FedTech’s Post

Will we see the defense tech VC bubble burst in the next 10 years? This week on the pod, I talked to Ben Van Roo, CEO and co-founder of Yurts, about the past, present, and future state of the defense tech industry and the evolution we’ll see in the acquisition community over the next 10 years. My favorite takeaways: 📌 People want to build for this country now more than ever, and the government can benefit greatly from this as long as we continue to reduce barriers to entry. 📌 Dual-use isn’t for everyone. Especially for early-stage companies. Startups have to be prepared to manage and scale in both DoD and commercial markets, but most don’t have the infrastructure to do so. 📌 We might experience some bumpy years ahead, but we can’t recoil when defense startups fail. Companies fail all the time. Instead, we have to think about the long-term advancements we’re making in this space. Ben shared one of the most unique perspectives I’ve heard on the pivotal shifts we’ve since since 2015. If you want to start thinking in decades over the here and now, I urge you to take a listen! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/d4DH--at

The urgent need to protect democracies is drawing a surge of entrepreneurs into #defensetech. 🌍 The Big Picture: In light of today’s global instability, London recently hosted the Resilience Conference, where key insights were shared on the growing role of defense startups. 🚀 Why It Matters: The event highlighted the unique challenges in scaling defense-tech startups into the next generation of defense giants. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 1. Growing defense budgets—especially in Europe—are attracting a wave of entrepreneurial interest. 2. Startups in defense tech can tap into dual-use opportunities, crossing into commercial markets. 3. There’s a shift in weapon systems—everyone is demanding smaller, cheaper, faster, and more connected devices. 4. Speed is critical. Governments must streamline regulations, cut red tape, and fast-track procurement decisions to fully benefit from startup innovations. 5. Ethical considerations arise when scaling mass technologies. 🔍 Dive Deeper: For more comprehensive insights, check out, in the first comment, the in-depth article by John Thornhill from Financial Times featuring interviews with VCs like Antler’s founder Magnus Grimeland and Farsight Vision’s co-founder Viktoriia Yaremchuk

Hello Everyone, both near and far, A brief update: I've been working at Cyber Valley since February now and my new role has brought new heights of fulfillment…from the transparent, open-minded management style, to my energy-giving colleagues who have embraced me with open arms to the vision of creating a community that can support the change I wish to see in Europe. At Cyber Valley, we're not just dreaming– we are doing. We're building a collaborative ecosystem that's reshaping the deep tech scene in Europe. Our mission? To dismantle barriers and foster connections that propel us forward. Whether it's aiding VCs in discovering their next venture or helping startups find the right commercial partners, we're all about enabling growth and success. 💥And there's more cause for celebration: the advancements in AI and Robotics in Baden-Württemberg. I'm thrilled to share this progress with you and invite you to be a part of it. I participated in one event so far, a meet-up, and let me say - WOW! I connected with inspiring individuals, among them Matthias Buck, Holger Banzhaf, Saribek Karapetyan, Justus Marquetand, Mansoureh and I'm eager for more meaningful interactions at Cyber Valley Days. CVDs takes place on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June. Join me! In the comments you will find the website to RSVP. Please note that RSVP is required. #vc #venturecapital #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #tech #technology #scientificinnovation #deeptech #ai #artificialintelligence #future #money #business

From serving in the military to leading Geekdom, Charles Woodin’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in communities and nurturing innovation. After witnessing the decline of Detroit and Flint, Charles found purpose in shaping San Antonio’s future, helping turn Geekdom into a hub for tech and entrepreneurship. But the mission goes deeper—it’s about revitalizing the heart of the city and creating opportunities for future generations. Could this be the blueprint for other cities? We want to hear from you: What’s the most crucial factor for fostering innovation in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments, let’s discuss! Geekdom | Charles Woodin | Rob Wicall #BetterFutures #Geekdom #InnovationInAction #sanantoniotexas

