The U.S. Air Force's recent $100 million IDIQ award to Firestorm Labs signals a profound shift in defense procurement strategy and validates our investment thesis at Other People's Capital. This contract isn't just another defense deal – it's a blueprint for how next-generation defense companies can scale rapidly by solving critical capability gaps.
What makes this deal particularly noteworthy is its structure. The Air Force isn't just buying drones; they're investing in a manufacturing capability that can adapt to evolving threats. The five-year IDIQ format, with its flexible task order structure, represents a new model of defense procurement that favors agile, tech-first companies over traditional defense contractors.
For the venture community, Firestorm's success highlights three key trends we've been tracking:
First, additive manufacturing is becoming a strategic capability. Firestorm's approach of using advanced manufacturing to deliver scalable, low-cost UAS solutions addresses a critical need for rapidly deployable systems. This isn't just about cost savings – it's about creating resilient supply chains that can operate in contested environments.
Second, the Pentagon is actively seeking commercial solutions for tactical challenges. The inclusion of AFWERX, ACC, and AFSOC as stakeholders shows how deeply commercial tech is penetrating core military operations. This creates opportunities for startups that can bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and defense requirements.
Third, modularity and interoperability are becoming key differentiators. Firestorm's success in securing this contract wasn't just about their Tempest UAS platform – it was about their ability to create systems that can evolve with mission needs and integrate with existing infrastructure.
Looking ahead, we're particularly intrigued by Firestorm's push into edge manufacturing capabilities through their xCell initiative. In an era of contested logistics and uncertain supply chains, the ability to produce and repair systems close to the point of need could become a crucial competitive advantage.
At Other People's Capital, we see Firestorm's success as validation of our thesis that the future of defense technology lies in companies that can combine advanced manufacturing capabilities with deep understanding of military requirements. We're actively seeking investments in startups that share similar characteristics: scalable manufacturing capabilities, modular design approaches, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving mission needs.
For founders building in this space: The message is clear – the Department of Defense is ready to make big bets on commercial companies that can deliver scalable, adaptable solutions. The key is demonstrating not just technological innovation, but the ability to integrate seamlessly with military operations and supply chains.
The path from startup to $100 million defense contractor isn't easy, but Firestorm's success shows it's possible with the right combination of technology, team, and timing. We're excited to partner with the next generation of defense tech founders who are ready to take on this challenge.
The United States stands at a critical inflection point in its role as a global superpower. For decades, we've shouldered the burden of maintaining global stability through direct military intervention, often at tremendous human and financial cost. At Other People's Capital, we believe there's a better path forward - one that leverages American technological superiority and industrial capacity to empower our allies while reducing the need for boots on the ground.
This transformation from "world police" to "world's arsenal" isn't just a strategic shift - it's an investment opportunity. By focusing on developing and providing cutting-edge defensive capabilities to our allies, we can create a more sustainable security framework while building valuable technology companies in the process.
The historical precedent for this approach is compelling. During World War II, the United States served as the "Arsenal of Democracy," providing allies with the tools they needed to defend themselves against aggression. Today's global challenges demand a similar approach, but with 21st-century technologies. Instead of ships and aircraft, we're talking about autonomous systems, cyber defense capabilities, and advanced early warning systems.
This shift aligns with both strategic and fiscal realities. The cost of maintaining large-scale troop deployments across the globe is unsustainable, both in human and financial terms. By transitioning to a model focused on enabling our allies' defensive capabilities, we can maintain global influence while reducing direct military engagement. This approach isn't about disengagement - it's about smarter engagement.
The investment opportunity here is substantial. We're seeing increased demand for defensive technologies across several key verticals: autonomous systems that can perform dangerous missions without risking human lives, advanced cyber defense capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, and sophisticated intelligence and surveillance systems that provide early warning of threats. These technologies aren't just theoretical - they're being deployed today by forward-thinking allies who understand that the future of defense is technological.
Consider the implications of this shift. Instead of deploying American troops to defend allies against potential aggressors, we could provide them with autonomous drone systems for border surveillance, advanced cyber defense capabilities to protect their infrastructure, and AI-powered early warning systems to detect threats before they materialize. This approach not only reduces risk to American personnel but also creates a more resilient defense network by distributing capabilities among allies.
The economics of this transformation are compelling. The development of advanced defense technologies creates high-skilled jobs in the United States while generating recurring revenue through maintenance, upgrades, and training. Moreover, as these technologies prove their effectiveness in the field, they often find applications in civilian markets, creating additional value streams for investors.
