In this episode of Found in the Rockies, Les Craig sits down with Logan Selby and Kevin Larrabee of Datashapes AI—two veterans turned tech innovators who are redefining how artificial intelligence is applied to the electromagnetic spectrum. From battlefield-tested insights to real-world commercial applications, the conversation dives into drone detection, spectrum awareness, and what it means to build a dual-use defense tech company. With 21 patents and a mission-first mentality, Datashapes is arming the next generation of warfighters—and industries—with actionable signal intelligence.
Here’s a closer look at the episode:
- Founders’ Backgrounds: Logan Selby and Kevin Larrabee share their journeys from military intelligence and operations research to leading a cutting-edge defense tech startup.
- Mission-Driven Innovation: Datashapes AI is revolutionizing how AI is applied to the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly in electronic warfare and signal intelligence.
- Unique AI Approach: Unlike traditional LLMs, Datashapes uses a proprietary, vector-based AI system focused on real-time waveform analysis—not text prediction.
- Dual-Use Technology: While rooted in defense, the company is expanding its signal detection and analysis tools into commercial sectors like public safety, sports venues, and infrastructure.
- Drone Detection & Threat Mitigation: The conversation explores the growing problem of drone-based threats and how Datashapes is providing early warning solutions through spectrum analysis.
- Product Evolution: The team explains their transition from software-only to launching Sentinel, a hardware solution designed for field use and rapid deployment.
- Iterative Development with End-Users: Engineers work side-by-side with warfighters during exercises to rapidly integrate user feedback into the product roadmap.
- Bridging the Government-Startup Gap: Insights on building trust with military users and navigating the challenge of defense procurement as a tech startup.
- Company Strategy & Culture: The team emphasizes their mission-first culture, recent HQ move to Charlottesville, and focus on real-world impact over Silicon Valley hype.
- Trust and Transparency: Emphasis on auditable AI decisions to foster user confidence, especially in high-stakes defense environments.
Resources:
Website: https://www.datashapesai.com/
Kevin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-larrabee/
Logan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-d-selby-phd-a433ab35/
Datashapes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/datashapesai/
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