Episode 55. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Eric Slesinger, General Partner at 201 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain. 201 Ventures focuses on advancing freedom and autonomy in Europe by backing pre-seed and seed-stage companies in the intelligence, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. Eric, originally from Washington D.C., shares his journey from engineering and intelligence to leading 201 Ventures. Throughout the episode, Tyler and Eric delve into the critical role Europe plays in global security and the evolving dynamics of the defense technology landscape. Eric highlights the shifting focus towards economic competition and the need for Europe to bolster its defense tech capabilities internally. They discuss the increased defense budgets across major European countries, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the need for innovative approaches to address the continent's unique security challenges.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• The shift in Europe's defense strategy
• The impact of economic and geopolitical instability on security
• The role of startups and innovative tech in defense modernization
• Navigating the complexities of European defense procurement
• The critical need for anticipatory thinking and strategic investment in defense tech

Connect with Eric:

• LinkedIn: Eric Slesinger



Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt
• Website: Second Front Systems

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Season 3, Episode 54. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Thomas Hendrix, Founder and Managing Partner at Decisive Point, to explore the intersection of venture capital and defense technology. Thomas shares his unique journey from a Special Forces officer in the Army to a finance professional on Wall Street, and ultimately to founding Decisive Point.  They dive into the nuances of bringing commercial technology to the defense sector, discussing the challenges and opportunities of dual-use technologies, and the importance of hardware and software integration. Thomas offers insights into the regulatory landscape, the role of government as a first customer, and the critical aspect of empathy and understanding in developing technologies for the defense community.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• The journey from military service to venture capital
• The evolving landscape of dual-use technologies
• Strategic partnerships and navigating government procurement processes
• Understanding the regulatory hurdles in defense tech adoption

Connect with Thomas:

• LinkedIn: Thomas Hendrix

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 

Website: secondfront.com

Season 3, Episode 53. Today on All Quiet, Tyler sits down with Steve Bowsher, CEO of In-Q-Tel, to delve into the intricate world of venture capital as it relates to government needs. Steve shares his journey from government consulting to Silicon Valley and ultimately to leading In-Q-Tel. Throughout the episode, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities in aligning the goals of high-quality venture-backed startups with the mission requirements of government agencies. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of global threats, the strategic use of commercial technology in national security, and the ongoing efforts to maintain the United States' leadership in technology and defense.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Critical insights on balancing quantity and quality in deal flow
• The importance of proactive outreach
• The real value of post-deal support in reducing friction for technology adoption 

Connect with Steve:

• LinkedIn: Steve Bowsher

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Season 3, Episode 52. Today on 'All Quiet,' Tyler welcomes Jacqueline Tame, Executive Director at Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG) and Operating Partner at Playground Global, a pioneering venture capital firm specializing in deep tech. In a discussion that spans the intersection of technology, policy, and defense, Jacqueline shares her unique insights into the critical role of venture capital in national security. They delve into how non-dilutive funding and regulatory strategies can propel tech innovations from concept to deployment within government frameworks. Jacqueline discusses her groundbreaking work on GAMECHANGER at the DoD's Joint AI Center and her leadership in pioneering quantum computing initiatives at PsiQuantum. The conversation also covers the importance of bridging the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and Pentagon requirements, highlighting Jacqueline's pivotal role in fostering collaborations that enhance national security.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Examining the impact of venture capital on national defense innovations
• Strategies for navigating government policies to fast-track tech deployment
• The role of artificial intelligence in policy and legal analytics
• Insights into global technological advancements and their implications for security

Connect with Jacqueline:

• LinkedIn: Jacqueline Tame

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 51. In this episode of All Quiet, Second Front Systems’ VP of Security Donnie Hasseltine hosts Matt Conner, chief information security officer (CISO) at Westinghouse Electric Company and independent board director at Second Front Systems. Matt shares his journey into the world of cyber security, from his start at Cape Canaveral Air Station working in information security to his tenure as CISO at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and beyond. The conversation delves into how the role of the CISO has evolved from a niche technical position to a key player in strategic business decisions, reflecting on how cyber security is a crucial component of modern military operations and corporate strategy alike.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Exploring the intersection of cyber security and business strategy.
• Insights into the transformation of cyber security roles over the past two decades.
• The impact of cyber security on the efficiency and safety of military operations.

