Securing Our Future

New North Ventures

Securing Our Future is a podcast and publication from New North Ventures (NNV). NNV is a venture capital fund that is solving large and unmet national security problems and commercial opportunities. To learn more about how commercial and national security sector collaboration can accelerate innovation subscribe to our newsletter at securingourfuture.us

  1. 10/28/2025

    SOF 47: Defending the Future: CrunchAtlas and the Evolution of Cybersecurity with Ben Faberlle

    Welcome to another episode of Securing Our Future, a podcast by New North Ventures exploring the intersection of commercial and national security sectors. In this episode, Jess Nelson guest hosts and is joined by Ben Faberlle, CEO of CrunchAtlas, a company pioneering AI-enabled cyber defense solutions. Ben discusses his transition from a military career to founding CrunchAtlas, the inspiration behind the company, and the challenges in building scalable cyber defense technology. He also shares insights into the current threat landscape, the journey to securing their first federal contracts, and the focus on critical infrastructure. Ben offers valuable advice for startup founders on securing contracts, strengthening cyber posture, and navigating the commercial sector. Tune in to learn more about the future of AI in cyber defense and the impressive journey of CrunchAtlas. 00:00 Introduction to Securing Our Future Podcast 00:41 Meet Ben Faberlle, CEO of CrunchAtlas 00:53 Ben's Journey from Military to Entrepreneurship 02:17 The Inspiration Behind CrunchAtlas 03:39 Current Cyber Threat Landscape 06:28 CrunchAtlas' First Federal Contract 08:38 Advice for Startup Founders 16:41 Scaling and Future Plans for CrunchAtlas 18:35 Competitive Positioning and Market Opportunity 22:30 Final Thoughts and Advice for Transitioning from Government to Commercial Sector 24:57 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

    25 min
  2. 10/14/2025

    SOF 46: Exploring DARPA's Past and Future: Insights from Defense Reporting with Sharon Weinberger

    Welcome to Securing Our Future, a podcast by New North Ventures where we explore the synergy between commercial and national security sectors to spur innovation. In this episode, host Jeremy sits down with Sharon Weinberger, National Security and Foreign Policy Editor at The Wall Street Journal and author of "The Imagineers of War: The Untold Story DARPA, the Pentagon Agency that Changed the World." Sharon, a seasoned defense reporter, shares her professional journey and insights on DARPA—a key player in technological advancements for national security. From DARPA's role in developing the internet and stealth aircraft to its controversial projects like the Vietnam-era 'Hafnium Bomb,' Sharon delves into how DARPA's missions have evolved over time. She also discusses the challenges of balancing high-risk projects with tangible payoffs and how DARPA can continue to stay relevant amidst growing private sector innovation. Listen in as we explore the future of national security innovation and the lessons learned from DARPA's storied history. 00:00 Introduction to Securing Our Future Podcast 00:42 Guest Introduction: Sharon's Professional Journey 02:47 Exploring DARPA's Early Days and Impact 05:48 High-Risk, High-Reward: DARPA's Model and Challenges 09:16 DARPA's Successes and Failures 21:54 The Future of DARPA and Dual-Use Technologies 27:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min
  3. 09/02/2025

    SOF 43: Government Relations and Startups: A Dialogue with John Thomas

    In this episode of Securing Our Future, hosted by Graham "Gray" Chynoweth, we dive deep into the intersection of innovation, commercial sectors, and national security. Our guest John Thomas, an expert in government relations and regulatory council with extensive experience on Capitol Hill and the Marine Corps, shares valuable insights for startups and tech founders. He discusses the importance of building government relationships, navigating the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, protecting intellectual property, and managing the 'Valley of Death' in government contracting. Learn how to effectively engage with government entities and explore the dynamic opportunities that exist within the current political and defense landscape. Don't miss this insightful conversation on securing our nation's future while fostering innovation. 00:00 Introduction to Securing Our Future Podcast 00:49 Meet John Thomas: Government Relations Expert 01:38 Transitioning from Military to Government Relations 03:30 Engaging with Government as a Startup 07:53 Navigating Government Contracts and IP 09:24 Building Relationships and Political Support 13:02 Understanding the Valley of Death 16:38 Strategies for Government Contracting Success 30:06 Opportunities in Defense Innovation 34:29 International Opportunities and Compliance 37:11 Conclusion and Resources

    41 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Securing Our Future is a podcast and publication from New North Ventures (NNV). NNV is a venture capital fund that is solving large and unmet national security problems and commercial opportunities. To learn more about how commercial and national security sector collaboration can accelerate innovation subscribe to our newsletter at securingourfuture.us