domain in conflict, and the impact of generative AI on both offensive and defensive strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of upskilling cyber professionals and the innovative approaches being taken to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. In this conversation, Patrick and Bohdan discuss the rapid evolution of AI models in cybersecurity, the importance of user experience, and the challenges of building trust within government technology. They emphasize the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in a fast-paced environment, while also addressing the significance of integrating workflows and overcoming adoption hurdles. The discussion highlights the value of user feedback and the importance of building strong relationships with clients in the national security sector. We discuss: The Emergence of Autonomous Cyber Operations
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
Understanding Penetration Testing
Dual Use Technology in Cyber Operations
The Fifth Domain in Modern Warfare
Challenges in Cyber Operations
The Impact of Generative AI on Cybersecurity
Defending Against Cyber Threats
Building Innovative Cybersecurity Technology
Innovations in Cybersecurity Partnerships
Building Tools for Cybersecurity
User Experience and Future Vision
Building Trust in Government Technology
Integrating Workflows for Efficiency
Overcoming Adoption Challenges
Surprises in the Startup Journey
Identifying Team Strengths
Recruiting for the Future
Controversial Takes on Cybersecurity
Advice for Startups in National Security
Keywords:
AutonomousCyber, AI native platform, cyber operations, large language models, penetration testing, fifth domain, national security, offensive cybersecurity, vulnerability discovery, operationalization, dual use technology, human-AI collaboration, cybersecurity challenges, government customer, cyber workforce.
-
Alex Wulff, Ben Harpe, and Isaac Struhl are the founders of Distributed Spectrum, a New York City based startup using machine learning, edge processing, and off the shelf hardware to provide a comprehensive, real-time view of the radiofrequency (RF) environment to help warfighters manage electronic warfare.In this episode we discuss:- The Modern Battlefield and Electronic Warfare- The Origin Story of Distributed Spectrum- Understanding Electronic Warfare- The Evolution of Electronic Warfare Technology- Customer Insights and Product Development- First Customer Experience and Product Validation- Ease of Use in Electronic Warfare Tools- Future of RF Sensing and Technology Evolution- Challenges and Opportunities in the National Security Market- Building Trust and Relationships with National Security Customers- Navigating the Unclassified Space- Innovations in RF Technology- The New York Advantage- Balancing Performance and Efficiency- Integrating with Legacy Systems- Building a Diverse Team for Success in National Security- Surprises and Challenges in the Journey- Advice for Future Founders in National Security
