Navigating the Future of Open Source Intelligence, Recapping the Boston Innovation Summit, Fundings: BamCore, Bug Crowd, Heliux
Navigating the Future of Open Source Intelligence, Recapping the Boston Innovation Summit, Fundings: BamCore, Bug Crowd, Heliux
14 February 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
We are excited to share another New North Ventures Securing Our Future podcast episode. In this edition, our general partner and guest host, Stephanie Usry Bellistri, sits down with Aaron Brown from 2430 Group—a nonprofit dedicated to defending American innovation, industry, and critical technology against foreign adversaries.
With over two decades of experience in law enforcement, Army special operations, and as a senior operations officer at the CIA, Aaron shares insights into his unique journey, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of national security.
Join us as they explore the impact of cutting-edge technology, particularly GPT-4, on intelligence operations. Aaron's expertise highlights the transformative potential of this technology in tasks such as imagery analysis, transcription, and intelligence report generation.
Don't miss this important discussion on the intersection of technology and national security – tune in now to gain valuable perspectives on securing our future. Listen wherever you stream your podcasts or on Spotify below:
The 2024 Boston Innovation Summit, hosted by New North Ventures and The Cipher Brief convened leaders and experts to explore the nexus of technology and global security. The event, which doubled in size since its inception, underscored the urgency for tangible solutions in strengthening national security through innovation and investment. Key themes emerged, including the pivotal role of dual-use technology, the threat posed by deep fakes, cybercrime and cognitive warfare, increasing global instability, defense sector investment, and the imperative for public-private collaboration.
Former Congressman Will Hurd examined the symbiotic relationship between technology, security, and policy in fostering dual-use technology growth. Emphasizing the fluidity between sectors, they advocated for proactive partnerships to safeguard digital infrastructure and regulate AI ethically.
The CEO of Reality Defender highlighted the pervasive threat of deep fakes, stressing the urgent need for technological solutions and regulatory frameworks. The discussion emphasized the role of collaboration in combating this escalating risk.
In a Cipher Brief live interview, former CIA executives discussed the evolving global security landscape, emphasizing the indispensable role of intelligence and the pressing need for collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector.
A panel of investors discussed the rising interest in funding dual-use startups to bring innovation to the defense sector, moving away from the dominance of large contractors. However, complex procurement processes remain a hurdle for startups entering this market.
Experts from intelligence and law enforcement backgrounds discussed the alarming growth of online fraud and scams, particularly those involving social engineering. The anonymity and ease of transactions offered by cryptocurrencies further fuel this issue, urging the need for better tracking and regulation. International collaboration and improved intelligence sharing are also crucial to effectively combat cybercrime.
A panel of OSINT and media experts emphasized that disinformation and manipulation of narratives are emerging as potent weapons in modern warfare. AI plays a major role, allowing perpetrators to overwhelm audiences with information and shape public opinion. To counter this, it’s essential to leverage AI for defense, develop better communication strategies, and educate the public on recognizing misinformation.
Startups pitched innovative solutions ranging from semiconductor design platforms to over-the-horizon OSINT, reflecting a shift in defense sector investment towards dual-use startups and the integration of emerging technologies.
The summit concluded with a call to action, highlighting the importance of continued exploration, collaboration, and action in leveraging technology to fortify national security and economic resilience. As we stand at a pivotal juncture, the expertise, vision, and commitment of attendees are crucial in shaping a secure future.
Read the full recap and check out some photos from the event below:
The Post reports that nearly half of the top 100 venture capital investors in Forbes' 2023 Midas List are investing billions in Chinese tech startups, potentially compromising American national security.
Future Union, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, reveals that these investors, including notable figures like Scott Shleifer and Anton Levy, have deep connections with China, contributing to Beijing's dominance in tech innovation.
The report suggests that such investments raise concerns about technology transfer, intellectual property theft, and the risk of empowering China's military capabilities.
Critics argue that supporting Chinese startups over American counterparts harms the US economy and innovation sector, urging lawmakers to consider regulations and restrictions on investments in adversary nations involving critical technology.
This revelation poses an alarming threat to American national security, risking technology transfer, intellectual property compromise, and potentially empowering China's military capabilities.
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Founded: 2008
Key People: CEO William Hinkle Ph.D
Elevator Pitch: A climate-positive building materials designed to decarbonize the environment by harnessing nature and technology.
Funding: The company raised $2.80 million of venture funding through a combination of convertible debt and equity from IPGL and ImpactAssets on December 20, 2023.
Founded: 2012
Key People: CEO Dave Gerry
Elevator Pitch: A crowdsourced cybersecurity platform designed to provide organizations with customized security testing programs to identify their security problems.
Funding: The company raised $102 million of Series E venture funding in a deal led by General Catalyst on February 12, 2024.
Founded: 2023
Key People: CEO Alex Craig
Elevator Pitch: An AI-powered enterprise operating system designed for the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Funding: The company raised $2 million of venture funding from New Stack Ventures, Amplify.LA and Crosscut Ventures on February 12, 2024.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, we have Aaron Brown, associate founder of 2430 Group, sit down with General Partner Stephanie Usry Bellistri for an engaging conversation about the intersection of technology and national security and the changing nature of intelligence work.