American National Security and the Role of the Startup Ecosystem

07/06/22 • 60 min

The United States military has been the archetype for innovation and power around the world. Over the last two decades, faults within the system have become alarming evident. And the venture industry has the solution. In this episode, we will examine the force and ingenuity behind VCs and how they can disrupt the archaic processes behind our country’s defense framework. We hear from experts how VC-backed startups can form better partnerships with the Pentagon to yield a safer, more competitive America for all.

Ted Schlein, General Partner at Ballistic Ventures and Kleiner Perkins, shares how the VC industry has progressed in cybersecurity and discusses how VC-backed startups in cybersecurity can navigate selling their products to the federal government.

Michael Brown, Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in the U.S. Department of Defense, provides the perspective from the intersection of the federal government and VC to the conversation. Michael explains the challenges faced by VC-backed companies while partnering with the Pentagon, and how the Pentagon is reforming the acquisition process.

Shaan Gandhi M.D., D.Phil., 2022 NVCA Rising Star winner, recalls his story of the power of drug development that motivated him to support the next generation of biotechnology companies.

Brandon Shelton, Managing Partner of TFX Capital, explains why military veterans bring unique value to the VC industry and offers advice to veterans wanting to launch their own startups.

To register for our events, or to learn more about the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) visit our website.

Shaan Gandhi M.D., D.Phil., 2022 NVCA Rising Star winner, recalls his story of the power of drug development that motivated him to support the next generation of biotechnology companies.

Brandon Shelton, Managing Partner of TFX Capital, explains why military veterans bring unique value to the VC industry and offers advice to veterans wanting to launch their own startups.

To register for our events, or to learn more about the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) visit our website.

Previous Episode

Solving the Climate Crisis Starts with Startups

The climate crisis is desperate to be solved. America’s startup ecosystem is at the frontline of the solution. In this episode, we explore how startups are advancing breakthroughs in climate technology, making cities greener, and we establish where policy stands on VC investment and climate solutions.

NVCA’s Manager of Government Affairs Jonas Murphy gives an update on past, current, and future federal policy that addresses investment in climate startups and how VCs can advocate for the right policy to solve the climate crisis.

Founder and CEO of BlocPower Donnel Baird grew up in a poor Brooklyn neighborhood where heating low-income housing was a challenge. His childhood experiences helped spawn the idea for BlocPower. Donnel shares how BlocPower is now working to decarbonize buildings, make cities greener, and employ and train people from vulnerable communities to work in climate tech.

Co-founder of Accel Arthur Patterson won the 2022 NVCA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has mentored countless investors and shares insight gained from decades of VC experience.

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA 17th District) discusses how to make the tech industry work across places in rural America, why VC investments need to be decentralized and dispersed, and how he addresses these in his new book, Dignity in a Digital Age: Making Tech Work for All of Us.

To register for our events, or to learn more about the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) visit our website.

Next Episode

State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0

Underrepresented communities and emerging ecosystems are vital to the venture world, but often struggle to unlock significant capital. In this episode, we explore how a recently reinstated federal program called the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) gives these groups greater access to significant capital for VC investment.

Think and Do Tank Heartland Forward’s President and CEO Ross Devol gives us a view into the challenges entrepreneurs face in Heartland states and shares how Heartland Forward is dedicated to improving economic performances in America’s Heartland.

NVCA’s Manager of Government Affairs Jonas Murphy gives us the rundown on how SSBCIworks, why VCs should care about it, and potential challenges managers should keep in mind when considering applying.

Ray Leach, founding CEO of non-profit venture development organization Jumpstart, shares advice for emerging managers who are applying for funds with the SSBCI, explains how the SSBCI will differ from state to state, and how the program accelerates startup ecosystems across the country.

Managing Director of New York Ventures at Empire State Development Jennifer Tegan shares success stories of SSBCI 1.0 and tells us what SSBCI 2.0 will do better.

We also announce an exciting new NVCA event for VC investors to take action and learn insight to enhance effectiveness inside the boardroom of portfolio companies.

To register for our events, or to learn more about the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) visit our website.