We're already seeing this model succeed in several contexts. Israel's Iron Dome system demonstrates how advanced defensive technology can effectively protect civilian populations without requiring external military intervention. Taiwan's indigenous defense development program shows how technological self-sufficiency can serve as a powerful deterrent. These examples provide a roadmap for future investments in defensive technologies.
The key to success in this space lies in identifying technologies that provide maximum defensive capability while minimizing the need for direct human involvement. We're particularly interested in companies developing autonomous systems, advanced sensors, cyber defense tools, and command and control systems that can be easily transferred to and operated by allies.
This approach also addresses one of the primary criticisms of American military engagement - the perception of American imperialism. By focusing on providing defensive capabilities rather than maintaining direct military presence, we can help allies protect themselves while avoiding the political complications that often accompany troop deployments.
Critics might argue that this approach could lead to proliferation of advanced military technologies. However, we believe that careful export controls and focus on purely defensive capabilities can mitigate these risks. Moreover, the alternative - continuing to rely on direct military intervention - has proven costly and often counterproductive.
The transition won't happen overnight, but the momentum is building. We're seeing increased interest from both government and private sector in developing technologies that enable this new model of defense. The Department of Defense's focus on autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and advanced sensors aligns perfectly with this vision.
For investors, this shift presents a unique opportunity to participate in the transformation of global security while building valuable companies. The traditional defense industry has been dominated by large prime contractors, but this new model creates space for agile startups developing cutting-edge technologies.
At Other People's Capital, we're committed to identifying and supporting companies that are enabling this transformation. We believe that by investing in defensive technologies and empowering our allies to defend themselves, we can create both financial returns and positive global impact. The future of American global leadership lies not in being the world's police force, but in being the world's leading provider of defensive capabilities.
This isn't just about making money - it's about fundamentally rethinking how we approach global security. By investing in companies that enable this transformation, we can help create a world where American values and interests are protected not through direct military intervention, but through technological superiority and strategic partnerships. The time has come to move from a policy of intervention to one of empowerment, and we're excited to be at the forefront of this transformation.
We're pleased to share a significant milestone from our portfolio company XTEND, which has secured an $8.8 million contract from the Department of Defense's Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). This achievement represents more than just a contract win – it's a powerful validation of XTEND's pioneering approach to AI-powered tactical systems.
What makes this contract particularly noteworthy is XTEND's Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) system's unique position as the first DoD-approved platform for both indoor and outdoor loitering munition applications. This dual-capability breakthrough showcases the kind of innovative thinking that initially attracted us to XTEND.
The PSIO system exemplifies the convergence of multiple investment theses we've long believed in:
XTEND's technology has already proven its worth in actual conflict scenarios, with active deployment by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This real-world validation, combined with the DoD contract, demonstrates the company's ability to bridge the gap between innovation and practical military utility – a crucial factor in defense tech success.
The company's commitment to domestic production, with facilities in Florida and North Carolina, aligns perfectly with NDAA requirements and positions XTEND advantageously for future defense contracts. This manufacturing strategy reflects the kind of forward-thinking operational planning we look for in our portfolio companies.
With deliveries scheduled to begin in Q1 2025, this contract represents just the beginning of what we believe will be significant growth for XTEND. The company's successful collaboration with IWTSD over the past two years has built a strong foundation for future opportunities in the defense sector.
As investors, we're particularly excited about how this contract validates multiple aspects of XTEND's business model:
This contract win reinforces our conviction in XTEND's potential to reshape tactical drone capabilities while delivering significant value to both military customers and investors.
As investors in XTEND, we are proud to support their mission of advancing defense technology capabilities. This post reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
In a move that highlights the increasing consolidation of technical capability in the defense sector, our portfolio company Anduril has announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies. This collaboration between two of the most innovative companies in the defense technology space represents a significant step forward in advancing AI capabilities for national security applications.
The partnership brings together Anduril's expertise in autonomous systems and hardware with Palantir's proven capabilities in data analytics and AI software. For our firm, this alliance validates several key investment theses:
This collaboration signals a maturing defense technology market where leading companies are joining forces to deliver more comprehensive solutions. For Anduril, this partnership represents an opportunity to enhance their autonomous systems with Palantir's sophisticated data analytics capabilities, potentially accelerating their product development and market penetration.
We expect this partnership to serve as a catalyst for further innovation in the defense technology sector. The combination of Anduril's hardware expertise and Palantir's software capabilities could set new standards for AI-enabled defense systems and create significant barriers to entry for competitors.
