Ryan Micheletti

Led by Anduril, defense tech funding sets a new record this year | TechCrunch https://buff.ly/4129kts Anduril, a leader in defense technology, has driven defense tech funding to an unprecedented high this year. Investments in this sector have surged, reflecting a growing interest in advanced military solutions and cutting-edge innovations. This milestone underscores the increasing importance of tech-driven defense initiatives in modern security strategies. As global tensions rise, there's a notable shift towards integrating AI, robotics, and autonomous systems into defense operations. The record-breaking funding highlights the critical role technology plays in national and international security landscapes. #DefenseTech #InnovationInSecurity

1

The Seraphim Space Accelerator Investor Showcase platform is live! ⚡ 📺 Don’t miss the opportunity to view pitches from the Mission 14 cohort companies, access direct introductions to their teams, explore the new Insights Service, and learn more about applications for Mission 15. → Register here: https://lnkd.in/enXc27Py 💧 Acquora: Tackling the $1 trillion water management market with sustainable solutions for global access. 🌱 Artemis Earth: Scaling biodiversity monitoring with satellites to support ESG goals and sustainable decisions. 📡 Constellation Technologies & Operations: Revolutionising telecom with a satellite broadband constellation for affordable, sustainable internet. 🤖 ROVIAL Space: Advancing orbital assembly and repair with AI-driven robotics. 🌍 FlyPix.AI: Providing Earth insights through satellite and drone imagery via an AI-powered SaaS platform. 🛰️ Planetary Systems AI: Using AI, digital twins, and machine learning to optimise decision-making in planetary operations. 🌐 SARsatX: Delivering customisable, near-real-time Earth observation insights through an integrated SAR-optical satellite network. 🔧 FORG3D: Transforming metal manufacturing with 3D printed forgings for Earth and space applications. 🔋 SPACELIS (NATO DIANA): Innovating ultra-light flexible solar cells for sustainable energy in space exploration. 📶 Tiami Networks: Creating secure, 5G-enabled systems with ISAC capabilities for critical data and communications. Huge thank you to our Accelerator partners for their continuous support throughout the program: European Space Agency - ESA, UK Space Agency, Dentons, Airbus, JSAT INTERNATIONAL, INC., Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, Leidos, NEC Corporation, Department for Business and Trade Rob Desborough, Alexander Holt, Ellie Gyaurova, Alessandro Braglia, Aida Khalil #SeraphimSpace #SSA #SpaceEconomy #SpaceTech #SSAM14 #InvestInSpace #InvestorShowcase

47

3 Comments

Today, the House Armed Services Committee Republicans held a hearing on Fielding Technology and Innovation: Industry Views on Department Of Defense Acquisition. If you stand anywhere near the arena of defense technology innovation, just the opening comments are a sufficient call to action. While emerging tech companies like Skydio, Shield AI, Saildrone, Applied Intuition, and Palantir Technologies spoke, they represented startups of all stages in an illuminating discourse about the change needed. While the services may have all the authorities they need, the authorities they have will lead to status quo solutions. Based on their statements, here are five solutions to real problems in the defense innovation ecosystem. 1. Surge American Small Drones to Ukraine and Scale Across U.S. Military: Provide small, dual-use drones to Ukraine to aid their defense and enhance U.S. military preparedness through real-world battlefield feedback. Additionally, drone procurement should be significantly scaled across all military levels to ensure mass availability in great-power conflicts. Leverage a real operating environment to rapidly iterate solutions that provide warfighting advantage. 2. Adopt Flexible, Portfolio-Based Acquisition to Keep Pace with Innovation: Shift to a portfolio-based acquisition model, allowing for faster integration and removal of technologies while using faster procurement pathways like Defense Logistics Agency’s Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) to acquire emerging capabilities quickly. 3. Create a Problem-Based Acquisition System with Flexible Budgeting:  Implement a problem-based acquisition system centered on solving real defense challenges with flexible resourcing, ensuring the Department of Defense can rapidly adapt to evolving threats and technologies. This can offset traditional acquisition systems focus on rigid requirements, which stifles innovation and delays meeting urgent needs. 4. Establish a Bridge Fund for Rapid Technology Deployment:  Create a dedicated "bridge fund" to immediately scale proven technologies from programs like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), enabling deployment before formal budget appropriations are secured.  It is a long, fragile bridge across the Second Valley of Death between validating innovative technologies and deploying them at scale. 5. Streamline the Accreditation Process for Faster Adoption of Commercial Solutions: Simplify and standardize the Authority to Operate (ATO) process across the DoD, allowing faster integration of commercial technologies while reducing the burden on non-traditional defense companies.  Lower bureaucratic barriers that delay access to cutting-edge technologies. Congress and the DoD need to set the conditions that allow defense acquisition to match the speed and scale of industry innovation instead of throttling it, lest we end up with the X-15 Cruise Basselope, a solution that does not fit the problem despite being written to meet the "requirement".

