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From F-16s to Founders: Raj Shah on Building the Future of Defense
In this episode, Adam chats with Raj Shah about his diverse journey in aviation and beyond. They discuss Raj's transition from the Ivy League to the Air National Guard, his early military tech experiences, and his shift to entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. The conversation covers the founding of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and its role in linking Silicon Valley with the Pentagon. They also touch on military budget strategies, balancing legacy systems with new tech, and future cost reductions. Raj wraps up by sharing insights on returning to flying and his venture with Shield Capital, offering advice on finding purpose after military service.
Key Points
- Raj Shah emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between commercial technology and military needs to enhance national security and operational efficiency.
- Addressing the challenges of working with the Department of Defense, Raj highlighted the need for rapid adoption of innovative technologies to keep pace with evolving threats.
- Raj shared his journey from an F-16 fighter pilot to an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, underscoring the value of continued service and leveraging diverse skill sets for impactful contributions.
- Go here and buy the book! https://www.unitxbook.com
Chapters
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Transcript
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