As investors, we're particularly excited about how this partnership could:
This strategic alliance reinforces our conviction in Anduril's position as a leader in the defense technology sector. The ability to forge partnerships with other category leaders while maintaining their innovative edge exemplifies the kind of strategic thinking we look for in our portfolio companies.
Other People's Capital is an investor in Anduril Industries. This analysis reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
We're excited to share a transformative achievement from our portfolio company Anduril: a $99.7 million IDIQ contract and Program of Record designation from U.S. Space Systems Command. This development represents more than just a significant contract win—it demonstrates Anduril's remarkable ability to rapidly transform innovative technology into critical defense infrastructure.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is Anduril's unprecedented speed to Program of Record status. The company's journey from a 2021 Space Force Pitch Day participant to a Program of Record in just four years showcases the kind of rapid execution that validates our investment thesis in defense technology companies that can move at commercial speeds.
The contract positions Anduril as a key player in space domain awareness, one of the fastest-growing segments of the defense technology sector. Their Lattice platform will serve as the backbone for modernizing the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), demonstrating how commercial innovation can transform legacy defense systems:
Anduril has already demonstrated operational success in Hawaii, with full-time operations imminent. The company's ability to meet the aggressive 2026 deployment timeline set by U.S. Space Command reflects their proven capability to execute at scale—a crucial differentiator in the defense sector.
This contract represents more than revenue—it establishes Anduril as a trusted partner in the space domain, complementing their existing capabilities across air, land, and sea. Their recent partnerships with Apex and Impulse further strengthen their position in this rapidly evolving sector.
For investors, this milestone validates several key aspects of Anduril's business model:
We believe this Program of Record designation will serve as a catalyst for Anduril's continued growth in the space domain while reinforcing their position as a leading defense technology innovator.
Other People's Capital is an investor in Anduril Industries. This analysis reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
Scale AI, one of our portfolio companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the defense technology sector with the launch of Defense Llama, a specialized large language model built on Meta's Llama 3 architecture. This development represents a pivotal moment in the intersection of commercial AI capabilities and national security requirements, showcasing Scale's ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and critical defense applications.
The strategic importance of this launch cannot be overstated. In an era where AI capabilities increasingly determine technological supremacy, Scale has positioned itself as a crucial player in maintaining America's competitive edge in national security. By leveraging Meta's Llama 3 architecture and combining it with Scale's proprietary Data Engine, the company has created a purpose-built tool that directly addresses the unique challenges faced by military operators, strategic planners, and intelligence professionals.
What makes Defense Llama particularly noteworthy from an investment perspective is its deep integration with existing defense infrastructure through Scale Donovan. This isn't merely a technological achievement – it represents a sophisticated understanding of the defense sector's specific needs and compliance requirements. The model's adherence to Department of Defense Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence and alignment with ODNI writing standards demonstrates Scale's nuanced approach to serving this crucial market.
The collaboration between Scale AI and Meta represents a new model for public-private partnership in the defense sector. Meta's willingness to support the adaptation of their open-source technology for national security applications, combined with Scale's deep understanding of defense requirements, creates a powerful synergy that could set new standards for how commercial technology companies engage with the defense sector. This partnership model could prove particularly valuable as more commercial technology companies seek to enter the defense market.
From a market positioning standpoint, Defense Llama significantly strengthens Scale's competitive moat in the defense sector. The company's ability to fine-tune large language models for specific defense applications, combined with their existing data labeling and AI development capabilities, creates a comprehensive suite of AI solutions that few competitors can match. This vertical integration – from data preparation through to specialized AI deployment – positions Scale as an increasingly indispensable partner for defense and intelligence agencies.
The timing of this launch is particularly strategic. As military and intelligence operations become increasingly data-driven, the ability to rapidly process and analyze information becomes crucial for maintaining operational superiority. Defense Llama's capabilities in areas such as military planning and threat analysis directly address these evolving needs, potentially opening up significant new revenue streams for Scale in the defense sector.
Looking ahead, we see several key growth vectors emerging from this development. The integration capabilities with various defense systems – from command and control platforms to intelligence analysis tools – suggest multiple paths for expansion within the defense ecosystem. Furthermore, the successful deployment of Defense Llama could serve as a template for developing specialized AI models for other sensitive government applications, potentially expanding Scale's addressable market beyond traditional defense applications.
The partnership with Meta also deserves special attention from an investment perspective. By successfully collaborating with one of the world's leading AI companies on a defense application, Scale has demonstrated its ability to forge strategic partnerships that can accelerate its technology development and market access. This could prove particularly valuable as the company continues to expand its capabilities and market presence.
