We back high-impact frontline technologies with private capital and U.S. government partnership funding that scales founders faster and accelerates innovation for investors.
outpost ventures
We identify and build dual-use technologies that strengthen national resilience. Outpost Ventures deploys capital, operational expertise, and infrastructure to scale innovations in energy, defense, and data.
[Back the Builders]
Mission
Investing in technologies that define and defend the future.
[AFWERX-Built]
ADVANTAGE
A venture engine forged inside the Pentagon, tuned for speed.
[Into the Arena]
ACCESS
Pilots. Programs. Partners. We get you in the room.
ENERGY
Infrastructure for resilient power systems
Advanced energy platforms built for redundancy, efficiency, and deployment at scale. Modular grids, storage tech, and hardened infrastructure power missions in the most demanding environments.
Data
Compute systems for operational speed
Low-latency systems built to power the next generation of AI, autonomy, and advanced operations. From edge to cloud, our platforms move data securely and at scale, fueling everything from energy grids and autonomous fleets to defense networks and national infrastructure.
DEFENSE
Dual-use systems built for deterrence
Advanced propulsion directed energy, and mission-ready systems engineered for rapid deployment. From prototype to production, we accelerate defense innovation.
AI
Autonomous tech for market advantage
Adaptive systems trained for real-time decision-making, targeting, and control. From robotics to ISR, our AI stack operates at the edge—fast, reliable, and secure.
How Dual-Use Venture Works
We connect private capital with government validation to scale frontline technologies faster, safer, and smarter.
Sourcing
We source companies already showing traction and real demand inside federal innovation programs like AFWERX, STRATFI, and TACFI where funding and market need already exist.
companies in our pipeline have revenue, customers, and credibility
Deal Mechanics
We co-invest alongside leading institutional and strategic partners. Our capital is matched by U.S. government programs that provide non-dilutive funds, doubling or tripling the effective runway.
Every $1 invested can create $2–$4 of deployable growth capital.
Execution
Once investment is executed, our network of operators, primes, and program leaders help founders turn early awards into sustainable revenue, long-term programs of record, and scale.
Government validation becomes venture acceleration.
Results
This model compresses time-to-scale while reducing downside. Portfolio companies achieve markup within 12–24 months, attract follow-on investment, convert early contracts into commercial demand, and start showing up on acquisition radars.
VENTURE-LEVEL RETURNS. GOVERNMENT-GRADE VALIDATION.
Access That Moves Markets
Our network reaches deep into the U.S. defense, energy, and innovation ecosystem, opening doors that others can’t.
outpost ventures PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
[Leadership]
Founder of AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm, and one of the architects of the modern dual-use funding model. As Pentagon Tech Director and a combat C-17 pilot with 4,000 flight hours, he led programs connecting startups to national missions.
He’s helped 220+ companies secure $480M+ in contracts and catalyzed over $5B in follow-on capital. At Outpost Ventures, he applies that same discipline and access to build technologies that strengthen U.S. capability and deliver outsized venture returns.
Dave Harden
Managing Partner
Finance and capital-formation leader with over a decade in fund operations, capital raising, and strategic finance. Alex has managed investment vehicles across venture and institutional markets, combining financial rigor with operational agility.
At Outpost Ventures, she ensures disciplined structure, transparent reporting, and strategic alignment between limited partners and founders driving efficiency, accountability, and investor confidence across every transaction.
Alexandra Shah
Managing Partner
Investment executive with 25+ years in venture and private equity, experienced in risk assessment, deal structuring, and portfolio optimization. Robert oversees diligence, compliance, and operational governance for all Outpost Ventures investments.
He enforces institutional standards while maintaining agility in execution, ensuring disciplined growth, operational integrity, and sustained long-term value creation throughout the portfolio.
Robert Mai
COO & Head of Due Diligence
[Advisory Board & Partners]
Venture strategist with experience in startup acceleration, government innovation, and systems engineering. Leads founder programs that help dual-use companies secure contracts and scale across commercial and defense markets.
Swapna Kulkarni
Director, Venture Coaching & Strategy
Cross-border M&A specialist connecting transatlantic capital with NATO-aligned markets. He’s led transactions across defense, energy, and frontier tech. At Outpost Ventures, Rokas drives European sourcing, diligence, and partnerships.
Rokas Tamošiūnas
M&A Partner, Europe
Finance leader with experience across venture, private equity, and defense tech. Previously managed fund operations for emerging managers and advised founders on capital structure and compliance. At Outpost, he leads fund accounting, LP reporting, and capital strategy.
Ben Strub
CFO
Retired four-star U.S. Air Force General and former Commander of Air Combat Command. Chairman of the Board at Red 6, pioneering AR-based military training. Brings deep expertise in defense innovation, technology integration, and national capability development.
General Mike Holmes
Advisor
