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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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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