For investors, Scale's launch of Defense Llama validates our thesis about the growing convergence of commercial AI capabilities and national security requirements. It demonstrates Scale's ability to execute on complex technical challenges while navigating the unique requirements of the defense sector – a combination that we believe will become increasingly valuable as AI continues to reshape national security operations.
Other People's Capital is an investor in Scale AI. This analysis reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
Our portfolio company Skydio continues to demonstrate leadership in autonomous drone technology, solidifying their position as a pioneer in AI-powered unmanned systems. The company's progress in developing increasingly sophisticated autonomous capabilities has significant implications for both defense and commercial applications.
At the core of Skydio's recent advances is their enhanced autonomous navigation system, which represents a fundamental shift in how unmanned aircraft interact with their environment. Unlike traditional drone platforms that rely heavily on GPS and human control, Skydio's technology enables true autonomous operation through advanced computer vision and AI. This capability allows their drones to navigate complex environments, avoid obstacles, and execute sophisticated flight patterns with minimal human intervention.
The strategic significance of these developments extends beyond technical achievement. Skydio's approach to autonomy addresses one of the most pressing challenges in drone operations: reducing the cognitive load on operators while increasing mission effectiveness. By enabling drones to handle complex navigation tasks independently, Skydio allows operators to focus on mission-critical decisions rather than minute-to-minute flight control.
In the defense sector, Skydio's autonomous capabilities have attracted significant attention. The company's success in military programs validates their technology approach and suggests growing recognition of autonomy's crucial role in future military operations. Their drones' ability to operate in GPS-denied environments and navigate complex urban terrain addresses key requirements for military customers, while their emphasis on American manufacturing aligns with increasing focus on secure supply chains.
The commercial implications of Skydio's technological advances are equally significant. Their autonomous capabilities enable applications in infrastructure inspection, public safety, and industrial monitoring that would be impractical or impossible with traditional drone platforms. The ability to safely and efficiently navigate complex environments opens new use cases and markets, particularly in sectors where close proximity operations are essential.
Looking beyond current applications, Skydio's progress in autonomous systems has broader implications for the future of robotics and unmanned systems. Their achievements in real-time perception, planning, and control demonstrate practical solutions to challenges that have long constrained autonomous system deployment. This expertise positions them well as autonomy becomes increasingly central to both military and commercial operations.
From an investment perspective, several aspects of Skydio's progress are particularly noteworthy:
The company's dual-use strategy, serving both commercial and defense customers, provides multiple paths for growth while allowing technology developments in one sector to benefit the other. This approach helps amortize R&D investments across a broader customer base while maintaining rapid innovation cycles.
Skydio's recent progress also highlights the increasing maturity of autonomous drone technology. What once seemed like science fiction - drones that can truly understand and navigate their environment independently - is now operational reality. This transition from theoretical capability to practical deployment suggests we're entering a new phase in the autonomous systems market, with significant opportunities for companies that can deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
As we look ahead, several factors suggest continued momentum for Skydio's approach to autonomous systems:
For investors, Skydio's progress validates the thesis that autonomous capabilities will be a key differentiator in the drone market. Their success in delivering practical autonomy, combined with their strong position in both defense and commercial markets, suggests significant potential for continued growth and market leadership.
Other People's Capital is an investor in Skydio. This analysis reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice
Recent developments from our portfolio company Shield AI demonstrate significant progress in pushing the boundaries of autonomous military aviation through their V-BAT platform. The company's vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone program has achieved several crucial milestones that validate our investment thesis in autonomous defense systems.
Shield AI's V-BAT platform has emerged as a transformative capability in military aviation, combining the versatility of VTOL operations with advanced autonomous capabilities powered by the company's Hivemind autonomy software. The V-BAT's unique tail-sitting design allows it to operate in confined spaces while maintaining the endurance and speed traditionally associated with fixed-wing aircraft - a combination that has proven particularly valuable for maritime operations and expeditionary missions.
The integration of Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy engine with the V-BAT platform represents a significant technical achievement. Hivemind enables the V-BAT to operate independently in GPS-denied environments, adapt to complex mission parameters in real-time, and coordinate with other autonomous systems. This level of autonomous capability addresses a crucial need in modern military operations, where resilient, independent operation is increasingly essential.
From a market perspective, Shield AI's progress with the V-BAT program has attracted significant attention from military customers. The platform's demonstrated ability to operate from both land and maritime environments, combined with its advanced autonomous capabilities, positions it uniquely in the tactical UAS market. The system's successful deployments have validated Shield AI's approach to combining hardware excellence with sophisticated autonomous software.
