Decisive Point

Last week, Partner Ryan Benitez moderated an insightful panel discussion at the Resilience Conference. Benitez facilitated the conversation “Innovate, Accelerate, Build: Working with Early Stage Startups,” featuring speakers from the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, Starburst, and Scalewolf. This session provided invaluable guidance for startups seeking defense-specific funding, navigating regulatory complexities, and establishing strategic partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies.

Earlier this month, Decisive Point Ventures Fund II made a follow-on investment in HavocAI’s seed round. We’re thrilled to share that HavocAI, a leader in autonomous uncrewed surface vessel technology, successfully closed its $11 million seed round late last week! The round was led by Scout Ventures and co-led by Trousdale Ventures, with participation from Outlander VC, The Veteran Fund, BVVC, Alumni Ventures, and New North Ventures. This strategic investment will support HavocAI's mission to deploy ultra low-cost autonomous surface vessels at an unprecedented scale in both defense and commercial markets. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eF5XxnKM

Congrats to our portfolio company, FlightWave Aerospace, for securing a $1.9 million award through the U.S. Air Force's Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program! This funding comes on the heels of FlightWave's recent acquisition by Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) and will be used to enhance the Edge 130 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) system, now part of Red Cat's suite of affordable, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision strike systems. The TACFI program, a component of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative, aims to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of innovative technologies for national security. This award highlights FlightWave's ongoing leadership in developing UAS technologies tailored to the specific needs of military and government operations. Read the full press release HERE: https://lnkd.in/eetRrA7v

We are excited to welcome Alex Stein?as our DoD Skillbridge fellow! A U.S. Army Special Forces officer with 12 years of service, Alex joins Decisive Point from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC), where he managed requirements?and programs oversight for all ground Special Operations Forces. Previously, Alex served in 1st Special Forces Group, and 2nd Infantry Division. Alex hails from Mountain View CA, and enjoys mountaineering and backcountry skiing.

Real test flight. Not cartooned marketing material. This is what I prefer. Keep an eye on this team - absolutely crushing it. Firehawk Aerospace Decisive Point #InvestedintheMission #InnovationWarfare

LAST CALL due Sep 15th: The NSIN Propel Maritime Digital Defense Accelerator is accepting applications from top cyber startups with emerging technology to protect and strengthen US Navy platforms and our nation's critical infrastructure. Apply at NSIN.MIL: https://lnkd.in/g-uxFDYa ? Iterate with DoD experts on deployment of your emerging tech ? Expand your network with industry and investors in the national security innovation base ? Learn to scale your technology within the DoD ? Test and validate your technology with U.S. Navy and DoD stakeholders Partners: NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) NavalX Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge (MATB) Commander, Naval Information Forces 757 Accelerate #NSINPropel #GoNavy #cybersecurity

Today, we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the brave souls who stepped up in the wake of tragedy. Their sacrifices inspire us to strengthen our unity and commitment to service. At Decisive Point, our commitment to investing in the mission remains steadfast, and today, we deeply feel the weight of those sacrifices made. September 11th serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage that define us as a nation.

?? The inaugural Resilience Conference is almost here! Join Decisive Point Partners Thomas Hendrix and Ryan Benitez on 26-27 September in London. As warfare evolves and democracies face new challenges, NATO and its allies are embracing commercial technologies to stay ahead. The Resilience Conference is where innovation meets national security. Join the mission and meet the founders building disruptive defense tech, the government leaders deploying it, and the investors prioritizing the security of our nations. Learn more and secure your spot: resilienceconference.io ? All-Star Line Up: Decisive Point NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) National Security Agency GCHQ Anduril Industries NATO DIANA General Catalyst IQT (In-Q-Tel) Saab, Inc. DCVC UK Ministry of Defence SOSV and more

Calling all cyber innovators: Register now for the NSIN Propel Maritime Digital Defense virtual info session on Sept 4 : https://lnkd.in/ezG99aSC Who should attend: -Cyber startup founders -DoD and U.S. Government stakeholders with cyber mission requirements -Research Institutions -Industry partners -VCs investing in cyber Learn more and apply to the accelerator: https://lnkd.in/dmfSnVpc NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Commander, Naval Information Forces Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Register today for the LIVE NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Showcase: https://lnkd.in/eYdqHjNu Featuring Liz Young McNally, the Deputy Director for Commercial Operations at Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and a stellar VC line up Pete Mathias of Alumni Ventures, Tess Hatch of Bessemer Venture Partners, and Garuth Acharya (Garuth A.) of 8090 Industries. Twenty of our nation's top emerging dual-use startups will compete for $50,000. Investors, government, innovators, and industry partners tune in and get early access to the founders building these transformative companies. #NationalSecurity #VC #Innovate #NSINVector