Shows
GovCon UnscriptedBuilding Defense Tech That Actually ScalesWhat does it take to actually build and scale physical innovation in GovCon?In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Callye Keen, CEO of KForm and host of Startup Defense, to explore the real challenges of bringing new defense technology to market from startup myths to manufacturing realities.We cover:🛠️ The hard truths of scaling defense tech📉 Why most SBIR-funded startups never transition💡 What “innovation as a service” actually looks like🤝 Why partnerships (not pitches) win contracts🧠A smarter approach to requirements developmentTimestamps:[00...2025-06-1747 min
The Startup DefenseNavigating Acquisition Changes, Rapid Prototyping, and Collaborative Compositions with Chelsea MeggittCallye Keen and Chelsea Roberts (Meggitt) discuss the evolving landscape of the defense industry, particularly for small businesses. Chelsea shares insights on recent changes in government contracting, the importance of rapid prototyping, and the need for small businesses to adapt to new acquisition processes. They also explore the role of Collaborative Compositions in supporting small businesses and the common pitfalls to avoid in government contracting. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Defense Industry and Small Business Opportunities02:00 Recent Changes in the Defense Acquisition Landscape07:20 The Importance of Rapid Prototyping and User Feedback12:45 Navigating Traditional vs. N...2025-06-1136 minThe Startup DefenseHuman Capital, Informal Networks, and Defense Entrepreneurs Forum with Jesse LevinCallye Keen sits down with community-builder Jesse Levin to explore why people, not hardware, are the decisive edge in modern defense. From grassroots networks in Ukraine to DEF’s “virtuous insurgency,” the conversation unpacks how informal connectors accelerate innovation and why manufacturing talent is America’s silent super-power.Topics We CoverHuman capital as the “non-sexy” but essential innovation layerLessons from two-plus years on the ground in Ukraine and the rise of 24-hour tech cyclesManufacturing-at-the-edge and fixing gear in theaterDEF 2.0, local AgorasRe-energizing trades & STEM talent for national resilienceKey TakeawaysHumans over hardware. Innovatio...2025-06-1126 minThe Startup DefenseMarket Intelligence, Defense Collaboration, and Pryzm with Matt HawkinsCallye Keen and Matt Hawkins discuss the evolving landscape of market intelligence in the defense sector, emphasizing the importance of relationships, rapid technology integration, and the challenges faced by startups. They explore the significance of teaming strategies, the procurement process, and emerging technology trends, particularly in autonomy and material science. The discussion highlights the need for innovative solutions to address complex problems and the iterative processes required for successful technology development.TakeawaysRelationships are crucial in the national security ecosystem.Understanding the market landscape is essential for startups.Bureaucratic processes hinder innovationTeaming with other...2025-06-0346 minThe Startup DefenseOpen-Source Intelligence, the Data Advantage, and Bazze with Sammy SemwanguIn this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen speaks with Sammy Semwangu, founder and CEO of Bazze, an intelligence targeting and early warning platform. The conversation dives deep into the strategic shift toward leveraging commercial data for defense and national security operations. Sammy shares his journey from the intelligence and special operations community to founding a startup that challenges how the U.S. government acquires and uses data.Bazze helps U.S. and allied defense organizations access real-time, unclassified commercial data—ranging from device location to satellite imagery—on a "query in p...2025-05-1526 minThe Startup DefenseStrategic Communications, Government Relations, and Your Washington Office with Nic AdamsCallye Keen interviews Nick Adams from Washington Office, discussing the intersection of technology and policy, particularly in the defense sector. They explore the importance of strategic communications, business development, and government relations for startups, emphasizing the need for effective representation in Washington. Nick shares insights from his legislative experience, including the Chips for America Act, and highlights the changing narrative around manufacturing and the opportunities that arise amidst the chaos in DC.TakeawaysA lot to be excited about in defense tech.Startups must actively participate in shaping the future.Speed is critical for startups seeking...2025-04-1628 minThe Startup DefenseConnecting Innovators and Military, Tightening the OODA Loop, and SigmaBlox with Paul "Gu$" GarciaCallye Keen and Paul Gus Garcia discuss the intersection of innovation and national security technology. They explore the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and military needs, emphasizing the importance of defining outcomes, effective prototyping, and the role of decision-makers in facilitating innovation. The discussion highlights the SigmaBlox initiative, which aims to connect innovators with military end-users to validate and implement new solutions.TakeawaysPaul is passionate about technology for national security.There is a significant digital divide in technology adoption.SigmaBlox aims to bring together a community around national security tech...2025-04-0233 minThe Startup DefenseTRANSEC, Developing Hard Tech, and Rampart with Keith PalmisanoCallye Keen and Keith Palmisano discuss the innovative work being done at Rampart in the field of communication technology, particularly in defense applications. They explore the importance of understanding the physical layer of communication, the challenges of developing hard tech, and the significance of customer-centric product development. Keith shares insights on navigating the complexities of the startup landscape, including the 'valley of death' that many hard tech founders face, and emphasizes the need for collaboration within the startup community to drive innovation.TakeawaysRampart is innovating in the communication space, focusing on defense...2025-03-1933 minThe Startup DefenseEvolving Wireless Communications, Transitioning to Tech CEO, and SatCube with Chase BlantonCallye Keen interviews Chase Blanton from SatCube, delving into the evolving landscape of the space economy and advanced communications. They discuss the future of wireless communication, the challenges of navigating national security in defense tech, and Chase's personal journey from military communications to leading a tech startup. The conversation highlights the importance of user experience in technology, the potential of quantum computing, and the need for agility in the rapidly changing tech environment.TakeawaysThe space economy is rapidly evolving with new technologies.Quantum edge computing will revolutionize communications.The future of connectivity may...2025-03-1031 minThe Startup DefenseEvolving Careers, Democratizing Satellite Imagery, and SkyFi with Luke Fischer Callye Keen talks with Luke Fischer, CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, about democratizing satellite technology. Luke shares his journey from military service to tech entrepreneurship, detailing the innovations at SkyFi that make satellite imagery and data more accessible and affordable. They discuss into the challenges of satellite technology, the future of the industry, and Luke's role in the upcoming community event "Austin 4 America." SkyFi is changing the landscape by allowing users from various sectors to easily task satellites and utilize earth intelligence like never before. Episode Highlights:Luke Fischer's Journey: From serving in...2025-02-1932 minThe Startup DefenseCollaboration, Intelligence, and Overwatch Imaging with Greg DavisGreg Davis, founder of Overwatch Imaging, shares insights into his journey from working in large aerospace companies to starting his own venture. He discusses the importance of community, collaboration, and partnerships in the defense tech industry, as well as the innovative solutions Overwatch is developing to automate overhead intelligence collection. Greg emphasizes the challenges of building a startup in a complex market and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.TakeawaysGreg is passionate about making a big impact through Overwatch Imaging.The journey from corporate to startup is driven by market opportunities and personal challenges...2025-02-0528 min
The Integrated EntrepreneurEpisode 48 Simplicity SellsSend us a textEPISODE 48 Simplicity SellssummaryIn this conversation, Jonathan Fodera interviews Callye Keen, a leading operator in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the evolution of K4 Manufacturing, the importance of social media in business, and the complexities of operations. Callye emphasizes the need for clarity in communication, the value of hiring experts, and the role of automation in modern business. They also explore the significance of simplifying processes and focusing on core competencies to drive growth and success.takeawaysSocial media...2024-11-1232 min