From Special Operations Intelligence to National Security Porfolios, Fundings: ConverSight, Intenseye, Curio Legacy
30 August 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
In our latest Securing Our Future podcast, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Trevor Hough, the Owner of The ADK Group, an advisory firm focused on bridging the gap between industry, national security, and investors and helping companies scale up their business while solving vital national security challenges.
He retired from the Army in 2022 as a Military Intelligence officer after splitting most of his career between Special Operations and supporting national-level policy making. Now, Hough is a seasoned professional who operates at the intersection of National Security, Tech, and Data. With roles ranging from Strategic Advisor to Mentor, his expertise orbits National Security Policy, Risk Analysis, and building effective teams.
In this episode, Hough delves into the intricacies of achieving a great work-life balance and explores the art of transitioning from public to private work, all while nurturing a steadfast commitment to serving one's country. Additionally, he provides invaluable guidance on cultivating a diverse portfolio career without being tied down to a single full-time position at a company.
Hough's profound expertise in the realm of dual-use spaces stands as a testament to his unparalleled knowledge. His perspectives offer an enlightening pathway for individuals seeking to bridge the gap between national security and the endeavors of private enterprise. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on Spotify below:
The United States faces an unprecedented challenge of deterring large-scale conventional aggression from nuclear-armed powers China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific and Europe simultaneously.
The U.S. military is currently unprepared to address the challenges posed by both China and Russia due to mismatched strategy and resources, lack of modernized capabilities, and inadequate posture.
A new approach to simultaneous deterrence is necessary, focusing on the concept of campaigning, which needs to be refined to effectively counter coercion by China and Russia while meeting global demands.
The report suggests a framework that links campaigning with warfighting, aiming to establish combat-credible peacetime postures, demonstrate relevant warfighting capabilities, and enable responsiveness in key theaters to enhance deterrence.
Calling All Communications Strategists: America Needs Your Help
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates emphasizes the fragmented state of U.S. strategic communications and public diplomacy across multiple agencies and commissions.
Gates suggests that effective strategic communication is crucial for shaping global politics and advancing American national interests, but the U.S. has fallen behind China and Russia in this regard.
Gates proposes a plan to synchronize efforts across agencies, breach digital communication barriers, and expand people-to-people exchange programs to gain a competitive edge in global influence.
To support these efforts, three recommendations are made:
Allocating resources for hybrid degree programs that integrate communication, creative writing, and international relations
Creating incentives such as scholarships for communications talent
Incorporating marketing and storytelling components into military education to produce graduates with strong communication skills.
Commerce Chief Says US Firms Complain China Is 'Uninvestible'
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo reports that American companies have expressed concerns that China has become "uninvestible" due to increased risks such as fines, raids, and unclear legal changes that make business operations precarious.
Raimondo, traveling with U.S. officials in China, highlighted the challenges faced by American businesses and emphasized that China's actions have made it increasingly difficult to invest in the country.
She cited examples like high fines without explanations, revisions to counterespionage laws causing uncertainty, and raids on businesses, which contribute to the perception of China being risky for investment.
Raimondo also noted that Chinese actions against chipmaker Micron Technology lacked rationale and due process, and she urged for these issues to be addressed.
Founded: 2017
Key People: Co-founded by Ganesh Gandhieswaran and Gopinath Jaganmohan
Elevator Pitch: A contextual decision intelligence platform designed to converge the distance between humans and machines.
Funding: The company raised $9 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Surface Ventures on August 28, 2023. Elevate Ventures and 10 other investors also participated in the round.
Founded: 2018
Key People: Co-founded by Serhat Cillidag and Sercan Esen
Elevator Pitch: An AI-powered video analytics platform designed to analyze images and videos at the workplace to mitigate accidents.
Funding: The company is reportedly in the process of raising $65 million of Series B venture funding in a deal led by Lightspeed Venture Partners on August 28, 2023.
Founded: 2021
Key People: CEO Edward McGinnis
Elevator Pitch: Nuclear technologies designed to focus on commercializing the case for a closed fuel cycle.
Funding: The company raised $100,000 of venture funding from Erez Capital on August 25, 2023.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our latest episode, we have guest Trevor Hough sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation where Trevor discusses achieving a work-life balance in the dual-use space and provides inspiration for those looking to bridge the gap between national security and private enterprise.
