Scaling Horizontally: EpiSci’s Strategic Play in Dual-Use Tech | The Pair Program Ep58

In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by David Rothzeid (Principal at Shield Capital) and Bo Ryu (CEO of EpiSci) to unpack the challenges and opportunities in building and scaling dual-use technology. From startup funding paths to shifting dynamics in the defense sector, our guests dive into the future of autonomy, venture capital’s growing role in national security, and what it really takes to bridge commercial innovation with government adoption. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just tech-curious. This one’s packed with insight!

Key topics covered:

• Why “dual-use” is an outdated term and what’s replacing it
• The shifting relationship between commercial tech and national security
• How venture capital is shaping the next wave of defense innovation
• Building scalable autonomy without owning the hardware
• Lessons from startup exits, fundraising, and navigating SBIR programs
• The value of focus and trust when entering complex markets

About Bo Ryu: Bo is the Founder and CEO of EpiSci, a technology startup specializing in Tactical AI and autonomy software for defense applications. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, Bo brings nearly 30 years of experience across aerospace, communications, and AI systems. EpiSci was recently acquired by Applied Intuition, accelerating the company’s mission to deliver scalable, multi-domain autonomy for defense and commercial markets.

About David Rothzeid: David is a Principal at Shield Capital, a venture capital firm investing at the intersection of commercial innovation and national security. With over $300M in assets under management, David leads investments in frontier technology startups and brings deep insight into how founders can navigate the defense innovation ecosystem—from early-stage funding to long-term impact.

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