Larsen Jensen’s Post

We don’t just prepare for the future—we create it. Last week, I had the privilege of presenting at the Stanford National Security Conference and the American Dynamism at the Ballpark panel. I was surrounded by people who understand that our nation’s security depends on more than defense—it depends on innovation. The energy in the room was electric, fueled by a shared commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The future of our country, its technology, and its security is in the hands of those willing to think bigger. I’m proud to be part of that movement. 🇺🇸 🫡

In case we needed more motivation for today's game... Penn State is taking over our campus bar as we speak.... The 9-0 has fallen… Unfortunately this isn't a parody. 'SC vs. Penn State! Let's go Trojans! Fight On! ✌️ Take back the 9-0! Defend the Colosseum!

Interesting look at OpenAI's projected 2024 cost structure. 👇 Also, interesting comparison of OpenAI's revenue trajectory vs. Google & Meta. 👇

Excited to be speaking at today’s “American Dynamism at the Ballpark” event at Oracle Park! Looking forward to discussing emerging technologies and unique opportunities in the federal and public sectors alongside industry leaders like Michelle Volz from Andreessen Horowitz and Howard Wright from NVIDIA. It’s an honor to be part of such a dynamic lineup and to engage with the SF tech community. See you there! Register Here: https://lnkd.in/e-DuEwTp?

Today at Stanford DEFCON, I’ll be discussing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the defense and tech sectors. This event is where policy meets innovation—an ideal setting for serious conversations about the future of national security. If you’re focused on cutting-edge research, operational challenges, or the strategic direction of technology in defense, this is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to engage with others who are actively shaping the landscape and driving real change. Looking forward to meaningful conversations and insights with those who attend! If you're in the area, be sure to reach out!

Let’s go Padres! ⚾️🇺🇸 Playoffs!

Game 3 tonight. Padres vs Dodgers! This city has been buzzing with excitement all week. The energy is palpable. Playing at Petco Park, right next to our office at Harpoon Ventures, adds an extra layer of excitement. Let’s hope our team can keep the momentum going and bring another win home. As a San Diego local and a Padres fan, I can’t wait to see what unfolds tonight. I’m hoping for a close, hard-fought game. Go Padres!

"Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general."  – Mark Rippetoe (strength and conditioning coach, author of Starting Strength) A former SEAL teammate brought this comment up to me last week, and I couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth in it. It applies to everything in life—physical strength, mental toughness, emotional resilience, and even professional endurance. Strength goes beyond the gym. It’s about navigating life's challenges, lifting others up, and remaining steadfast when things get tough. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just pushing through personal obstacles, being strong makes you more resilient and more valuable.

Venture capital isn’t about valuations—it’s about possibility. I hear it all the time: “These valuations don’t make sense.” And on a fundamental level, they don’t. But venture capital doesn’t follow the same rules as traditional assets. Nnamdi Iregbulem from Lightspeed nailed it when he said, “Seed valuations aren’t valuations.” At the seed stage, companies have no product, no revenue, and maybe three founders at most. So how could they be “worth” $10-100M? They aren’t—at least not in the traditional sense. But if a founder needs $5M to build something groundbreaking, and the investor demands they be valued at cash on hand, there’s no equity left for the team. No equity means no incentive! Imposing mature company valuation methods on startups is a mistake. Venture capital enables founders to build what otherwise wouldn’t exist. It’s not for everyone, but without it, we lose the ability to fuel true innovation. Just look at the 5 most valuable companies in the world—each was started with VC. That’s no coincidence.

Waiting for permission to succeed is the fastest way to fail. In the startup world, you don’t have to wait. You can be in your 20s or 30s and still raise capital, launch a business, and drive change. While others are stuck “gaining experience,” you can be building something real. Startups are one of the few places where fresh ideas matter more than your résumé. It’s an economy built for risk-takers, where innovation wins over tradition. The choice is simple: either step up now or keep waiting for someone else’s timeline. The future doesn’t wait—and neither should you.