Defense Policy, Company Building, and Space Innovation, Fundings: Impluse Space, OneTrust, Moreh
26 July 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
In the latest Securing Our Future podcast, host Jeremy Hitchcock talks with HawkEye 360 Chief Executive Officer John Serafini about the dual-use sector, venture capitalism, national security, and ways that new founders can set up their companies for success. HawkEye 360 is the leading developer of space-based radio frequency (RF) mapping and analytics capabilities.
John has over a decade of experience investing in and leading national security-oriented technology companies. He has founded and/or served as the CEO for 10 venture-capital technology companies, each with a thematic focus on the national security, defense, and intelligence sectors. His investment activities and management expertise center upon the intersection of profit-maximizing private capital and the unique requirements and R&D capabilities of the U.S. Government.
John previously served as Senior Vice President of Allied Minds, where he led the formation, financing, and management of HawkEye 360, along with other Allied Minds companies such as BridgeSat, Federated Wireless, and Percipient Networks (WatchGuard acquired). A former Airborne Ranger-qualified U.S. Army infantry officer, John is a graduate of the US Military Academy, Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
In this episode, John shares his varied experience in the industry as a whole and gives us tips for future dual-use investment and operations. John’s unique insights are valuable for all, whether you are an aspiring startup founder or an interested party in our nation’s future.
Listen wherever you stream your podcasts or below on Spotify:
NatSec100: Annual Ranked List of the Top Venture-funded Defense and Dual-use Startups
The NatSec100 is an annual list ranking top venture-funded defense and dual-use startups, providing insights into the evolving techno-security landscape. It highlights startups' funding and emphasizes the need for sustained government support to ensure national security capabilities. Readers can understand the cutting-edge technologies in the sector and the importance of government contracts for startup success.
The NatSec100 report takes you on a captivating ride through groundbreaking startups shaping our nation's security. Discover the secrets behind their success, their incredible funding achievements, and the crucial role of government support. If you want to stay ahead in the techno-security landscape, this report is a must-read.
Cyber Experts Look to National Cyber Plan Funding
Private sector cybersecurity officials are looking ahead to key catalysts for advancing the Biden administration's National Cybersecurity Strategy implementation plan (NCSIP).
The plan includes nearly 70 tasks to put the NCS into action, with a focus on software bills of material, fighting ransomware and cybercrime, incident response, and international cybersecurity standards.
Funding and collaboration between the government and private sector are crucial to achieving the plan's objectives and bolstering cyber resilience.
The plan emphasizes the need for better security in critical infrastructure sectors and highlights the value of public-private partnerships to counter cyber threats effectively.
How Palantir Is Shaping the Future of Warfare
Palantir, a data technology company founded in 2003, specializes in using advanced data integration and analytics to address law enforcement, national security, military tactics, and warfare problems.
During a recent visit to Palantir's London office, the author witnessed the capabilities of the company's MetaConstellation platform, which uses satellites and algorithms for real-time tracking and targeting during conflicts.
Automation and machine learning algorithms are increasingly being used for target identification and coordination, making human intervention less relevant in some aspects of the process.
The idea of warfare may shift to complex simulations within algorithmic systems, possibly leading to an algorithmic arms race among different nations, with China being a prominent competitor. Future wars may be fought in the virtual realm, where control of foundational software and algorithms will determine victory in geopolitics.
Founded: 2021
Key People: Founded by Thomas Mueller
Elevator Pitch: Aviation and aerospace components designed for economical and last-mile space payload delivery.
Funding: The company raised $45 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by RTX Ventures on July 24, 2023. Airbus Ventures, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Space Capital also participated in the round.
Founded: 2016
Key People: Founded by Kabir Barday
Elevator Pitch: A governance platform designed to help in tackling privacy management.
Funding: The company raised $150 million of venture funding in a deal led by Generation Investment Management on July 24, 2023, putting the company's pre-money valuation at $4.35 billion. Sands Capital and other undisclosed investors also participated in the round.
Founded: 2020
Key People: Co-founded by Gangwon Jo Ph.D and Jungho Park Ph.D
Elevator Pitch: AI infrastructure technology designed to help businesses to grow.
Funding: The company raised KRW 15 billion of venture funding from KT Cloud and KT on July 23, 2023.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our latest episode, we have guest John Serafini sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation where John discusses the dual-use space and outlines ways to optimize the industry for a more secure future.
