The Intersection of Innovation and National Security, Fundings: Augmentus, Divergent, Fyma
15 November 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Today, we are throwing it back to one of our earliest podcast episodes as its topic is super prevalent: the intersection of innovation and national security. Here, host Jeremy Hitchcock engages in a captivating dialogue with Jake Chapman, the seasoned Managing Director of Marque Venture Capital.
In this enlightening conversation, Jake, former head of the Army Venture Capital Corporation (AVCC), brings a wealth of experience to the forefront. From his beginnings as a lawyer to steering the operations side of venture, Jake's trajectory encompasses founding startups and venture funds. With a focus on technology companies elevating the United States' national security, Jake's insights span crucial domains like AI, quantum, and space. Not just an investor, Jake is also a recognized writer, contributing to publications like TechCrunch, Wired, Forbes, and VentureBeat.
This throwback episode isn't just about reminiscing; it's an exploration of enduring themes. As the intersection of innovation and national security becomes increasingly pertinent, Jake's perspectives serve as a compass in this evolving landscape. Listen in, absorb the knowledge, and fortify yourself for the challenges and opportunities ahead:
At New North Ventures, we are delighted to showcase the success of our esteemed portfolio company, HawkEye 360, as they are making waves in the aerospace industry, proudly displaying their satellite model at the Dubai Airshow 2023. As the Dubai Airshow unfolds from November 13-17, the HawkEye 360 team is stationed at the Tawazun SDF Chalet, A-45, highlighting their groundbreaking work in RF data and analytics.Â
HawkEye 360's presence at the Dubai Airshow is a testament to its dedication to advancing RF data and analytics across diverse domains. Positioned among 1400+ world-class exhibitors, including industry giants like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and EDGE, HawkEye 360's satellite model takes center stage alongside 180+ of the most advanced commercial, private, and military aircraft.Â
The event's nine conference tracks, featuring 300+ industry experts, provide a platform for HawkEye 360 to share insights and engage with the global aerospace community. With 20 Country pavilions, 390 senior military and civil delegations, and participation in the VISTA Start-up hub, HawkEye 360 is actively shaping the future of the aerospace industry, showcasing its commitment to innovation and collaboration.
U.S. Manages Expectations of a Breakthrough Before Biden and Xi Meet
The upcoming meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping is highly choreographed, with China focusing on what Xi will see to avoid protests and ensure a controlled environment.
Expectations for substantive agreements are minimal, with only a potential announcement of the resumption of military-to-military communications and discussions on keeping artificial intelligence software out of nuclear command and control systems.
The bar for significant outcomes is low, and there is no plan for a joint statement; each government will provide its own account of the discussions.
The summit reflects a shift in approach from "engagement" to "intense diplomacy" aimed at managing competition responsibly and avoiding conflict, with a focus on issues such as Taiwan, China's nuclear buildup, and concerns over the Indo-Pacific region.
Regulators Target Big Tech: Investors, Brace For Impact!
European regulators introduced the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in September to address anti-competitive practices at major tech platforms, including Meta Platforms (META), Apple, Alphabet, TikTok, Microsoft, and Amazon.com.
Contrary to expectations, the article argues that the DMA benefits big tech platforms, and investors should consider buying Meta Platforms into weakness.
The DMA aims to enhance competition by restricting gatekeepers from monetizing user data and requiring them to release control over critical applications like maps, messaging, and digital wallets.
It is suggested that consumers prefer large technology platforms, with Apple, Amazon.com, Microsoft, and Alphabet ranking high in Fortune magazine's list of the most admired companies. Claims of consumer harm are deemed dubious, and despite Meta's challenges, its platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) remain popular and sticky, with over 3 billion monthly active members.
The article argues that the regulators' focus on protecting individual data may be outdated, as Meta's advanced tools and artificial intelligence enhance ad campaign effectiveness. The example of Canada's Online News Act is cited, highlighting the challenges regulators face in enforcing rules that may inadvertently strengthen big tech platforms.
NASA's $100k Tool Bag Lost in Space is Now Orbiting Earth and Surprisingly Visible to Stargazers
NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara lost a tool bag during a spacewalk from the International Space Station (ISS) last month, and it is now orbiting Earth just ahead of the space station.
The tool bag, valued at about $100,000, is surprisingly visible from the ground, allowing stargazers to catch a glimpse of it using binoculars. To spot the runaway gear, observers should locate the ISS and scan the sky just ahead of its trajectory.
The spacewalkers lost the tool bag while conducting repairs on ISS equipment, but fortunately, the mishap occurred after the equipment was no longer needed for repairs. Mission control analysis indicated a low risk of the tool bag recontacting the ISS, allowing the crew to continue the mission without further action.
The tool bag is expected to orbit Earth for a few months with a slow descent before rapidly descending to about 70 miles above the Earth's surface and disintegrating. Current estimates suggest the lost gear will reenter the Earth's atmosphere around March of next year.
Founded:Â 2019
Key People: CEO Leong Shin
Elevator Pitch: A no-code AI robotics software designed to offer easy-to-use and rapid robotic automation.
Funding:Â The company raised $5 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Sierra Ventures on November 13, 2023.
Founded:Â 2013
Key People:Â CEO Kevin Czinger JD
Elevator Pitch:Â An end-to-end digital production system designed to revolutionize industrial-scale manufacturing processes.
Funding: The company raised $230 million of Series D venture funding in a deal led by Hexagon on November 13, 2023. Trousdale Ventures, Inbox Capital, Advection Growth Capital, and other undisclosed investors also participated in the round.
Founded:Â 2017
Key People: CEO Karen Burns
Elevator Pitch: A video analytics comparison platform intended to help clients track and gather real-time actionable data.
Funding:Â The company raised GBP 2 million of venture funding in a deal led by Quadri Ventures on November 10, 2023. VeUP, Second Century Ventures, and other undisclosed investors also participated in the round.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our latest episode, we have guest Austin Grey sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation about innovation in the defense space.