Until recently, venture capitalists largely steered clear of defense startups. Investments in the sector were viewed as morally controversial, and the process of securing government contracts was too lengthy and uncertain to justify venture funding.
But that sentiment changed rapidly after conflicts in Ukraine and Iran began to deplete the U.S. military’s missile supply. Startups that prove they can build equipment fast and affordably now stand a real chance of landing a Pentagon contract on an expedited timeline.