Initiatives
SVDG Talks Flexible Funding
Rapid advancements in technology, coupled with the evolving nature of threats, require the DOD to constantly explore and integrate new and innovative commercial solutions to stay ahead. Flexible funding is one way in which the Department of Defense (DOD) can create an emerging tech readiness ecosystem to foster innovation. In this conversation, SVDG Executive Director Sam Gray and SVDG West Coast Director Sarah Hess discuss flexible funding with Mac Thornberry, former Chairman of the United States House Armed Services Committee.
SVDG Talks SVB: How Silicon Valley Bank’s failure could impact the Defense Innovation Ecosystem
SVDG Executive Director Sam Gray, along with SVDG Co-Founders James Cross and Chris O’Donnell, discuss Foreign Direct Investment with Jeff Field, Special Agent in Charge, San Francisco FBI Field Office, in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank’s failure. This conversation was recorded live at SXSW23 prior to the joint statement issued by the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, and FDIC outlining the protection of depositors at SVB.
SXSW Panel - Unicorns vs. Stallions: Are We Thinking About Defense Tech Investing Wrong?
Success in venture capital is often measured by a portfolio company achieving ‘Unicorn’ status (the company being valued at over $1B). As VCs invest more heavily in defense tech and the U.S. government cultivates increased commercial technology into its ecosystem, this conversation will explore whether this indicator will lead to the transformation the defense sector is in dire need of. With participant experience across Congress, VC-backed defense tech companies, venture capital firms, and the military, this will be a can’t-miss conversation.
SVDG Presents: The challenge of ATOs when scaling in DOD
Whether you’re a software company entering the federal market or a government leader responsible for making sure your team has the best tools to accomplish their mission, the Authority to Operate (ATO) process can be a critical enabler, or a massive roadblock.
Join Silicon Valley Defense Group and Second Front Systems as we host an open conversation about the current state of ATOs and the implications it has for stakeholders across the software acquisition landscape. Register here.
Harnessing AI to Advance National Security
During this exclusive six-hour event, “Harnessing AI to Advance National Security,” SVDG and our partners at the Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) will assemble leaders from the business, technology, academic and defense sectors to raise awareness and discuss national security considerations presented by advances in AI. Registration is now open.
SVDG Presents: Taking the Vital Signs of the Defense Industrial Base
How strong is America's Defense Industrial Base (DIB) today? Where is it headed? How will trends in the DIB affect the venture ecosystem? How will economic drivers affect our national security? To explore the the debate over these crucial economic and military issues, Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG) is teaming up with NDIA to host a virtual event featuring the authors of the Vital Signs report.
VC for Defense Event
On July 20th, 2021, the Silicon Valley Defense Group convened leaders from traditional VC, corporate venture, and government-funded efforts to discuss how the Department of Defense and Defense Industrial Base can better leverage the venture community. The event was held at Stanford University, in partnership with the Gordian Knot Center for Innovation and National Security. A small group, consisting of members of both the venture community and Stanford’s academic community, was invited to attend the event in person. The event was also broadcasted via Zoom for the public as well.