Seven Capital’s Post

In the last few weeks, I've had conversations with multiple people in the defense industry, from lawmakers to military personnel and entrepreneurs, and I can't help but wonder if, in today's rapidly evolving global landscape, we are asking ourselves the relevant questions: Is our vision for the future of defense clear? Are we overly focused on Ukraine? Do we truly grasp the complexities of geopolitics? The potential conflict in the Asia-Pacific is often overlooked, and Europe's support might dwindle as the focus shifts to other regions. China's strategic cuts in materials and components are logical but pose significant challenges. While the USA has the capacity to build what it needs, Europe faces the burden of high costs for sourcing such materials. The era of traditional artillery and tanks is indeed shifting. We are now in a warfare landscape dominated by robotics and the commercialization of non-military technology, which has become essential. However, Europe's heavy regulation restricts innovation in this area, often burying it underneath the requirements of governments. All players know that the private sector is vital to bringing in new technology, but production remains a costly and non-scalable global challenge. Counting on investment is not a given, as venture capital focuses on dual-use, a mindset that is swift but at a slow pace. Innovations like multi-operational AI systems that function without GPS and utilize sensors and maps are promising. Yet, implementing such technologies at sea presents unique challenges, which would be crucial if there were to be a conflict in the Pacific. This is not a post meant to instill fear about what could or could not happen. It is a reflection that I strongly believe is necessary for everyone involved in this industry. Experience within the military is no longer sufficient on its own. Collaboration with diverse teams offers fresh insights and broader perspectives. Training alongside different units, each with unique strategies and equipment, is essential for understanding the bigger picture. Let's open up this conversation and explore the future of defense together. What are your thoughts on these challenges and opportunities? #Geopolitics #Innovation #MilitaryTech #FutureOfDefense

📣 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬!📚 Let's have a detailed discussion about the crucial role of maintaining military replicator systems. • Regarded as absolutely essential for smooth, uninterrupted military operations. It's like the oil that keeps the machinery of defense running smoothly ➡️ • Often referred to as the solid foundation or the backbone, on which modern defence structures are built. Without it, defence would be like a castle built on sand🛡️ • Currently, it's creating a significant amount of buzz in the field of defence technology research, making it a central point of discussion for researchers and scholars around the globe 🎯 We'll start with a two-part deep dive: 1️⃣ Why does this matter to you and the world at large? - It's all about readiness. Maintaining these systems ensure that the military remains prepared and equipped for any eventuality 🚀 - It significantly enhances efficiency, creating streamlined processes that save both time and resources 🌐 - It plays a crucial role in strengthening security measures, boosting the safety and protection of nations ⚙️ 2️⃣ What's the latest chatter in research circles? - Efforts are being geared towards improving the resilience of these systems, making them robust and able to withstand even the hardest of hits 🏗️ - Researchers are working on fine-tuning the performance metrics, so that every bit of the system works at its optimal capacity 📊 - There's a lot of work going into developing advanced functionalities that will take these systems to the next level of defence technology 🔬 💡 Now it's your turn! - Do you have any insights or views on this subject? - Any specific challenges or potential solutions that you think need to be addressed? We invite you to share your thoughts using these hashtags: #DefenceTech #MilitaryTech #ReplicatorSystems #Innovation ✏️ I can't wait to read your comments below. 👍 Found this post helpful? Make sure to like and share it with your networks. 💼 We'll continue bringing you valuable insights in the fascinating field of defence technology.

The The Wall Street Journal published another article yesterday about innovation in the defense sector. Former SecDef Panetta and former congressman Gallagher wrote the piece. It is great to see mainstream news outlets highlight the need to innovate in the DOD, and point out that the system is broken, but the article certainly does not offer a solution to fix it. In the past month I have spoken to ~half a dozen GPs in the NatSec space that plan to or are raising funds totaling close to $1B in capital. Many are targeting writing checks in the Series B range. If you look at Silicon Valley Defense Group's NatSec100 list (hopefully released this week), in order for the majority of those companies to win/survive, and for all these funds to succeed, the DOD itself must change. The current buying system does not afford enough winners on a venture timeline. Beyond ROI, like the article states, last minute innovation by a republic/democracy will not suffice to combat planned, regimented progress by totalitarian states. The DOD needs to learn to buy more quickly. Now. https://lnkd.in/eanRRjpz