54

12 Comments

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has been actively supporting startups since 2015, awarding contracts totaling $5.5 billion for innovations such as autonomous drones and cybersecurity software. While aiming for a quick turnaround in contract awards, the DIU faced delays in 2023. Despite awarding 90 contracts for pilot projects, only 10 progressed to military deals. To enhance its capabilities, the DIU plans to expand its staff and embed employees with combat commands worldwide. Looking ahead, the DIU seeks to expedite the integration of commercial technology into the military, focusing on confirmed Pentagon demand. With an increased budget, it aims to accelerate the transition from successful prototypes to actual contracts, ultimately helping startups secure recurring revenue through programs of record. #privatecapital #vc #venture #dualuse #innovation #defense #pentagon

7

Defense tech is booming—but who will actually win? A look at the startups and investors prepared to thrive in this complex industry. https://buff.ly/4gFGbsr

4

1 Comment

#TacticalOperators? we're headed to #California! Connect with me to schedule a live demo and training session featuring our #TacticalBreaching equipment and SAN's #TrainingDoor. Don't miss the chance to gain valuable #OperationalInsights. #FORBreachersBYBreachers.

12

📰 🥁 Today's #CrossingTheValley features David Brown, the CEO of CounterCraft​​ ! In our conversation, we delve into the world of digital security, deception, and scaling a successful tech company in the defense industry. Here are three takeaways from my conversation with David 🚀🚀🚀: 1. Making Deception Easy Imagine WANTING to make it easy for organizations to deceive. When is that a good thing? David harkens back to World War II to emphasize how deception - in the physical and digital realms - is a crucial part of national (and corporate) defense. Countercraft's platform, aptly named "The Platform," simplifies the deployment of deception environments, enabling organizations to protect their valuable assets from cyber threats. 2. Don't Go Direct! CounterCraft's success was propelled by strategic partnerships. By focusing on developing a great product and educating users on its benefits, CounterCraft leverages partners for installation, support, and delivery services. This approach allows the company to scale efficiently and meet the diverse needs of its customers, both in the commercial and government sectors. 3. Iterate, Iterate, Iterate A key theme throughout the conversation was the importance of listening to the voice of the customer. David emphasized the need to understand and fulfill customer requirements, ultimately making it easy for them to consume the technology. By prioritizing customer feedback and adapting to their needs, CounterCraft has been able to build credibility, drive growth, and ensure long-term success. Check out the full episode at ValleyCrossers (dot) com or at frontdoordefense (dot) substack (dot) com #Cybersecurity #Partnerships #PodcastEpisode

15

3 Comments

Defcon AI Inc., a defense technology startup that provides logistics insights for military operations, said today it has raised $44 million in seed funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners to expand its team and build more capabilities. In addition to Bessemer, Fifth Growth Fund and Red Cell Partners also joined the round. Military organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense, which contracts with Defcon AI, are faced with innumerable obstacles when deploying manpower and resources to the field. These could be issues such as hurricanes, washed-out roads and enemy action. All of this must be modeled and represented to get the best outcome when coordinating in the field where people and things need to move from point A to point B as efficiently as possible.

61

3 Comments

#Startups should be keen on the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act because it shapes the future of defense spending and priorities, providing significant opportunities for #innovation and business growth. The NDAA outlines funding and policies for military training, equipment, and resources, highlighting where you as a startup need to position for future growth. Also, it outlines areas where new #technologies and solutions are needed. By aligning their products and capabilities with #military needs, startups can tap into a stable and substantial market, fostering growth and long-term success.

42

3 Comments

There is so much that is so damn impressive about Nominal's execution. The team identified a truly needed product in the world. More than that... They serve their customers. Sometimes Nominal is saving days of work for an engineer detangling the performance of new hardware in an autonomous fixed wing drone. Other times, helping implement a transformational change for engineering orgs, delivering iteration speed from simulation to range to unlock an RFP goal and contract win. They are building dual use -- powering the best of commercial and public sector teams. Whether a government contractor delivering on a $12b contract. A scaled public company, integrating AI into your roadmap on to your existing HW platform. A startup which is willing a first product into existence. Nominal is there for all the dual use hardware builders who live real time, live in physical world time. The real world runs real time. The real world runs Nominal and so excited to be on the journey. Also, hiring, https://www.nominal.io/, kind of a lot. If you are awesome, they want to talk to you.

