JHH vc

Scaling in defense tech? Presence still wins. At VC in DC's panel on #dualuse innovation during #NYTechWeek, one message came through loud and clear: if you’re serious about #nationalsecurity, you can’t do it from behind a screen. Founders can—and should—leverage the strength of CVCs in #DC to gain access and insight. But nothing replaces boots on the ground and building relationships that drive real outcomes. Key takeaways: - You need to be near your customer. Teams/Zoom-only approaches fall flat in defense. - CVCs aren’t traditional VCs. They don’t respond to FOMO. They need fit, mission alignment, and time. - Relationships come before revenue. Don’t expect term sheets or POs without doing the work on the ground. Huge thanks to our panelists for bringing the heat: Alison Perez, PhD (Lockheed Martin Ventures), Michael Hauser (SAIC Ventures), Bill Collier (Noblis Ventures), and our moderator Matthew Byington (General Catalyst). Appreciate our incredible sponsors who helped make it happen: Angie Collier (Pillsbury Propel), Alan Faulkner (Stifel Bank), Michael Stiefvater (Arlington Economic Development), and a special thanks to Aprio and Alan Langelli, CPA for hosting us at their Empire State Building office. DC isn’t just relevant to this work—it’s central to it. #defensetech #dualuse #natsec #venturecapital #vcindc #nytechweek #stationdc STATION DC James Barlia

One week ago today, we brought together some of the highest quality founders and investors to our VC in DC x Halcyon Venture + Startup Gala. Huge thank you to all of our guests and sponsors for making it an incredible evening. A few highlights for me: 1. We welcomed 225 guests, more than half were VCs! 2. DC is a town on the move 🚀 The feeling was electric ⚡️ - DC, MD and VA all came together under one roof and things were built. Relationships grown. 3. Got confirmation that a term sheet was signed at the event! Making deals happen 🤝 4. JHH vc portfolio showed up! Ryan Joyce, Margaret Upshur, Gerald Kierce-Iturrioz, Tim Cargol - great to see you all and thanks for making time! 5. Convinced Debbie Irwin and Lighthouse Labs RVA to show in force! 6. Catching up with Joshua Reid is always the best. Shoutout to Emily, Adam, Daniel and the whole Halcyon team for hosting us. And thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us bring this event to life: J.P. Morgan, Aprio, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Foley & Lardner LLP, CSC Leasing THANK YOU: Vivienne, Elizabeth, Alan, Angie, Sam, Steve, Steve, Mindy, Von And team VC in DC: Bill Collier and Jarron H. Smith