Silicon Valley Defense Group

🚀 Congratulations to X-Bow Systems on closing their $105M Series B funding round! As the U.S. government intensifies efforts to modernize and expand the solid rocket motor industrial base—highlighted by Senator Cornyn's recent bill (https://lnkd.in/eritC4Eh). X-Bow's mission to deliver affordable, scalable rocket propulsion systems is more critical than ever. Startups like X-Bow are proving that the defense-industrial base can evolve quickly when we back visionary founders, align capital with mission, and modernize acquisition.

📣 Now Available: Buy-Side M&A Playbook for National Security and Critical Manufacturing As part of the Silicon Valley Defense Group’s Industry Collaboration Initiative, we are pleased to release the Buy-Side M&A Playbook, developed in collaboration with Fenwick & West. This comprehensive guide offers practical, sector-specific guidance for companies evaluating acquisitions in the national security and critical manufacturing space. The playbook offers strategies that may help mitigate or manage risks, such as: - Statutory and regulatory compliance - Protection of sensitive materials - Government contract requirements - Intellectual property - Post-closing integration The Buy-Side M&A Playbook builds on foundational documents in the toolkit, offering a focused lens on how strategic acquisitions can accelerate growth and integrate capabilities for firms operating in defense-critical sectors. Where our existing resources help companies enter into partnerships and scale within the national security ecosystem, this playbook guides them through expansion via acquisition. This is an increasingly important lever for both startups and mature firms seeking to deepen government relationships, acquire critical technology, and navigate private investment. For corporate development teams, investors, and legal advisors operating in this highly regulated sector, this playbook provides a critical framework for identifying risks, structuring transactions, and ensuring operational continuity post-close. We want to thank the Fenwick team, especially Steve Fisher, Patrick Grilli, and David Hayes for their work and for the continued partnership. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/epif8N86 Explore the rest of the toolkit: https://lnkd.in/eRF3MBf3

SVDG is thrilled to celebrate our Industry Council partner, American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) , on the announcement that 16 companies have executed agreements to operate at their new Munitions Campus in Indiana. As OSD, MCEIP, and Congress continue to prioritize resilient supply chains, this public-private investment marks a significant step toward reshoring advanced manufacturing and strengthening the Defense Industrial Base. ACMI’s mission focus is clearly answering the call, bringing together innovators, capital, and capability to accelerate munitions production in alignment with national security priorities. At SVDG, we strongly encourage the development of these partnerships consistently with our mission of creating the nexus of pioneering ideas, people, and capital to advance innovation. Great job, ACMI! Read the Bloomberg article: https://lnkd.in/guWHwKve Read the announcement: https://lnkd.in/gbrTZcpQ

🔔 ICYMI: Our April Newsletter Just Dropped! Read the April issue to learn about: - The launch of our SVDG Situation Room series - Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report - What we’re reading (and what’s coming next) 📬 Not on our mailing list yet? Don’t miss future insights, events, and opportunities in the defense innovation space. Subscribe using this link 👉 http://eepurl.com/hqdY81 We’re building momentum, and we’d love for you to be a part of it. P.S. For a clickable version of our newsletter, head over to our website: https://lnkd.in/ep-8Bihn

Big news from our friends at Playground Global, a proud sponsor of SVDG! We're excited to see industry icon Pat Gelsinger join as General Partner to help shape the future of deep tech. A huge win for founders—and for the entire innovation ecosystem. 👏

The Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Keating as its new Executive Director. Mike brings a wealth of experience across venture-backed technology startups, strategy consulting, and national security, making him an exceptional leader to drive SVDG’s mission forward. Mike joins SVDG from Deep Labs AI, where he led the company’s public sector business practice, applying advanced behavioral analysis and anomaly detection to critical government use cases. “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Mike into the SVDG family,” said Jacqueline Tame, who has been serving as Acting Executive Director since January 2024, in addition to her role on the Executive Board. “Mike is coming into the organization at one of the most exciting times in recent history for the startup and private capital communities - particularly those serving in and catalyzing the evolution and expansion of the national security innovation base. His broad experience across government, finance, geopolitical risk and advisory services, and tech startups make him an exceptionally well-positioned leader to drive us forward.” Chris Donaghey, Chairman of the SVDG Board, echoed the enthusiasm for Mike’s leadership. “Mike’s deep expertise at the intersection of national security, technology, and investment uniquely positions him to advance SVDG’s mission. As we continue to foster stronger partnerships between Silicon Valley and the defense sector, we are confident that his leadership will accelerate our impact and further strengthen our community.” Mike shared his excitement about stepping into the role: “American national security suffers not from an innovation problem, but from an innovation adoption problem. As the national security enterprise navigates today's global inflection point, SVDG is uniquely positioned to break down innovation adoption barriers and better facilitate capital allocation to game-changing emerging technology for national defense. I'm consequently thrilled for my good fortune of being asked to join the talented SVDG team. The SVDG mission is critical, and I'm excited to scale SVDG's known impact for founders, funders, and public servants.” The announcement comes as SVDG continues to expand its engagement with industry, government, and investment leaders dedicated to strengthening the national security innovation ecosystem. Mike will officially assume the role of Executive Director effective immediately. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] Read the full release here: https://lnkd.in/gM37bRrV

