[VT Washington, D.C.] On February 21, 2025, Georgetown University hosted the third “Venture in the Capital Summit,” drawing widespread attention. This summit is a significant initiative by the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Association and a student-led conference at Georgetown University. It attracted numerous entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and students. The event was opened with a keynote speech by Jeff Reid, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Georgetown University.
Student organizers Drew Peterson and Devon Pasieka emphasized in their speeches that entrepreneurship is a powerful force for positive global change. They highlighted that this event aims to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and public policy, and it was primarily planned and organized by a student team.
During the panel discussion titled “Defending Our Nation: The Intersection of Technology and American Resilience,” three distinguished founders from the defense technology sector—Jon Runyan of Armada AI, John Tennant of Chaos Industries, and Jake Loosararian of Gecko Robotics—engaged in an in-depth discussion with moderator Brian MacCarthy, Managing Partner and Head of Tech Scouting at Booz Allen Ventures.
The discussion covered several key topics. Regarding U.S.-China competition, panelists noted that China invests in defense technology through state funds with a long-term strategic approach. They suggested that the U.S. startup ecosystem and government need to increase investments in related companies to establish deterrence through autonomy, lethality, and therapeutic systems to counter Chinese competition.
On the role of private capital in defense technology, the panelists acknowledged its importance but pointed out that defense budget fluctuations must be considered. Companies should expand into international markets—such as Chaos Industries, which has attracted investors by exporting products and demonstrating real-world applications.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was also a focal point of discussion. AI has extensive applications in defense, but its development may lead to regulatory capture issues, necessitating a balanced regulatory approach to prevent excessive oversight. Panelists emphasized that AI’s real impact will manifest in the physical world through technologies such as sensors and robotics.
Regarding fundraising and investor selection, founders prioritize strategic value in their investors. For instance, Founders Fund provides funding without interfering in company operations, while Microsoft not only invests but also fosters collaboration. The discussion also touched on U.S. industrial challenges, including energy shortages and aging manufacturing infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires resources such as raw materials and energy, making them critical challenges for the present.
The summit provided a platform for attendees to exchange ideas and collaborate, fostering a deeper understanding of defense technology and venture capital. The student organizers expressed their hope that the event would inspire the next generation of innovators, founders, investors, and policymakers and looked forward to continuing discussions and cooperation in the future.
Moderator:
Brian MacCarthy Managing Partner at Booz Allen Ventures, responsible for managing a $100 million venture capital fund focused on investing in dual-use startups in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and defense technology. He founded Booz Allen’s innovation hub, The Helix, and established tech scouting teams in Washington, D.C., Austin, and San Francisco to help the government adopt cutting-edge technology solutions. With deep expertise in capital markets, Brian provides funding for innovative projects, bridging technology and capital. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from James Madison University.
Panelists:
John Tennant Founder and Executive Chairman of CHAOS Industries, dedicated to advancing innovation in defense and critical industry technologies. In 2024, CHAOS Industries successfully closed a $145 million Series B funding round led by Accel to accelerate technology development in national security and defense. Tennant previously co-founded Epirus and served on its board, was a senior advisor and partner at 8VC, and held leadership roles at Valar Ventures LLC. He began his career at Allen & Company and is a recognized expert in technology and venture capital.
Jake Loosararian Founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics, a company currently valued at $633 million. As an electrical engineering graduate, he invented Gecko’s first wall-climbing robot prototype while in college. By integrating advanced robotics with artificial intelligence, Gecko Robotics provides infrastructure inspection solutions to industries worldwide, reducing downtime and enhancing asset safety. The company, backed by Y Combinator, collaborates with the U.S. Air Force and Navy to improve critical asset maintenance. Gecko Robotics is committed to redefining the future of infrastructure inspection.
Jon Runyan Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Armada AI, a company revolutionizing edge computing by deploying rugged mobile data centers in remote locations. Before joining Armada, he served as General Counsel at Okta, Inc. from 2015 to 2023, overseeing its growth from 300 employees to over 6,000 and achieving approximately $2 billion in annual recurring revenue. Runyan’s legal career includes positions as a partner at Goodwin Procter LLP and a senior attorney at Gunderson Dettmer, specializing in venture capital and startup law. He holds an MBA from Yale University, a J.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and a BBA from San Diego State University.
