Shows
Count Me In®Ep 304: Kingsley Afemikhe - Embedding Finance in the Heart of InnovationEver wondered how a chemical engineering mindset can supercharge financial leadership? Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, for a refreshingly candid conversation about bringing engineering problem-solving to the finance table. Kingsley shares his unique journey from a family of chartered accountants in the UK to leading finance at one of the most innovative defense tech companies in the U.S. Listen in as Kingsley breaks down how first-principles thinking helps solve complex accounting and finance challenges, reveals what it’s like to manage rapid growth in the...2025-05-1229 min
Connected With LathamThe Growth Rocketship: Shield AI’s Takeoff Shows What’s Possible in DefensetechFounded in 2015, Shield AI uses technology and intelligence systems to protect service members and civilians. The venture-backed unicorn’s flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms to reliably support complex missions in contested environments. Latham represented Shield AI on its US$240 million strategic funding round, raising the company’s valuation to US$5.3 billion, in March 2025. In this episode of Connected with Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham’s Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, engages in a dynamic conversation with Shield AI’s Chief Financial Officer Kingsley Afemikhe and Chief Legal and Information Officer Jim Carlson. They dis...2025-04-3052 min
Run the NumbersThe Business of AI in Military Defence with Shield AI CFO Kingsley AfemikheIn this episode, CJ talks with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, a company pioneering the future of autonomous jets. Together, they dive deep into the defense tech industry, exploring the critical differences between autonomous vehicles and flight technology, and how innovative private tech companies like Shield AI are driving advancements in the sector. Kingsley provides an insider’s look into Shield AI’s business model, its customer base, and the intricate challenges of managing a hardware/software interface business in such a high-stakes field. He also shares his extensive experience in international deal-making, offering valuable insights into the art...2024-09-0249 min