Mission Matters Podcast

Last week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a memo outlining a series of reforms to the defense acquisition system. In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, David Rothzeid and Mike Brown break down what these reforms are and what impact they will have on the defense startup community. We cover:The details of the reforms themselves (abolishing JCIDS, changing PEOs to PAEs, MOSA, and more)Why some legacy incumbents may resist these changesHow to incentivize people within the Department to make these reforms a realityHow startups should work to take advantage of the reformsAnd moreFor more, check out David's blog post on the subject: https://drothzeid.medium.com/making-speed-and-accountability-the-new-normal-in-defense-acquisition-88cb84adfb65

There’s a lot of buzz these days around missile defense, but not much discussion around how missile defense actually works. In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Matt and I sit down with Shield Capital Operating Partner and former Director of the Missile Defense Agency, Ltg. (ret.) Pat O’Reilly, to discuss the current state of missile defense. We cover:How missile defense actually works, breaking down a) the threats b) the kill chain and c) firing doctrineHow missile defense has changed over the last several decadesThe role of startups and emerging technologies in the future of missile defenseThe state of our adversaries’ missile and missile defense systemsAs always, please let us know your thoughts, and please reach out if you or anyone you know is building in the national security domain.

What will it take to actually bring manufacturing back to America? In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Akhil and I sit down with Cameron Schiller and Aeden Gasser-Brennan, the founders of Rangeview, to discuss the current state manufacturing in the U.S. We discuss:What investment casting actually is and how Rangeview is revolutionizing the ancient manufacturing processWhy China dominates much of today’s manufacturing landscape, particularly in the world of consumer electronicsHow modern defense manufacturing today differs from the manufacturing we did during WWIIHow industrial policy combined with new technologies can help bring manufacturing back to AmericaAs always, please let us know your thoughts, and please reach out if you or anyone you know is building in the national security domain.

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 adviceChaptersIntroduction to the Guests and Their RolesChallenges in Technology Adoption and IntegrationThe Future of Software-Defined WarfareThe Importance of Data IntegrationGeopolitical Context and the Navy's RoleThe Urgency of Technological Integration in DefenseReviving Patriotism and National SecuritySuccess Stories in Defense Technology IntegrationBuilding Effective Partnerships for InnovationKey Metrics for Measuring Success in DefenseIntegrating New Technologies with Existing SystemsLearning from Successful Startups in DefenseAdvice for Startups Entering the Defense SpaceInnovative Program Management in DefenseStrategic Partnerships and Funding MechanismsOutcome-Driven Metrics and AccountabilityFuture Wishes for Defense TechnologyLessons from Ukraine for Indo-Pacific ConflictsGenerative AI in the NavyChallenges of Technology Integration in the DoDBuilding for the Navy: Unique ConsiderationsComputer Vision in the Maritime DomainAdversaries' Adoption of Maritime TechnologiesUnderstanding Adversaries' Military Technology Approaches

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 stickWhether 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 StartupsUnderstanding the Defense BillEmerging Technologies: Space, AI, and Unmanned SystemsChallenges and Opportunities for StartupsNavigating the Defense Acquisition LandscapeThe Debate on Defense vs. Dual-Use StartupsThe Role of Space in National SecurityInnovations in Defense Acquisition PoliciesImpact of the Forge and Speed ActsExecutive Orders and Their ImplicationsInvestment 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 conflictThe current state of Iranian proxy forces in the Middle EastHow the conflict in the Middle East compares to UkraineAnd more!Keywords: Middle East, geopolitical briefing, national security, technology in warfare, nuclear program, Iran, US-Israel relations, cyber operations, AIChaptersIntroduction to SHIELD Capital and Geopolitical BriefingAdmiral Kevin Donaghan's Background and ExperienceRecent Activities in the Middle EastCommand Responsibilities in Iraq and AfghanistanAssessment of the Recent Conflict and CeasefireIran's Military Capabilities and Regional DynamicsTechnological Advancements in Military OperationsThe Role of Cyber in Modern WarfareLeadership Assessment in Crisis OperationsIran's Nuclear Program and Military StrategyRegime Stability and Prospects for Change in IranUS-Israel Relations and Military CollaborationIran's Global Influence and Terrorism ConcernsGeopolitical Implications for China and RussiaInvestment in AI and Technology by Gulf AlliesThe Future of GPS and Warfare TechnologyCybersecurity 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 edgeThe painful reality of legacy DoD software systems like ABIDES and DTS, and why commercial technology should be powering national security workflowsHow the DoD is rewriting acquisition playbooks—embracing OTAs, CSOs, and the software acquisition pathway to bring in non-traditionals fasterAnd 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.ChaptersUnderstanding Obviant and Its MissionThe State of DOD Contracting ToolsRecent Changes in Acquisitions and ContractingRewriting the FAR: A New ApproachInnovative Contracting MechanismsSuccess Stories and Cultural ShiftsExecutive Orders and Their ImpactUnderstanding Customer Needs and Data ChallengesThe Role of Obviant in Data IntegrationNavigating the Acquisition ProcessMaintaining Data Accuracy and RelevanceUnlocking Insights for the DODSuccess Stories and Customer ImpactAdvice 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 deploymentWhat commercial enterprises like Nestlé are doing with agents today — and what the DoD can learn from themA tactical roadmap for AI adoption in national security — from policy fixes to compute access to trust-buildingAnd much moreKeywords: 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 AIKey ThemesNavigating 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 OperationsThe Role of AI in CybersecurityUnderstanding Penetration TestingDual Use Technology in Cyber OperationsThe Fifth Domain in Modern WarfareChallenges in Cyber OperationsThe Impact of Generative AI on CybersecurityDefending Against Cyber ThreatsBuilding Innovative Cybersecurity TechnologyInnovations in Cybersecurity PartnershipsBuilding Tools for CybersecurityUser Experience and Future VisionBuilding Trust in Government TechnologyIntegrating Workflows for EfficiencyOvercoming Adoption ChallengesSurprises in the Startup JourneyIdentifying Team StrengthsRecruiting for the FutureControversial Takes on CybersecurityAdvice for Startups in National SecurityKeywords: 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