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Schimpf: Defense Innovation Succeeds Only When DoD Bets Big on Startups

Brian Schimpf · From Silicon Valley to the Pentagon: The Future of Defense Innovation · Mar 7, 2024 · at 42:30

Brian Schimpf, CEO of defense tech startup Anduril, defines what success looks like for defense acquisition reform at the a16z American Dynamism Summit.

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“I think if we are in a position where we're working on top tier defense programs at scale, I'll feel like we've started to move the needle. And we are actually making a dent in, you know, both how the department buys, but also the types of technology it's buying. So, you know, for me, the real success marker is like, are they taking a bet on companies like us or other new entrants? At scale in a big way. That's me a real indication of success.”

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