EP 111: How Defense Tech Startups Get Funded | AI, Warfare, and Venture Capital with Brad Harrison @ Scout Ventures | EP 111

<p>From building startups to backing the future of warfare, this episode covers what founders need to know about capital, defense tech, and AI.</p><p>Brad Harrison, Founder and Managing Partner of Scout Ventures, shares how fast defense technology is evolving—and why selling into this space is harder than most expect.</p><p>He explains how AI, drones, and autonomous systems are reshaping warfare, and why success requires more than a strong product—founders need the right networks, industry insight, and an understanding of government buyers.</p><p>The conversation also covers how deals work in defense tech, what investors look for, and why choosing the right capital matters—especially when navigating government contracts.</p><p>If you’re a founder, investor, or operator in AI, defense, or emerging tech, this episode offers a clear view on how to build and fund in this space.</p><p><strong>What you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>How operator experience shapes investment decisions</li><li>Why defense tech innovation is accelerating</li><li>How AI and autonomous systems are changing warfare</li><li>Why startups struggle with defense procurement</li><li>What gets funded in defense tech today</li><li>How to align with real government demand</li><li>Why networks and relationships matter</li><li>What drives successful outcomes and exits</li><li>Why understanding the end buyer is critical</li><li>How capital strategy impacts growth</li></ul><p><strong>Raising capital?</strong></p><p>Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:<a href="https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders"> </a><a href="https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=EP+111&utm_campaign=%24100M+Exits"><u>https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&amp;utm_medium=EP+111&amp;utm_campaign=%24100M+Exits</u></a></p><p>Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:</p><p><a href="https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=EP+111&utm_campaign=%24100M+Exits"><u>https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&amp;utm_medium=EP+111&amp;utm_campaign=%24100M+Exits</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Here&#39;s what you&#39;re in for:</strong></p><p>00:00 Entrepreneur Journey</p><p>01:55 Founder Support at Scout</p><p>03:46 Army Futures Command Shift</p><p>05:17 Ukraine Drone Autonomy Leap</p><p>08:12 Why US Procurement Lags</p><p>10:53 Key Defense Tech Domains</p><p>12:43 GPS Denied Navigatio