Connect with Matt:

• LinkedIn: Matt Conner

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 50. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Glenn Cowan, CEO and founder of ONE9 Investments, Canada’s leading dual-use technology innovation ecosystem for critical infrastructure and national security. Glenn is a seasoned Canadian venture capitalist, retired special operations officer, and accomplished investor. Together they discuss Glenn’s journey from the Canadian Armed Forces to spearheading Canada's pioneering defense-focused venture capital fund. They shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the Canadian defense sector, particularly in developing and investing in technologies that address specific national security needs.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Transitioning from military to venture capital
• Strategic importance of Canadian investment in defense
• Unique positioning of Canada in the global defense landscape
• Modernizing Canada’s defense capabilities and infrastructure

Connect with Glenn:

• LinkedIn: Glenn Cowan

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 49. In this special episode of All Quiet, Tyler joins Alexis Bonnell (CIO and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate, Department of the USAF), Bonnie Evangelista (Acting Chief Digital and AI Officer for Acquisitions, DoD), Jason Preisser (Director of Mission Services Officer, DARPA), and George Jackson (VP of Events, GovExec) for GovExec’s AI Spotlight webinar series. This episode highlights the DoD's role in the emerging AI landscape in government and some of the ways AI is already being utilized in their work and mission activities.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• AI Adoption and Technological Challenges in the DoD
• Improving Government Processes with AI
• Cultural and Operational Shifts in Defense
• Personal Experiences and Perspectives on AI

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 48. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler welcomes Joseph Larson, SVP and Chief of Staff at Anduril Industries, and former SES, Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer (Algorithmic Warfare) at the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). Joseph provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of modern warfare, the pivotal role of algorithmic warfare, and the intricate dance between rapid technological advancements and policy development. Drawing from his unique vantage point, Joseph discusses the integration of AI in defense mechanisms and the strategic shifts necessitated by recent global events, underscoring the importance of agility and innovation in national defense strategies.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• The impact and evolution of algorithmic warfare in modern conflict dynamics.
• Integrating AI and machine learning to enhance defense capabilities.
• Adapting defense policies to keep pace with rapid tech advancements.
• Leveraging insights from global events to inform future defense strategies.

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn: Joseph Larson

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 47. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Joe Musselman, the visionary founder of The Honor Foundation, America’s first career transition institute for Navy SEALs and the U.S. Special Operations community. Joe details the journey that led him to starting The Honor Foundation and SchoolHouse, underscoring their pivotal roles in guiding Special Operations veterans and tech entrepreneurs toward meaningful impacts in the defense ecosystem. Through these platforms, mission-first founders in national security are provided a clear process for professional development and a diverse ecosystem of world class support and technology. Listen as they discuss the importance of infusing the defense sector with top-tier talent and aligning cutting-edge technology with the mission to safeguard national security interests.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• The parallels between the Special Operations community and mission-first founders
• The journey from the battlefield to the boardroom
• Strategic mentorship and support networks that empower veterans in the tech sector
• SchoolHouse's role in fostering a supportive community for mission-first founders
• Venture capital’s role in accelerating tech solutions that enhance national security

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn: Joe Musselman

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. 

Season 3, Episode 46. Today, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Dr. Joe Altepeter from DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office. They discuss the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics, demystifying its complexities and exploring its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and technology. Dr. Altepeter's expertise offers a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge work being done at DARPA and the exciting possibilities that quantum mechanics holds for the future of technology and defense.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

• Simplifying complex quantum principles
• DARPA’s role in innovation
• Separating fact from fiction with quantum technology
• When/how innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs should engage with DARPA
• Future of quantum technology & the potential applications and impacts

Connect with Dr. Altepeter:

• Website: www.darpa.mil 

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt 
• Website: secondfront.com

Catch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

This show is produced by Soulfire Productions