DeepSummary
Mike Slagh, the founder of Shift, discusses the growing interest and opportunities in defense tech startups and the role of his organization in bridging the gap between the Department of Defense and the startup ecosystem. He highlights the momentum in the sector as venture capitalists and accomplished founders are increasingly exploring defense-related technologies. Shift aims to improve technology adoption and fluency within the military through programs like the Defense Ventures Fellowship.
Slagh shares his background, from growing up helping his entrepreneurial grandmother run a toy store to serving in the Navy as a bomb disposal officer. His experiences shaped his understanding of the siloed nature of the military and the need to connect service members with the private sector. Shift's goal is to rapidly increase technical fluency within the DoD by facilitating relationships and knowledge exchange between the military and technology companies.
The discussion covers the history of defense innovation, the challenges of working with the DoD as a startup, and the upcoming Defense Venture Summit that will convene over 100 VC firms, military organizations, and fellowship alumni. Slagh emphasizes the importance of building a network and finding one's community in the entrepreneurial journey, drawing from his own exploratory path in creating Shift.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- There is growing momentum and interest in the defense tech sector from venture capitalists and accomplished founders.
- Shift aims to improve technology adoption and fluency within the military through programs like the Defense Ventures Fellowship.
- The Defense Venture Summit will convene over 100 VC firms, military organizations, and fellowship alumni to foster connections and knowledge exchange.
- Slagh's personal experiences, from his entrepreneurial grandmother to his military service, shaped his understanding of the need to bridge the gap between the DoD and the startup ecosystem.
- Building a supportive network and finding one's community is crucial for entrepreneurial success, especially in sectors like defense tech.
- The defense tech sector presents opportunities for startups to address the needs of the DoD and support national security efforts.
- Overcoming the siloed nature of the military experience and facilitating connectivity with the private sector is a key challenge addressed by Shift's initiatives.
- Venture capitalists and founders are increasingly exploring defense-related technologies due to factors such as the large global defense market and potential acquisition opportunities.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think that we're at this moment in time where besides some of the acceleration around AI sucking all the oxygen out of the room, it's a sector that's got a lot of momentum in it right now.“ by Mike Slaw
- “There's a vc boom. You've got really interesting, extremely well funded, I guess not necessarily all wolf, but it's like you've got investors at all parts of the capital stack that are really interested in what's happening at the very earliest stage.“ by Mike Slaw
- “I was twelve years in California, in and out of the military before moving out to the national capital region recently. But I think for folks who are considering building in defense, I think you have to keep in mind that you're not alone at all and your efforts are welcomed and they're appreciated.“ by Mike Slaw
- “You can't understate how siloed the military experience is, even in a place. I got stationed in San Diego and I spent time out there, but it was like there was very little to no connectivity with the outside world.“ by Mike Slaw
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Episode Information
The Deep End
On Deck
11/11/23