William LaPlante and Heidi Shyu outline the Defense Department's efforts to drive innovation and to quickly field emerging and critical technologies, claiming that "there has never been a better time to find entry to and do business with the department." "We have invested in new research and production activities like the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program, and new mechanisms for partnerships through our Manufacturing Innovation Institutes." "We have made use of programs like Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment, Manufacturing Technology and Defense Production Act Title III to shore up the defense industrial base so it can deliver needed systems." "We have also strengthened our engagements with the commercial sector through the work of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Defense Innovation Unit, in addition to initiatives like the Office of Strategic Capital and our network of APEX accelerators." #defenseinnovation #defensetech #defenseindustry https://lnkd.in/ei9YcKuF  

🚀 Transforming the Future of Defense 🚀 At ARC Defense, innovation isn't just a goal; it's our DNA. 🌐 We're building cutting-edge solutions that redefine security in a rapidly evolving world. Our state-of-the-art technologies are engineered to protect and empower businesses, governments, and individuals with unprecedented precision and reliability. 🔍 Why Now? The defense landscape is shifting, and there's a critical need for smarter, more adaptive solutions. With proprietary systems and a vision for scalable innovation, we’re poised to be at the forefront of this transformation. 💡 What Sets Us Apart? Next-gen technologies designed to solve tomorrow's challenges today. A proven team of experts driving innovation with purpose. A commitment to protecting what matters most. We’re seeking forward-thinking investors to join us in scaling our impact and shaping a safer, smarter future. 🌟 📈 Let’s collaborate to unlock the full potential of this industry and make a lasting difference. Interested in learning more? Let’s connect! #Innovation #Technology #Defense #ARCDefense #InvestmentOpportunity #TechForGood #FuturisticSolutions #Startup #Security #InvestorsWanted #ScaleUp #FutureOfDefense

Lawmakers propose DIU-managed military testing and evaluation cell Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

Skylark was honored to be listed in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace overview on #INDUS-X. "The growth of the Indian defense start-up ecosystem and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) also offer the United States’s venture capital industry an emerging set of opportunities. Many Indian start-ups have sought, and successfully secured, participation from Silicon Valley. For example, U.S.-based Artiman Ventures’ investment in Tonbo, Accel and @IDG Partners in Axio Biosolutions, Intel Capital’s in Saankhya Labs, and WRVI capital’s in ideaForge. This is a growing trend, with an increasing number of Silicon Valley venture funds looking toward promising start-ups in India. Indian defense and aerospace start-ups are also, in turn, exploring the U.S. market— 3rdiTech Inc., NewSpace Research and Technologies, Astrome, Skylark Labs, and QNu Labs, to name a few." Learn more about the initiative here and stay tuned for more information on Skylark’s involvement. https://lnkd.in/e6RttCRi

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲’𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 As the #IndianArmy marks its 77th Army Day on January 15, 2025, the force stands at the forefront of an unprecedented transformation. The years 2023 and 2025 have been designated pivotal milestones in the Army’s drive toward technological absorption, with the overarching goal of making India’s defense ecosystem more self-reliant and cutting-edge. The declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Technology Absorption,” followed by 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” by the Ministry of Defence (#MoD), signals a period of deep innovation within the Indian Army, setting the stage for what is being called the “Decade of Transformation” (2023-2032). Click below to know more. Huma Siddiqui | Express Defence #IndianArmy #ArmyDay2025 #TechTransformation #DefenceInnovation #IndianDefence #NationalSecurity #DefenceTechnology

Key Takeaways: 1. Shift from State-Run to Commercial Innovation: Ukraine transitioned from a Soviet-style, state-controlled military R&D system to a commercial-driven approach. Private companies and startups now lead military innovation, proving more efficient than state-owned enterprises. 2. Streamlined Acquisition & Deployment Processes: Regulatory changes have expedited procurement cycles from years to months or weeks, especially for unmanned systems. 3. Battlefield-Driven Requirements: Unlike traditional top-down military planning, Ukraine now tailors its acquisitions based on real-time frontline needs.

Defence will publish its first innovation strategy since 2020 later this year to capture seismic changes to policy, procurement and budgets, while putting a new premium on experimentation and dual-use technology. #Defence #DefenceInnovation #DualUse #DefenceScience