💥 #DefenseTech is Delivering - and the Numbers Prove It 💥 ✨ The Big Picture: DefenseTech is no longer just a buzzword. A new PitchBook report (attached) shows that this sector is now a proven value engine, with real exits, growing liquidity, and rising investor appetite - even in challenging macro environments. 🔥 Why It Matters: Global tensions and rising defense budgets are fueling unprecedented opportunities for dual-use innovation: 💫 71 exits in 2024, up 78% from 2023’s low point. 💫 Median valuations rebounded to $1.8B in 2025, showing strong demand for scaled defense platforms. 💫 72% of exits are through M&A, with tech giants like Cisco, Apple, and VMware leading the charge. 💫 Government-backed venture arms like IQT are seeding the pipeline, proving the critical role of public-private partnerships. 📈 By the Numbers: ⚡️Top exit segments: Sensing & connectivity (121), advanced software (91), and biotech (54). ⚡️Fastest liquidity timelines: Autonomy (7.1 years) and sensing-driven startups (7.4 years). ⚡️ Palantir Technologies remains the poster child of dual-use IPO success, while Dedrone’s acquisition by Axon showcases predictable M&A paths. ⚡️ Insight Partners are the biggest defense tech acquirers since 2015 with 10 acquisitions. 🚀 The Opportunity Ahead: From AI-driven autonomy to counter-drone tech and space systems, the next five years will define global defense innovation. For investors and founders alike, DefenseTech isn’t just another sector - it’s a chance to shape the future of security while generating outsized returns. 📖 Report published by PitchBook, September 2025. #DefenseTech #DualUse #Innovation #VentureCapital #NationalSecurity #startup

Proof that being untamed and unbound enables you to do some incredible things, in ways that wouldn't have been possible in the past. Seeing how a group of leaders and entrepreneurs, that I've known for decades, were poised to embark together on the entrepreneurial journey of a lifetime - the ability for us at Studio.One, with the backing of ATRUM, to join in and become true partners in this venture is truly special. A completely world-first AI innovation within the security and executive protection industry, that will save lives. Just about to be launched to the world at GSX in New Orleans, but the interest from the industry and investors is already off-the-charts. Looking forward to share more updates as we grow this together with Stellan Kjellberg, Jarno H. and the Xpometer -team. Stay off the X. www.xpometer.com

Startups don’t need to look like defense contractors to break into the defense industry. This week on #Austinpreneur, Leonard Lublin, Deputy GM of BAE Systems, Inc. FAST Labs, shares how their team scouts breakthrough technologies—from AI to microelectronics—and brings founders into defense programs as collaborators, not competitors. Unlike traditional primes, FAST Labs: 🤝 Builds direct partnerships 💻 Helps startups keep their IP 🚀 Accelerates scale through integration, not equity For founders, this is a playbook for entering the defense innovation ecosystem. For investors, it’s proof that partnerships can unlock more growth than funding alone. Catch the full conversation on #Austinpreneur — streaming everywhere & on YouTube 🎧 https://hubs.ly/Q03KlNnb0

Expeditions raises over €100M for Fund II to back Europe’s security and DeepTech founders Warsaw-based #Expeditions has secured over €100 million for its second fund, with a final close of €150 million expected by the end of 2025. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Mikolaj Firlej and a team of defence and technology experts, Expeditions positions itself as Europe’s leading early-stage investor in security and dual-use technologies, targeting sectors such as cybersecurity, defence, AI, quantum, autonomy, and space. Fund II has already invested in seven companies, including Lendurai, Orasio, and Project Q, and builds on the track record of Fund I, which backed startups such as Alpine Eagle, Blackwall ,Comand AII,Labryss, and Nu Quantum. Expeditions reports that it has invested in 30% of Europe’s 30 most well-funded defence startups, cementing its role as a key player in the continent’s security innovation ecosystem. Limited partners in Fund II include the NATO Innovation Fund, the Polish Development Fund, and early executives from Skype, Wise, Bolt, and Snowflake. With over €100 million committed, Expeditions joins a growing wave of specialised European funds focusing on DeepTech and security, as institutional capital increasingly backs technologies central to Europe’s economic and geopolitical resilience. The article onEU-Startupss in the first comment.

Some former Palantir employees have left the software company to build their own startups. Business Insider identified 39 founders building in the AI, legaltech, consumer, and healthcare spaces.

Recently had the opportunity to engage with Marc Andreessen as he delved into the captivating history and ethos of Silicon Valley alongside Charlie Songhurst and John Collison. The discussion unraveled the core elements propelling the Valley's distinct essence: a foundation of trust, a pioneering appetite for risk, and an unyielding commitment to continuous innovation—regardless of market fluctuations. Marc's anecdotes shed light on the art of identifying market bubbles in real-time and the regret of missing out on promising ventures. The dialogue delves into how market downturns filter out opportunists, the significance of building trust in the venture capital realm, and what truly distinguishes Silicon Valley as a global innovation powerhouse. It's a profound exploration of the intricate patterns, human psychology, and evolving dynamics that have been instrumental in shaping the tech landscape over the years. This discussion is a must-watch for those intrigued by technology, startups, or seeking insight into the DNA of innovation. #SiliconValley #VentureCapital #Technology #Innovation https://lnkd.in/gpy2zhgf

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐎𝐂 𝟐 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲? Hey there, your compliance manager again. Here’s a mistake I see often: startups wait too long to think about SOC 2. ❌ Deals get delayed because security reviews take months. ❌ Competitors who are compliant win trust faster. ❌ Scrambling for compliance later costs 2–3x more time and money. Startups that invest early: ✅ Cut sales cycles ✅ Build trust with investors ✅ Scale faster That’s why we’re building Ciphrix, so early-stage companies can get there without burning all their resources. #StartupGrowth #SOC2Ready #ComplianceStrategy #VentureCapital #TrustAndSafety #ScaleSmarter #Ciphrix

Rocket Lab is no longer “just another space startup.” With contract wins, defense partnerships, and a 90% stock surge in 2025, RKLB is rewriting the playbook for commercial space business. Read the full breakdown on strategy, numbers, and lessons for investors https://lnkd.in/g_PsmwwT

Mark T. Esper, Ph.D., Red Cell’s Chairman of the National Security Practice and Director, headlined the Beyond Silicon Valley Speaker Series this week joining a fireside chat with Steve Case on the intersection of technology, investing and national security. Secretary Esper urged founders to embrace opportunities for collaboration with prime contractors, where "the startup brings the innovation" and "the prime is there with these large factory bases." Read more here:  https://lnkd.in/e97Bw45A #nationalsecurity #startups #investment  Revolution STATION DC DC Inno Nate Doughty

Israeli startup Ray Security has raised $11 million in seed funding to launch its new product, called the world’s first predictive data security platform. The funding round was co-led by Venture Guides and Ibex Investors. Ray Security, founded in 2024, wants to change how companies protect their data. Instead of relying on fixed security measures, it uses adaptive systems that can anticipate how data will be used. Ariel Zamir | Dekel Levkovich | Eric Wolf 🔗 Read full article link in comment #raysecurity #VC #israel #startupnews #funding #business #datasecurity