Strider Capital

Strider Capital Research Investment Thesis Strider Capital is a specialized national security venture capital firm founded to address America's critical defense and security technology needs. The firm's thesis is grounded in the belief that the next generation of transformative technologies will emerge from entrepreneurs building solutions for national defense, security, and critical infrastructure protection. The firm brings deep government and military expertise to evaluate opportunities at the intersection of technology and geopolitical imperatives. Founder Mike has been running America's first and longest-running national security investment strategy since June 2016, before establishing Strider Capital in December 2020 to formalize and expand this specialized focus. The firm combines venture capital methodology with deep domain expertise from the special forces, national security, and military innovation communities. Sector Focus Strider Capital invests across eight primary national security-adjacent sectors: Cybersecurity (full spectrum cyber defense solutions against nation-state threats), Defense Robotics (autonomous systems, networked drones for surveillance and tactical operations), Space (satellite technologies, launch capabilities, space-based intelligence), Biowarfare/Defense (biosecurity, medical countermeasures, biodefense), Domestic Manufacturing (critical production capacity, supply chain resilience), Minerals & Mining (strategic materials, rare earth elements), and Energy (critical infrastructure, grid security). Fund Profile and Leadership Founder & CIO: Mike - Brings 10+ year track record in national security investments since June 2016. Previously served as Managing Director and top-performing Portfolio Manager at American Capital Management where he co-managed a $1B+ portfolio. Earlier career at Morgan Stanley in Technology Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets. Military background includes West Point degree, service as Infantry platoon leader in Afghanistan's Kunar Valley, and Bronze Star recipient. Unique credibility from 11 war-zone trips across Ukraine, Israel, and Afghanistan, with extensive experience embedded with robotics teams studying effects of modern technology on battlefields. Head of Strategy: DeVan - Lt. Colonel (Retired), U.S. Army Special Forces with 21 years of distinguished service. Brings expertise as Sensitive Activities Instructor at Joint Special Operations University designing curriculum on gray-zone competition tactics. Doctoral candidate in Military History at National University of Singapore. West Point graduate with M.A. in Military History and Singapore Staff College graduate. Extensive combat and advisor experience across Asia and Middle East, with multiple trips to Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Gaza front lines. Investment Philosophy and Approach The firm's distinctive approach combines multiple dimensions: technical founder selection prioritizing deep defense and security domain expertise, technology assessment evaluated against actual warfighting requirements rather than theoretical considerations, geopolitical timing of investments aligned with emerging national security challenges, and impact orientation focused on companies building critical defense and security capabilities. Geographic Focus and Decision Timeline Primary investment focus on United States with emphasis on traditional tech hubs and defense cluster areas (DC region, Silicon Valley, Texas, Florida). Secondary focus on allied nations (Israel, UK, Australia) based on team's extensive international war-zone experience. Likely decision timeline of 2-3 months reflecting complex national security diligence requirements. Fund Status and Deployment Founded December 2020. Currently actively deploying with ongoing 2025 war-zone research activities. Positioned as America's longest-running national security investment strategy with continuity since June 2016. Partnership-based decision structure with Mike and DeVan as principal decision makers. Preference for warm introductions given specialized nature and national security context. Founder Preferences and Anti-Thesis Strider Capital seeks technical founders with deep defense and security domain expertise, military or government service background strongly preferred, demonstrated understanding of actual warfighting requirements, and ability to navigate export controls and security clearances. The firm avoids consumer-focused applications of defense technology, companies without credible government adoption paths, and founders lacking domain expertise. Portfolio and Public Disclosure Strider Capital does not publicly disclose its portfolio companies, consistent with the sensitive national security nature of its investments and government relationship requirements. Portfolio information is available through direct engagement with the firm.