22

2 Comments

Garrett Smith would have you believe he's "a head in the clouds, visionary CEO who's not grounded in reality." But Reveal Technology's story proves otherwise. While some defense tech startups chase headlines and trade show sponsorships, Garrett and his team have quietly become the first commercial software solution certified on the Army's mobile network. Today on #CrossingtheValley, I sat down with Garrett and Dave Caudle, the company's VP of Defense, to unpack how a small team is revolutionizing tactical edge operations. This episode just might change how you think about defense tech. We cover: 🎯 The Power of Tactical Truth While others pitched PowerPoints to generals, Reveal spent time on ranges with sergeants and lieutenants, building capabilities they wished they had in combat. Result? When they finally met program leadership, the grassroots demand was undeniable. 💡 The Integration Revelation Most founders obsess over technology readiness (TRL). Reveal discovered early that integration readiness (IRL) is the real kingmaker. It's not enough to build great software – it has to seamlessly integrate into the warfighter's complex ecosystem. 🤝 The Platform Play What started as an edge mapping solution is morphing into something much bigger. With a recent acquisition and a $33.6M STRATFI award, Reveal is positioning to become the standard platform for AI-enabled operations at the tactical edge. Full episode available now at ValleyCrossers (dot) Com. Whether you're a founder, investor, or acquisition professional, you don't want to miss this. #DefenseTech #Military #Innovation #Leadership

29

12 Comments

Venture Capital Getting Bullish on Defense Tech I am posting this interesting article as I am working with a manufacturer who is the leader in personal protective gear (body armor) and is looking at growing (based on growth from purchase orders and global demand) their proprietary new designs. So, if anyone is interested in investing in the defense industry, please contact me. #defense #bodyarmor #DOD #investing #startups #business

1

Does the #defense R&D landscape change tomorrow, forever? The Biden Administration is expected to release much-anticipated new details about a trilateral agreement that will shake up traditional defense innovation to prioritize emerging tech. AUKUS - a pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia – will likely result in ITAR exemptions for UK and Australia in an effort to speed up technological development and information sharing between the #allies. The agreement is designed to expedite #innovation at a quick pace - essentially mirroring how the emerging tech world operates. Bonus - the initiative isn’t targeted to prop up defense primes. If implemented, it means U.S., U.K., and Australian businesses and suppliers of all sizes can collaborate in unprecedented ways, something business leaders, investors, and economic developers should be watching closely. Meanwhile, advanced #technology companies like Adarga, Second Front Systems, Sentient Vision Systems, and SYPAQ Systems already foresee the opportunity and are positioning to work with the U.S. government under the new agreement.    Defense contracting and innovation aren’t typically defined by speed. But given the ongoing goal for the defense industrial base to keep up with rapid tech innovation and growing tensions in the Pacific, #AUKUS is worth watching.   https://reut.rs/3UDCRpy #partnership #defensetech

36

1 Comment

The evolving threat landscape on the US Southern Border highlights the importance of leveraging insights from distant conflicts. Stay informed with Terrogence Codex - now available through GSA with an exclusive End of Fiscal Year offer. Check out more details here: https://lnkd.in/gJXzDrUT

3

REMEMBER THAT PEER? Pentagon watchdog to review JLOTS system used for Gaza aid pier The inquiry is separate from another review of America's military pier to deliver aid into the Gaza strip. Read More

9

3 Comments

Does the potential rigidity of the IRM&CM process (AJP 2.7) apply to rapidly changing battlespaces? Contemporary warfare demands immediate responsiveness and flexibility, posing challenges to traditional ISR workflows that may take days or weeks to develop. To address this, here are some key actions to enhance ISR capabilities: - **Real-Time Adjustments**: Incorporate mechanisms for real-time adjustments within the IRM&CM process to quickly revise collection plans and re-task ISR assets based on immediate operational needs and intelligence updates. - **Shorter Planning Cycles**: Implement shorter, iterative planning cycles for more frequent updates and revisions to the collection plan. - **Leveraging Advanced Technologies**: Utilize AI, machine learning algorithms, and automation to process data quickly, identify patterns, and provide actionable intelligence in near real-time. Other strategies include empowering field units, establishing forward-deployed ISR cells, investing in real-time communication networks, utilizing integrated command and control systems, and deploying flexible ISR platforms. Additionally, conducting frequent training exercises and scenario-based simulations are vital to prepare ISR personnel for dynamic environments. While the traditional IRM&CM process offers a structured approach to ISR operations, adapting it to the fast-paced nature of contemporary warfare is crucial. These measures can enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, ensuring better support for rapidly changing battlespaces.

10

#DisruptiveTech 🔴 The second iteration of the Pentagon’s Replicator rapid-fielding initiative will focus on countering small drones, with plans to request funds for the initiative in the fiscal 2026 budget, according to United States Department of Defense leaders. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced “counter small uncrewed aerial systems,” or C-SUAS, as the Replicator 2 focus area in a memo last week to senior Pentagon leaders. His decision follows a monthslong review that considered what capability gaps could be best addressed through the rapid fielding initiative. “Replicator 2 will tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat posed by small uncrewed aerial systems to our most critical installations and force concentrations,” he said in the memo, which was released publicly on Monday. “My expectation is that Replicator 2 will field meaningfully improved C-sUAS protection to critical assets within 24 months of Congress approving funding.” Championed by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, Replicator’s goal is to create a new pathway for the Pentagon to buy and scale high-need capabilities on faster timelines. #csuas #counterdrone Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting

5