Ep. 17: How Firestorm Labs is Building Attritable Mass for the Department of Defense

This week Noah is joined by Cubit Capital investor Ben Kohlman and Firestorm Labs CEO and co-founder Dan Magy to talk tech adoption and capability modernization in defense. Ben, a retired F-18 pilot turned investor at Cubit Capital, and Dan, a repeat defense founder and CEO of Firestorm Labs, share their insights on building modular, attritable systems for the defense market.
In this engaging conversation, Ben and Dan discuss the evolution of drone warfare, the importance of modularity and multi-mission capabilities in defense systems, and the challenges faced by startups in the defense tech space. They touch on the need for strong storytelling to capture the attention of Congress and the defense industry, as well as the crucial role of relationships and understanding user needs in the innovation process.
Discover how Firestorm Labs is navigating the path to program record, the significance of congressional appropriations in driving innovation, and the power of storytelling in shaping the future of defense technology. Gain valuable insights from two leading voices who have crossed the valleys of military service, entrepreneurship, and investment to make a lasting impact in the defense tech landscape.
Timestamps:
00:39-01:40: Introduction to Modular, Attritable Systems in Defense Tech
01:56-06:41: The Emergence of Drone Swarms in Modern Warfare
07:06-08:47: Asymmetric Warfare Advantage: Countering High-Tech with Low-Cost Solutions
09:08-10:53: Challenges in Adapting US Military Innovation and Procurement for Modern Conflicts
11:40-13:48: US Missed Opportunity to Innovate and Learn in Ukraine Conflict
13:48-14:46: The Importance of Real-World Testing and Rapid Innovation in Military Technology Development
16:30-17:58: Leveraging Battlefield Experience for Innovation
18:20-19:33: Navigating the Government Procurement Process for Startups
19:34-23:09: The Importance of Lobbying and Customer Discovery for Defense Startups"
23:47-24:58: Finding the Right Customer
26:01-30:58: The Keys to Successful Defense Tech Startups: Relationships, Go-to-Market Strategy, and Building Credibility
31:13-34:34: Navigating the DOD Innovation Ecosystem
36:02-36:25: DIU's Evolution
36:59-38:11: Firestorm's Progress and Future Milestones
38:12-39:15: Effective Storytelling for Congress in Defense Appropriations
42:32-45:51: Finding Alignment and Purpose in Your Role