Bridging The Gap With Corporate Strategic Investing To Power The Future Of Defense

Chris Moran is Executive Director of Lockheed Martin Ventures. Lockheed Martin Ventures makes strategic investments in early stage companies developing disruptive technologies in core interest areas and new markets important to Lockheed Martin.

In an interview with Ernestine Fu Mak, Moran shares insights on Lockheed’s investment strategy, the intersection of Silicon Valley innovation with national security, and how startups can navigate government procurement. With decades of experience in both commercial and defense sectors, Moran provides a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in venture-backed defense technology, emerging threats, and the future of innovation in military applications.

Eric Volmar and Steve Blank also provide special remarks. 

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Investing for Defense Tech

  Lockheed Martin Ventures prioritizes investments that align with long-term defense needs, bridging the gap between emerging startups and established military programs.

• The Value of Corporate VC

  Corporate venture funds, like Lockheed’s, provide startups with access to engineering expertise, supply chain integration, and government relationships—advantages beyond just capital.

• Lessons from Ukraine & Future Conflicts

  The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of low-cost, scalable, and resilient defense technologies, leading to a greater focus on drone warfare, counter-UAS, and anti-jamming solutions.

• Bridging the Innovation Gap in DoD

  Despite government agencies like DARPA leading in early-stage R&D, challenges remain in transitioning cutting-edge technologies into deployable military solutions.

• Advice for Founders in Defense Tech

  Founders should deeply understand government procurement cycles, align with corporate VC strategies, and explore dual-use applications to ensure sustained growth and investment.