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Contributing Scholar: Dan Berkenstock

Enhancing the Warfighter’s Pipeline: Defense Tech & Venture Capital

America’s technological advantage depends on how fast innovation reaches the front lines. Streamlining defense acquisitions and aligning venture capital with Pentagon demand can bridge the “valley of death” between invention and deployment — ensuring warfighters get the tools they need before the next conflict begins.

Enhancing the Warfighter’s Pipeline: Defense Tech & Venture Capital

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Enhancing the Warfighter’s Pipeline: Defense Tech & Venture Capital

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Published November 4, 2025

Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensors are transforming warfare. Yet the United States still relies on slow, risk-averse procurement systems designed for another era. Hundreds of defense-tech startups stand ready to deliver faster, cheaper, and more adaptable solutions — but many stall in the “valley of death” between prototype and production. Aligning acquisition practices with private investment, expanding programs such as STRATFI, and rewarding officers who champion innovation would allow the Department of War to tap into America’s broader technology base — sustaining the nation’s technological edge and resilience.

Check out more from Dan Berkenstock:

Read "Enhancing the Warfighter’s Pipeline" by Dan Berkenstock here.
Read "The Defense Tech Playbook" by Dan Berkenstock here.
Read "Legal Origins of the Strategic Funding Increase Program" by Dan Berkenstock here.

Learn more about Dan Berkenstock here.

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The opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.