Securing Our Future - Making Cybersecurity More Accessible
29 June 2022 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures, formerly the Dual-Use Round Up
Securing Our Future – it’s why I’m here and it’s what we do.
Brett Davis here, Co-Founder of New North Ventures alongside Jeremy Hitchcock. We both share the same mission, vision, and values that are at the heart of our firm – securing our future for America by investing in USA, a united security architecture. We arrived at the same juncture by two different paths, yet similarly focused on taking a leadership role in the investment of America’s future.
We do this by investing in entrepreneurs who are solving the hardest of problems in the national security and economic growth domains. We see the backbone of a strong and resilient economy to be AI/ML, cybersecurity and communications. These technologies do double-duty as the pillars of our national security architecture simultaneously.
How and why did I get here? And, most importantly, why am I so passionate about New North Ventures’ mission?
During my time in Navy Special Operations (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and in the Central Intelligence Agency, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of amazing teams coming together to solve many of the hardest of national security challenges. Of particular relevance is that the biggest and most enduring successes were those in which the government partnered with private industry, the entrepreneur community and business executives to examine the issue, define what success could look like, then buckle down and do the hard work – without ego getting in the way.
It was genuine partnership which means mutual respect, an inclusive mindset, outcome oriented, a willingness to persevere together and to hold each other accountable. This perspective shaped my leadership philosophy throughout my tenure as a CIA Officer. This was built on top of my early education as a young Midshipman in Navy ROTC that the US Navy was specifically built to protect the shipping lanes that American businesses required to enable the vision of global leadership. In essence, America's key strengths are our innovation and our economy. Our national security infrastructure is to protect American citizens, our allies, and our economy. In turn, our national security infrastructure requires innovation from our economy.
I am passionate about the opportunity to continue serving our country, although in a slightly different role – by investing directly into teams and technologies which will accelerate America’s economic engine and secure our future. We invest in founders who demonstrate Integrity, intellect and passion. More simply put, they are resilient.
New North Ventures. We are on a mission to secure our future. The work is exciting and hard – and the rewards are enduring freedom and economic security. Get onboard with us and be part of a winning team.
Announcing our Next Webinar:
We are excited to announce our next live webinar “Making Cyber Security More Accessible” will be held on Wednesday, July 13th at 11:00 am. This webinar features Spencer Thompson, founder and CEO of Prelude which is one of our portfolio companies. Prelude is a cybersecurity company that is focused on increasing the reach, frequency, and usage of advanced security for all organizations.
In this webinar we will discuss:
The current state of cyber security
Innovation in cybersecurity training
How to turn vulnerabilities into opportunities to strengthen networks
Founded: 2019
Key People: Co-founded by Rita Mounir and Chad Spensky
Elevator Pitch: One Solution. Unlimited Freedom. Freeing the world from passwords, keys, and cumbersome authentication mechanisms.
Funding: Raised $3.13 M of venture funding on June 21, 2022 in a deal led by Silverton Partners
Founded: 2021
Key People: Co-founded by Michael Brzozowski, Mike Lewis, and Reid Barton
Elevator Pitch: Zero-Knowledge security without seed phrases or backup codes
Funding: Raised $1 M of seed funding on June 16th, 2022 from Protocol Labs, Soma Capital, and Fast VC
Founded: 2006
Key People: Founded by Philip Wenger
Elevator Pitch: Information technology company intended to provide fast and secure WiFi services
Funding: Raised $400 K of Angel funding on June 21, 2022 from undisclosed investors
Military Spending and the New Arms Race - The Cipher Brief
The defense budget continues to expand and increase for fiscal year 2023
Continued aide for Ukraine, Cybercommand expansion, and a possible new arms race
G7 aims to raise $600 bn to counter China's Belt and Road - Reuters
Biden Administration clarified that the funds would not be aid or charity, but an investment for the future
Whitehouse officials say China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” has provided little support for developing countries
Forging the Industrial Network the Nation Needs - The National Interest
Global order is changing and the “Arsenal of Democracy” may become obsolete
Switch from “Industrial-based thinking” to “ network-based thinking” to spur innovation
Industrial networks must fully leverage the US competitive advantage in the financial markets at all levels