💡 Want the brightest minds of entrepreneurial Munich to solve your trickiest challenge for free? 🙌 🌊 We’re starting the next wave of THE POOL - our one-week hackathon of aspiring entrepreneurs and founders in Munich! 🏖 📍 July 22-28, 2024, Google Offices ..And YOU have the chance to throw your hat in the ring by commenting your most pressing challenge at work right now ❗ This can be anything related to #artificialintelligence, archaic #processes, insufficient #tool landscapes… The most inspiring challenge will make it to the hackathon and will be tackled by one of our teams. The carefully selected participants of THE POOL are experienced founders and/or have undergone at least one entrepreneurial program in the ecosystem. They are ready to form strong teams with like-minded people and develop innovative ideas at the Google Offices in Munich. Want to see your challenge there? 👇 COMMENT below  and tag a friend/ colleague who might profit from this hackathon! 🤝 #innovation #challenge #hackathon #munich #founders #entrepreneurship

When I was young (imagine everything turning black and white and crackling noise), I often became bored during summer when my friends were still on vacation and I was the only one on the playground. These days, there is no reason to be on your own during summer anymore. At least, when you are in Munich: You can join »The Pool«, the freshest Hackathon in town and meet other passionate people who are looking for challenges and potential founding partners! And by the way, if your company wants to propose a challenge that might be picked up during the Hackathon, it is dead easy: Comment under the original post by Digital Product School by UnternehmerTUM

Got 99 problems? Let's get one solved! 🤝 This is your chance to throw your most annoying problem at work into a round of motivated entrepreneurs at THE POOL Hackathon next week. For free! How? Comment on the original post below 👇

I’ve known Benjamin Brudler for about 3 years, back when I was more on the Tel Aviv-Berlin line, and still remember that 1st-time feeling I got when I came across JESTER. What the F with that WTF domain I remember thinking…and then I dug deeper and saw a serious company talking about winning through foolishness and why wu tang is forever, and why they are a clan and not a band (and what business can learn from that). Jester has earned the enviable position of playing the bad boy of the McKinsey & Company family, the company you turn to when you need to adapt to change; when you need to do things differently. With a roster of leading German and global brands, and servicing some of Germany’s most exciting tech startups, Jester is known for having their finger on the proverbial pulse; seeing the unseeable, and consulting the NEW. In addition to that, Benjamin, the company’s founder, has an inexplicable love affair with #Israel, and today we caught up after a while.  What started with ‘how we are failing so miserably in the #narrative wars’ quickly turned to the #opportunity conversation;  how the #Israelitech ecosystem needs more bridges to European #innovation enablers, starting with German industry titans. Obviously, I would love to see Jester open a Middle East outpost. Despite the immediate challenges the local ecosystem is feeling, once the dust clears, there will be a flourishing of innovations that were developed during this period that will undoubtedly find new and unexpected applications. In order to facilitate this transition, certain tech companies might need a guiding hand to cross the bridges that await. They won't only need a joker, they might actually need a jester. Check out their site in my first comment.

"Cyprus has a deeply rooted entrepreneurial culture, and Cypriots are hard-working and reliable professionals," says Stavrinos Kyriakou in his interview with #FastForward. Here, he discusses his journey in the industry, the Cypriot ecosystem, and the next big trends in innovation. Read more 👇 #CyprusPeople

As we navigate these challenging times, new opportunities are emerging, especially in the realm of tech and defense collaborations. In a recent conversation with TheMarker's Ronit Harel, I shared insights on the evolving landscape and the potential for significant growth. Here are some key takeaways: 🔹 The defense industry is becoming an intriguing investment target due to its need for continuous innovation and efficiency. This shift presents numerous opportunities for tech companies to collaborate and contribute to advancements in defense technologies. 🔹 The synergy between defense and tech startups holds immense potential for growth and successful exits. This collaboration drives innovation and ensures the continuous development of skilled professionals who can lead future technological advancements. 🔹 technological talent is transitioning from startups into the defense industry. With their innovative mindsets and skills, these professionals enhance the capabilities of defense projects further and can return to the startup ecosystem in the future, bringing valuable experience. The #Israelitech industry continues to innovate despite challenges. Our team at Blumberg Capital, Yodfat Harel Buchris, Zemer Shwartz-Noy, and Eitan Gueron, invests in great companies with great founders, including those in the defense sector. #IsraelDefenseTech #IsraeliInnovation #israeliStartups #Israelientrepreneurs