The Dual-Use Founder: Vets Now Building For America

Key takeaways

Veteran founders bring unique insights and experiences that translate into innovative solutions for modern national security challenges.
Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship can involve various pathways, each contributing valuable lessons and skills.
Asymmetric warfare demands rapid innovation and adaptable technology to respond to evolving threats.
Creating a strong, mission-driven company culture is essential for success, especially in defense tech.
Recognizing and addressing gaps in defense technology and procurement processes can enhance military readiness and effectiveness.

Summary

Introduction to Veteran Founders

The episode begins by contextualizing the modern battlefield as extending into technology, logistics, and airspace security, where veterans possess unique insights for developing innovative solutions. Matt Shortal, a veteran and a16z's operating partner, moderates a discussion with three veteran entrepreneurs—John Doyle, David Tuttle, and Grant Jordan—who have transitioned their military experience into founding startups focused on defense technology. They share personal stories about their service and inspiration to build solutions derived from real-world military challenges.

From Military to Entrepreneurship: The Pathway

The panelists discuss their journeys from military service to entrepreneurship, tackling the debate of whether transitioning veterans should directly start a company or gain initial experience at tech firms like Palantir or Anduril. They share insights on how their military backgrounds inform the types of problems they address in their startups. Key topics include the necessity of having foundational values and being aligned on a mission within their teams.

Lessons from Ukraine and Asymmetric Challenges

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to how the conflict in Ukraine has redefined modern warfare and technology utilization. The panelists reflect on the dual-use technologies that appeal to both military and civilian applications. They emphasize the importance of rapid prototyping and advocacy for innovation that meets the demands of asymmetric warfare, moving away from outdated traditional military systems.

Building Culture in Startups

Culture is a crucial theme, with the founders discussing how to instill a sense of trust and cohesion within their teams, reminiscent of military units. They share practical strategies such as fostering in-person collaboration, recognizing success, and encouraging risk-taking as pivotal to building a productive, mission-driven environment. They also reflect on the importance of celebrating wins and the role companies play in newer technology ecosystems.

Addressing Gaps and Future Needs in Defense Technology

The discussion touches on existing gaps within government contracting and technological advancements needed for defense. The founders share their views on the need for a streamlined acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of capable innovative programs that can be effectively scaled and integrated into military operations. They share their aspirations for making technology available that addresses evolving threats in real-time.

Show notes

In today’s world, the battlefield extends far beyond war zones—it’s embedded in our tech stacks, supply chains, and airspace security systems. So who better to solve these modern challenges than those who’ve served on the front lines?

Recorded live at the third annual American Dynamism Summit in Washington D.C., this episode features a16z’s Matt Shortal—a veteran himself—moderating a conversation with three founders who transitioned from military service to building cutting-edge defense startups:

John Doyle, founder & CEO of Cape
David Tuttle, cofounder & CEO of Rune
Grant Jordan, founder & CEO of SkySafe

The panel covers their journeys from service to startups, how their time in uniform shaped what they chose to build, and whether veterans should go straight into entrepreneurship—or stop first at places like Palantir or Anduril. They also discuss how Ukraine changed the game, how dual-use tech is shifting the innovation landscape, and how to instill trust and culture in mission-driven companies.

The big question: how do we win the next war—the asymmetric, fast-moving, tech-enabled kind—and build the industrial base we need to do it?

Resources:

See more from The American Dynamism Summit 2025: www. a16z.com/american-dynamism-summit

Find John of LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-doyle-48633227/

Find David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtuttle1/

Find Grant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantjordansd/

Find Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-shortal/

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