How to Build with the Department of Defense 2i72e

02/04/2025

When people think about startups working with the government, the phrase “black box” often comes...

When people think about startups working with the government, the phrase “black box” often comes up. But what if that box is finally being pried open?
In this episode—recorded live at the American Dynamism Summit in DC—we talk with two Chief Technology Officers at the heart of American defense: Alex Miller, CTO for the Chief of Staff of the Army, and Justin Fanelli, CTO at the Department of the Navy. Along with a16z partner Leila Hay, they break down how the Department of Defense is shifting from decades-old processes to software-speed execution, why the real bottlenecks are cultural, not technical, and how startups can actually navigate and scale within this massive system.
From replacing outdated procurement with faster pathways, to getting tech into the hands of warfighters faster, this is a rare look inside the government’s most ambitious efforts to modernize—and what it means for builders on the outside.
Is it time to rip up the system and start fresh? Or are the seeds of change already in the ground?
Resources: 
DoD Contracts for Startups 101: https://a16z.com/dod-contracting-for-startups-101/
Find Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinfanelli/
Find Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilahay/
Stay Updated: 
Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z
Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its s may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

The Future of Drone Warfare 2 meses 40:31 The Dual-Use Founder: Vets Now Building For America 2 meses 37:51 What Comes After Mobile? Meta’s Andrew Bosworth on AI and Consumer Tech 2 meses 32:30 The Software Crisis Behind America's Infrastructure 1 mes 40:56 Do You Really Know Your I? Why It Matters and How to Find Out 1 mes 35:55 Ver más en APP Comentarios del episodio 7311z