Strategic Conversations, Fundings: Altana Tech, HabiTerre, Anduril Industries
14 August 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
In our latest Securing Our Future episode, Jeremy sits down with guest RDML Haigis, who brings a wealth of experience from both his distinguished military career and his role in the defense industry.
RDML Haigis has served in various key national security roles, from active duty aboard the USS Wasp to leading initiatives in the Navy Reserve. His experience with BAE Systems has further sharpened his strategic insights.
In this episode, RDML Haigis delves into the evolving landscape of military strategy, the critical role of reserve forces, and the intersection of private-sector innovation with military needs. His unique dual perspective offers invaluable lessons on leadership, technological change, and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow's conflicts. Listen wherever you stream your podcasts or on Spotify below:
Why Aren’t Sanctions Working on Russia?
Western sanctions against Russia, implemented after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have surprisingly failed to cripple the Russian economy as intended. Despite being cut off from the U.S. dollar, the euro, and other major currencies, as well as losing access to Western technology, Russia has managed to sustain its economic resilience.
Key factors contributing to this include Russia's significant exports of oil, gas, grain, and other raw materials, which remain crucial to many countries, including those in Europe and the developing world. Furthermore, Russia has leveraged its relationships with nations like China, India, and members of the BRICS trade bloc to circumvent sanctions and maintain trade, often using non-Western currencies.
However, Russia's long-term outlook remains uncertain. While it has managed to substitute some Western imports with alternatives from China and other partners, the strain on its economy is evident, particularly in the declining revenues from oil and gas exports and the challenges in maintaining its production without Western expertise.
Additionally, Russia faces significant demographic challenges, with a shrinking workforce and a lack of young engineers and technicians, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the war drags on, Russia's strategy appears to hinge on waiting out Western support for Ukraine, but whether its economy can sustain this approach over the long term remains in doubt.
Founded: 2018
Key People: CEO Evan Smith
Elevator Pitch: A global supply chain platform intended to offer trade data management services.
Funding: The company raised $221.4 million of Series C venture funding in a deal led by US Innovative Technology Fund on August 8, 2024.
Founded: 2019
Key People: CEO Nick Reinke
Elevator Pitch: A deep science and technology company intended to provide environmental and productivity modeling for food and agriculture.
Funding: The company raised $10.15 million of venture funding from undisclosed investors on August 9, 2024.
Founded: 2017
Key People: CEO Brian Schimpf
Elevator Pitch: A defense technology company intended to solve critical challenges in the national security sector.
Funding: The company raised $1.5 billion of Series F venture funding in a deal led by Sands Capital and Founders Fund on August 8, 2024.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with RDML Haigis for a conversation about leadership challenges in modern naval operations, the integration of advanced technologies in defense, and insights into strategic decision-making in the Navy.