Yesterday DIANA hosted a networking event in London to explore innovation investments, and how DIANA could help to develop a trusted capital network for our dual-use start-ups.
Building on similar networking and exploratory discussions in California and Washington D.C., the networking session brought together leaders from VCs, private equity and other funds, as well as partners such as the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF). Participants discussed challenges and opportunities for investing in dual-use companies, how to navigate the line between defence and commercial investing, and the importance of private capital united with public sector programming to improve scalability and de-risk investments in emerging technologies.
In the morning session, Christopher Steed, CIO of Paladin Capital Group, described the need to "crowd investments into technologies that can be developed responsibly" and celebrated the potential for "a trusted spider web of investor networks" for responsible technology development. Panellists emphasised that building a strong, resilient and well-capitalised ecosystem requires private sector funds in addition to public sector support.
The afternoon workshops explored how a group of likeminded investors—an “Allied Capital Community”—might work, and provided insights into what investors are looking for when they consider investing in dual-use technologies.
One attendee said “This shows the power of organisations like DIANA. Bringing these leaders into the room and providing a venue to shape concepts at early stages—this is what community is all about.”
We look forward to keeping the conversation going, and continuing to explore new and different ways to support security, defence and resilience throughout the Alliance.
Deeph Chana PhD Adrian Dan Tom Dallas McSorley Heather Desserud Ioan Istrate