SVDG Lunch & Learn: M&A in Defense Tech SVDG recently hosted a Lunch and Learn with Pillsbury's Marques Peterson and Steve Ryan, CFA, diving into key legal and financial strategies for M&A in the defense and technology sectors. They shared expert insights on navigating regulatory frameworks, compliance challenges, and best practices for successful transactions. This discussion is part of our broader effort to strengthen collaboration across the Defense Industrial Base and equip our network with actionable knowledge. 🎥 Watch the full session here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eyW9kjvR #DefenseTech #MergersAndAcquisitions #NationalSecurity #SVDG

Today we had the absolute privilege of helping to support the re-launch of the #HouseDefenseModernizationCaucus with founding co-chairs, Representative Rob Wittman and Representative Patrick Ryan, for the 119th Congress. In a room on Capitol Hill packed with leaders from industry, the private capital community and the government we talked about everything from the intent of the Caucus and the Members' ambitious goals for the 119th; to blowing up the contracting system in furtherance of systemic acquisition reform; to the signals that VCs need to continue to underwrite dual-use capability development at scale; to Ford v. Ferrari (IYKYK); and the future of JCIDS. Special thanks to our incredible partners in Reps Wittman's and Ryan's offices - notably MVPs Hallie Coyne and Olivia Mullaney - and to our 'Reaction Panel' special guests Colin Carroll, Liz Young McNally, Dan T. and Michael Brown.

We’re excited to share a major milestone for SVDG: the launch of our open-source Industry Collaboration Toolkit! 🚀 Check out the Toolkit on our website: https://lnkd.in/eRF3MBf3 This Toolkit includes three sets of educational documents tailored for negotiations between “Primes” and “Defense Innovation Companies”: Non-Disclosure Agreement Memorandum of Understanding Financial Rider Each agreement includes an accessible explanation of the language and companion documents highlighting possible considerations during a negotiation. Additionally, you will find two accompanying videos explaining the initiative’s background and some tips from our industry partners on how to best employ the educational documents. Developed with input from our community and in collaboration with lawyers at Fenwick & West, these documents will empower the defense ecosystem by simplifying complex negotiations and fostering stronger, more effective partnerships among companies of all sizes and growth potentials. Special thanks go to the industry partners featured in our educational videos for their time and effort: Patrick Grilli (Fenwick) Katie Norton (Microsoft) John Dulin (Modern Intelligence) JC Sullivan (Vannevar Labs)

SVDG is proud to announce our inaugural Industry Council! 📢 The Council convenes members of the Defense Industrial Base and private capital to build a strong foundation of talent, which our organization can draw on for expertise and insight into the state of the Ecosystem. We strive to connect the people, ideas, and capital that power national security innovation and keep the U.S. and our Allies safe. To accomplish our mission, we want to best understand and represent the vision of all members of the Emerging Technology Readiness Ecosystem. The Industry Council will help us achieve this goal by providing industry input on SVDG programming and governance, shaping the organization’s long-term vision, and facilitating cross-industry cooperation. Additionally, we look forward to members of the Industry Council championing SVDG’s mission through their work and networks! Paul Kadzielski, CSA Remy Hammes Brian MacCarthy Jonathan Price Patrick Grilli Theodore M Estwan Rob Watson Matthew Jeppson Ben Goodwin Connor Love Chris Moran Leigh Madden David "Dave" Goulet Stephanie Bonk Martin Slosarik Mark Brunner Veronica Daigle Daniel Ateya Michael Hauser Jason Schmid Maureen Gannon Raphaël N.