Lunch and Learns
Our Lunch and Learns bring together the different components of the ETR Ecosystem to discuss national security topics over food.
The Future of NatSec100 convened founders, investors, defense prime executives, and Department of War leaders to spotlight emerging defense and dual-use companies shaping the national security industrial base.
Thank you to Franklin Templeton, RTX Ventures, and the participating companies for helping bring this conversation to life. Look out for the NatSec100 release on May 26, 2026 at natsec100.org.
SVDG hosted Boots on the Ground in Austin, convening an exceptional group of founders, investors, operators, and policymakers from across the national security innovation ecosystem. Set against a beautiful Austin evening, the invite-only gathering brought together an incredible crowd for relaxed conversations and meaningful connections.
SVDG and the Ronald Reagan Institute hosted an off-the-record, invitation-only roundtable to inform the 2026 NSIB Report Card. Industry leaders provided candid input on progress, remaining barriers, and priority reforms.
Watch as Pillsbury’s Marques Peterson and Steve Ryan discuss the legal and financial strategies behind M&A transactions and offer insights on navigating regulatory frameworks and compliance challenges.
As part of the Lunch and Learn series, SVDG hosted a discussion with Forge Group, LLC ranging from foreign military sales and international security cooperation to INDOPACOM's investment focus areas to strategies and best practices for commercial industry identification of and participation in programs with allied foreign government partners.
In this Lunch and Learn, Schuyler Moore (Chief Technology Officer, USCENTCOM) and Jock Padgett (Director, Advanced C2 Accelerator at CDAO) discussed their experiences building advanced software capabilities for warfighters, including lessons-learned and insights into the future of defense innovation.