This week, Ryan is joined by Larsen Jensen, two-time Olympian, former Navy SEAL, and founder of Harpoon Ventures, to explore the rapidly-changing landscape of defense tech investing. Larsen dives into the necessity of reframing risk, the resurgence of American entrepreneurship, and the key to succeeding as a defense startup. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the DoD landscape, the importance of government procurement expertise, and the mindset and cultural shifts needed to become a defense leader.

TIMESTAMPS:

(4:39) Larsen’s journey from Olympian to Navy SEAL

(9:07) How to reframe risk for better defense tech investments

(12:19) Why military struggles to adopt new technology

(14:48) Warfare has changed and the US is behind

(19:36) Is selling to Uncle Sam intimidating?

(20:55) Why Silicon Valley is shifting its focus to national security

(24:21) The future of defense tech market

(30:44) Why Government DNA is vital to investment success

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Larsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsen-jensen/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/