US-Ukraine Freedom Summit, Fundings: 280 earth, Fireblocks, Lanzajet
22 May 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
We are excited to highlight an upcoming event that promises to be a defining moment in supporting global security and veterans' affairs—the 1st Annual U.S.-Ukraine Freedom Summit hosted by the Borderlands Foundation. This three-day conference, held from June 5-7, 2024, at the Residence Inn Arlington Capital View in Washington, DC, brings together leading minds from the US and Ukraine in defense, innovation, and investment.
Participants will engage in critical discussions on tactical and technological advancements necessary for Ukraine's peace, explore policies for veterans' reintegration, and unite through a charity golf tournament to raise funds for PTSD treatment. The summit promises to be a unique opportunity to learn, network, and contribute to a significant cause.
Featuring insights from honorary guest General (Ret.) David Petraeus, this three-day event will provide a vision for the future of global security and support for veterans. Learn more and buy tickets here.
We are happy to spotlight the recent recognition Reality Defender has received from Booz Allen Hamilton as an Emerging Innovator in multimodal AI.
Honoring them in the Top 10 Emerging Technologies for the DOD and National Security report, Booz Allen Hamilton underscores Reality Defender’s pioneering work in combating the escalating threat of AI-generated disinformation and its growing presence in the government sector.
As CEO Ben Colman highlighted, this endorsement is a testament to Reality Defender’s relentless efforts in detecting deepfakes and commitment to collaborating with government and industry partners to safeguard the integrity of information and uphold public trust in an increasingly complex digital world.
Reality Defender continues to be a leading innovator of disruptive technology that is driving discussion and solutions to address this increasingly critical social, financial and security-related threat.
‘What’s the Problem?’ Zelensky Challenges West Over Hesitations
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, facing intense Russian military advances, has urgently called on the United States and Europe to increase their support for Ukraine’s defense. In an interview with The New York Times, Zelensky dismissed fears of nuclear escalation and proposed that NATO aircraft should intercept Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace. He also urged US officials to permit Ukraine to use American missiles against military targets within Russia, a request that has been consistently rejected by the US due to concerns over escalating the conflict.
Zelensky's appeals come at a critical juncture for Ukraine, with its army struggling and new American arms yet to arrive in sufficient quantities. He expressed frustration over the West's hesitance to take bolder steps, such as providing more advanced weapons systems like F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.
Zelensky stressed the importance of Western-provided weapons in targeting Russian logistics hubs and aircraft within Russia to effectively defend Ukraine. Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains committed to rallying international support and maintaining Ukraine's democratic resilience amidst the ongoing war.
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Founded: 2022
Key People: Co-CEOs Darren Bonnstetter & John Pimentel
Elevator Pitch: An air scrubber system designed to improve the climate.
Funding: The company raised $50 million of Series B venture funding in a deal led by Builders VC, Gideon Yu, and Alphabet on May 21, 2024.
Founded: 2018
Key People: CEO Michael Shaulov
Elevator Pitch: A blockchain security platform designed to protect digital assets on the network.
Funding: On May 19, 2024, the company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Leyden Ventures, Haun Ventures, and Cyverse Capital.
Founded: 2018
Key People: CEO Robert Luo
Elevator Pitch: A sustainable fuels technology company intended to accelerate the energy transition by embracing the circular economy.
Funding: On May 16, 2024, the company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Southwest Airlines, Aéroports de Paris, and Microsoft Climate Fund.
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 Brian Streem, the maverick CEO of Vermeer, for an enlightened conversation about defense procurement, drones, and innovation.
