Host Callye Keen speaks with Pete Newell, CEO of BMNT, a venture firm that focuses on solving complex national security problems through innovation. Newell discusses the importance of dual-use technology and the role of entrepreneurs in solving big global issues. He also talks about the benefits of government service, including opportunities for funding and collaboration, as well as the challenges of navigating government contracts and policies. The conversation ends with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and resources for staying involved in the defense innovation community.

Episode Highlights:
[00:01:20] The importance of dual-use technology and its impact on national security
[00:07:12] The role of entrepreneurs in solving big global issues
[00:17:33] Benefits of government service, including opportunities for funding and collaboration
[00:23:37] Challenges of navigating government contracts and policies
[00:28:58] Staying involved in the defense innovation community

Episode Summary:

00:00 - The Startup Defense Podcast, Episode 3 Introduction
Guest Pete Newell gives a glimpse into the work he’s done in Silicon Valley.

20:09 - Opportunities for Funding and Collaboration
Newell highlights the benefits of government service, including opportunities for funding and collaboration. He discusses the various contract vehicles available for startups and the importance of working with government organizations like AffWorks or DIU to get innovation in. He also encourages entrepreneurs to become involved in Hacking4Defense, climate, homeland security, or other advisory roles.

20:17 - Entrepreneurs and Global Issues
Newell believes that entrepreneurs can have a significant impact on global issues, particularly those related to national security. He describes how startups can create meaningful solutions to large-scale problems and discusses the role of incubators and accelerators in supporting innovation.

22:58 - Dual-Use Technology: Solving National Security Challenges
Pete Newell emphasizes the importance of dual-use technology in solving complex national security challenges. He describes how innovations created for commercial use can also have military applications, and how entrepreneurs can create products that have dual-use potential. This approach allows the military to benefit from cutting-edge technology while also supporting economic growth and innovation.

24:52 - Navigating Government Contracts and Policies
Newell acknowledges the challenges of navigating government contracts and policies. He describes the importance of understanding the investment thesis and the need to account for three networks: technology readiness, adoption readiness, and investment readiness. He also encourages entrepreneurs to leave comments and ask questions to get involved in the conversation and gain a better understanding of the process.

28:58 - Staying Involved in the Defense Innovation Community
Newell provides resources for staying involved in the defense innovation community. He suggests following him and his organization BMNT on LinkedIn, as well as the Common Mission project, which runs Hacking4Defense. He also recommends reading Steve Blank's blog and visiting BMNT's website, which has a wealth of resources and analysis. Newell emphasizes the importance of getting involved in the conversation and working with real people to create real solutions.

Peter Newell - CEO of BMNT
https://bmnt.com/
LinkedIn
Twitter

Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
LinkedIn