Front Door Defense

TOMORROW: Project Maven is one of the most discussed and least understood defense initiatives of the last decade. The controversial attempt to bring machine learning into use in the military attracted attention, turmoil, AND forward thinking leaders who changed the game. Google engineers protested it. Congress scrutinized it. NGA transitioned it. And now, Emelia Probasco and the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) have studied it. Emmy's "Building the Tech Coalition" is one of the best transition case studies in existing. It goes deep into: - the origins of the project - the open, iterative, and novel approach - the nontraditional acquisition mechanisms employed - the personalities who made it happen And this week, Emmy and US Army Col Joe OCallaghan join Crossing the Valley to discuss the lessons for companies, and for our government, from this watershed program. Don't miss it!

📢 MAJOR first for #CrossingTheValley... Today we're breaking some 💸💸💸 news! This week's featured company just closed their $21M Series A round led by Ten Eleven Ventures! The San Antonio-based company holds a SBIR Phase III via Autonomy Prime, and an OTA contract with DIU NSIC to build their open architecture Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The company is Darkhive, and TOMORROW, CEO John Goodson joins us to talk the war in Ukraine, the future of UAS, and the whole defense innovation ecosystem. So hit the 🔔 and subscribe at valleycrossers . com or wherever you get your podcasts! #Drones #VentureCapital #DefenseInnovation

The most powerful founder origin story in defense tech? "I wish I had this product back when I served... on one of my worst days of life." Today's guest on #CrossingTheValley, Ian Kalin, joins to talk TurbineOne, defense innovation, and overcoming the bad actors along the way. Not sure if you want to give it a listen? Three Kalin-isms to change your mind: 1) "Someone's going to yell at you for something before you change it." 2) "No startup should be smooth sailing or else it's probably a bad startup." 3) "There is a poisoning of the well in this category because people are throwing words around with absolutely no idea what the hell it means. Don't say [AI] anymore if you're a new company in that space. You're just going to get an eye roll from a senior military leader who's another damn AI company." Check it out at valleycrossers.com https://lnkd.in/envft7Ek

📰 🥁 Today's #CrossingTheValley features David Brown, the CEO of CounterCraft ! In our conversation, we delve into the world of digital security, deception, and scaling a successful tech company in the defense industry. Here are three takeaways from my conversation with David 🚀🚀🚀: 1. Making Deception Easy Imagine WANTING to make it easy for organizations to deceive. When is that a good thing? David harkens back to World War II to emphasize how deception - in the physical and digital realms - is a crucial part of national (and corporate) defense. Countercraft's platform, aptly named "The Platform," simplifies the deployment of deception environments, enabling organizations to protect their valuable assets from cyber threats. 2. Don't Go Direct! CounterCraft's success was propelled by strategic partnerships. By focusing on developing a great product and educating users on its benefits, CounterCraft leverages partners for installation, support, and delivery services. This approach allows the company to scale efficiently and meet the diverse needs of its customers, both in the commercial and government sectors. 3. Iterate, Iterate, Iterate A key theme throughout the conversation was the importance of listening to the voice of the customer. David emphasized the need to understand and fulfill customer requirements, ultimately making it easy for them to consume the technology. By prioritizing customer feedback and adapting to their needs, CounterCraft has been able to build credibility, drive growth, and ensure long-term success. Check out the full episode at ValleyCrossers (dot) com or at frontdoordefense (dot) substack (dot) com #Cybersecurity #Partnerships #PodcastEpisode

Here we go! Dan Magy: Repeat founder. Visionary. Intelligence Analyst. Truth-teller. Benjamin Kohlmann: Purpose-driven investor. Entrepreneur. Consultant. Naval Aviator. And one heck of a storyteller. A founder building the future and an investor who backs him. It's a great collaborative relationship built on mutual respect. And it made for such a fun conversation. A couple of the big themes from this one: 1.) Modularity and Multi-Mission Capabilities: These aren't just buzzwords. You can't just whitewash old systems with a sprinkle of "modularity." The future is here, and if we can't swap payloads downrange, on the fly, with cheap stuff that works every time... we're in trouble. 2) The Power of Storytelling: The best product doesn't win in defense. Narratives wins the day - on the Hill, across the river, and at the table. Support and momentum matter. A good narrative is the lifeblood of change. 3) Navigating the Minefield: Where do the innovation orgs matter? What does it actually take to win a program? What role do relationships play? How do you build trust with customers? The guys tackle these questions and a whole lot more. Check out Crossing the Valley wherever you get your podcasts. My ask: If it's valuable, pass it along to someone who could use some sage wisdom from two guys who have lived it.

“There’s no such thing as bad press.” Said nobody who understands the Aerospace & Defense technology business, ever. There is no single "right" way to market your defense tech company. But there are PLENTY of wrong ways. With over two decades of experience spanning military Public Affairs, large defense contractors, and innovative startups, I've seen it all. I know what good -- and bad -- looks like in A&D marketing and communications. Our warfighters deserve the best tech in the world. And learning about it is a key part of the procurement process. So I put together a FREE guide to help companies avoid the Aerospace & Defense Hall of Shame. Want it? Check out Defensetech.xyz and it’s yours. PS - want to go deeper? I’ve partnered with Front Door Defense on a new course - Stories that Sell - launching September 10. Reach out to learn more!

Big Announcement Y’all! I’m partnering with Front Door Defense to offer a course on Strategic Communications tailored specifically for Defense Tech startups. Here’s why: Over the past year, while serving as a fractional Chief Communications Officer and consultant with Aerospace & Defense startups, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous potential and innovation within this sector. But I’ve also seen the missed opportunities (from companies that weren’t clients, I should add 😊). So many companies miss the chance to properly tell their story - and to grow their business. They can’t afford this. And neither can the United States and its Allies There's a reason the Primes collectively spend hundreds of millions annually on Communications and Marketing. I know because as a Communications executive at a Fortune 50 Prime, I used these tools to help win billions in new business. Startups don't have those kinds of budgets. I get it. And frankly, if they do things right... they don't need 'em. Here’s the deal: The only way we outpace, deter and defeat our adversaries is by enhancing our industrial capabilities. DefTech startups are the key to this effort. They’re injecting much-needed energy, enthusiasm, and yes -- innovation -- into the industrial base. But we’ve got to help them break through. So in this new course, we’ll give DefTech startups the tools to cut through the noise, get their solutions in front of decision-makers, shape policy, and cross the valley of death. Because it’s all about putting the innovative systems they’re building into the hands of the warfighter. DefTech startups deserve the same competitive edge as the Primes. Let’s give them that shot. Want to learn more? I dropped a link to the course in the comments below. Questions? Shoot me a note.       Onwards! 🚀 Noah Sheinbaum