The strategic implications of these developments extend beyond individual platform capabilities. Shield AI's success in integrating Hivemind across different platforms demonstrates the scalability of their technology approach. This capability to transfer autonomous operations across various aircraft types suggests significant potential for market expansion and platform adaptation.
Looking ahead, Shield AI's progress with the V-BAT program points to several promising growth vectors. The demonstrated success in maritime operations opens opportunities in naval applications, while the platform's expeditionary capabilities align well with emerging military requirements for flexible, autonomous systems. The company's focus on advancing both hardware and software capabilities suggests continued innovation in autonomous military aviation.
For investors, Shield AI's achievements with the V-BAT program validate several key aspects of the company's strategy:
As the defense sector continues its shift toward autonomous capabilities, Shield AI's position at the intersection of autonomous software and purpose-built hardware platforms appears increasingly valuable. Their ability to deliver practical, deployable solutions while continuing to advance the state of the art in autonomous systems suggests strong potential for continued growth and market leadership.
Other People's Capital is an investor in Shield AI. This analysis reflects publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
The defense technology sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum with Firestorm Labs' latest $12.5 million funding round, led by Lockheed Martin Ventures. This investment signals growing institutional confidence in advanced manufacturing approaches to address the pressing needs of modern military operations, particularly in unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The strategic significance of this funding extends well beyond the dollar amount. Lockheed Martin's leadership of the round, alongside participation from specialized defense investors including 645 Ventures, The Veteran Fund, Silent Ventures, and Decisive Point, validates both Firestorm's technology approach and its market positioning. The additional investment from Red Cat Holdings, an established player in the defense UAV space, further reinforces the strategic value of Firestorm's capabilities.
What makes Firestorm particularly compelling from an investment perspective is their revolutionary approach to manufacturing economics. The company's claim of achieving 90% reduction in design-to-deployment timelines while operating at just 20% of traditional production costs represents the kind of step-change improvement that venture investors seek. These metrics suggest not just incremental improvement but a fundamental reimagining of how military hardware can be produced and deployed.
The company's technology stack combines several emerging trends we've been tracking in the defense sector. Their integration of computer-aided design, additive manufacturing, and AI-driven flight controls creates a flexible platform that can rapidly adapt to evolving mission requirements. This adaptability is particularly crucial given the increasing importance of UAS in modern military operations and the need for quick iteration based on field feedback.
The strategic timing of this investment aligns with broader shifts in defense procurement strategy. As military scenarios become increasingly dynamic, the ability to rapidly prototype, manufacture, and deploy mission-specific drones could provide a crucial advantage. Firestorm's approach to manufacturing flexibility could prove particularly valuable in scenarios where rapid adaptation to emerging threats is essential.
From a market perspective, Firestorm's position at the intersection of additive manufacturing and defense technology is particularly noteworthy. While 3D printing has shown promise in various industrial applications, its adoption in defense has been relatively limited. Firestorm's focus on this capability gap, combined with their emphasis on cost reduction and rapid deployment, positions them well to capture value in an increasingly important market segment.
The involvement of Lockheed Martin Ventures deserves special attention. As one of the defense industry's most sophisticated strategic investors, their participation suggests potential pathways to market that could accelerate Firestorm's growth. The company's ability to attract both strategic and financial investors in this round indicates a balanced approach to growth that could prove valuable as they scale their operations.
Looking ahead, we see several potential catalysts for growth. The funding will enable Firestorm to expand their production capacity and strengthen their team, but perhaps more importantly, it provides validation that could accelerate adoption among defense customers. The company's emphasis on interoperability and mission flexibility suggests they understand the complex requirements of military customers and have positioned their platform accordingly.
For investors watching the defense technology space, this funding round highlights several key trends: the growing importance of manufacturing innovation in defense, the increasing focus on rapid deployment capabilities, and the continued strong interest from both strategic and financial investors in defense technology startups. Firestorm's success in attracting this caliber of investors suggests that the market for innovative defense manufacturing solutions remains robust, even in a challenging macroeconomic environment.
As the defense technology sector continues to evolve, companies like Firestorm that can demonstrate meaningful improvements in both cost and capability will likely find significant opportunities for growth. Their ability to execute on their expansion plans and capitalize on their relationships with strategic investors will be worth watching closely in the coming months.
This analysis is based on publicly available information and should not be considered as investment advice.
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