Generative AI Ethics, Military Tech, and National Security Insights, Fundings: Kyrus Tech, Infleqtion, Upwind
4 December 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Reality Defender: The Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP+) report features Reality Defender as a key player in combating the misuse of generative AI within the entertainment industry. By enabling the detection of specific facial and voice likenesses, Reality Defender helps safeguard talent from unauthorized use of their digital identities, reinforcing the industry's efforts to protect creative rights and ensure ethical deployment of AI-generated content.
Speeding Up Digital Acquisition Dramatically At The US Navy
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has long struggled with lengthy procurement cycles that often take over a decade, rendering them ill-suited to the rapid evolution of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Recognizing this "innovation adoption problem," as described in a 2024 Atlantic Council report, the Department of the Navy’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Digital has pioneered a streamlined approach to procurement.
The PEO has categorized its innovation pipeline into "horizons" to evaluate, pilot, and scale promising solutions while actively phasing out outdated systems. This strategy has enabled the Navy to rapidly deploy pilots in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud infrastructure, making procurement more efficient and cost-effective.
One notable example is the PEO's collaboration with VIA, a cybersecurity firm specializing in blockchain and cryptography. After issuing a rapid Request for Proposal (RFP), the Navy selected VIA to secure data across its operational and information technologies. VIA’s agility and iterative demo process impressed the Navy, enabling weekly feedback loops and quick implementation.
This process demonstrates the Navy's shift toward prioritizing speed, flexibility, and measurable results over perfection, reshaping how military and government agencies approach technology procurement. VIA's successful pilot underscores the effectiveness of this approach, marking a significant improvement in how the military adopts and scales new technologies.
DIU Selects Anduril to Enable Collaborative Autonomy for Replicator Systems
Admiral Paparo’s "Hellscape" plan aims to deter conflict over Taiwan by deploying uncrewed undersea and surface vessels (UUVs and USVs) and other advanced technologies to create a heavily defended zone in the Taiwan Strait.
This strategy relies on rapid drone production through the Pentagon's Replicator initiative led by Deputy Secretary Hicks. However, China’s superior industrial capacity and geographic advantages could enable the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to implement its own uncrewed maritime denial strategy, potentially outpacing the U.S. in the deployment of such systems.
China's industrial advantage is underscored by its capacity to mass-produce components and vehicles that are crucial for maritime UxV technology. Additionally, China’s shipbuilding and automotive industries, along with its world-leading electric vehicle and electronics sectors, position it to dominate the production of maritime UxVs. If China deploys these assets in large numbers, it could establish an overwhelming maritime presence in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas.
More links to explore
Two key senators urge the Navy to change course on large USV program.
"If You're Not Blowing Stuff Up, You're Not Innovating!" — Stanford Professor Steve Blank.
Founded: 2009
Key People: CEO Daniel Hall
Elevator Pitch: A software development firm that approaches data science through the lens of computer forensics, enabling analysis and visualization of large data sets while uncovering new and usable information about the nature of the data.
Funding: The company was acquired by SIXGEN, via its financial sponsors Washington Harbour and Cedar Pine, through an LBO on December 2, 2024 for an undisclosed amount.
Founded: 2007
Key People: CEO Matthew Kinsella
Elevator Pitch: A quantum sensing technology software designed to deliver high-value information processing, global communication security, and efficiency.
Funding: The company received $11 million of grant award funding from United States Department of Defense as a part of Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program on December 3, 2024.
Key People: CEO Amiram Shachar
Founded: 2022
Elevator Pitch: A cybersecurity company intended to protect and democratize internet security.
Funding: The company raised $100 million of Series B venture funding in a deal led by Craft Ventures on December 2, 2024.
Look for a new episode of the Securing the Future Podcast wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with journalist Tim Mak for a powerful discussion on national security, his experiences reporting from Ukraine, and insights from his acclaimed work on the NRA and global conflict.