Tech Talks: Navigating the defense tech frontier: Venture capital, startups, and the late-stage ecosystem

Ali Javaheri is a senior emerging technology research analyst at PitchBook, where he covers and maintains Emerging Spaces. The Emerging Spaces tool is a technology discovery feature within the PitchBook platform that enables users to identify niche, emerging frontier technologies. Prior to PitchBook, Javaheri conducted private sector research on global regulatory policy for digital currencies and pandemic-induced shifts in alternative asset allocations.

Javaheri has a master’s degree in International Finance from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from George Mason University. He is based in PitchBook’s New York office.

David Rothzeid is a Vice President of Investments for Shield Capital, a venture capital firm with over $300 million in assets under management based out of San Francisco, CA. David is responsible for sourcing, diligencing, and supporting cutting edge startups across multiple technology verticals operating at the nexus of commerical innovation and national security.

Prior to joining SHIELD, David served thirteen years in the United States Air Force separating as a Major following assignments in Space Command, Air Force Material Command, Special Operations Command, Defense Innovation Unit, and the Pentagon. David is still in the Air Force Reserves, serving at the Pentagon and lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Lauren and Pitbull Bentley.

Chip brings a combination of unmatched private enterprise and public sector expertise to the Marlinspike team. He is a recognized expert in the Intelligence Community for leveraging startup technology and bringing innovation initiatives to impact a wide array of mission areas within the Federal government.

Chip’s previous work experience includes roles as a Senior Director of Northrop Gruman’s Ventures and Partnerships program, lead for CIA’s innovation and technology sourcing strategy from the venture capital and startup community via In-Q-Tel (the strategic investment arm of CIA), and Senior Executive and Director of Congressional Affairs at the CIA.

He managed enterprise-wide technology and sourcing programs focused on investments in AI, cyber, data analytics, processing and compute, new space economy, aerospace, low-cost sensors, and unmanned air and undersea vehicles. As a direct report to the Director of CIA, he also served as the primary interface for CIA with Senate and House Intelligence Committees, Senate and House Appropriations Committee, and Congressional leadership.

Chip is a naval aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. His senior aviation operational tours included command of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VP-1) and U.S. SIXTH Fleet Task Force SIXTY-SEVEN (CTF-67). Additionally, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Legislative Advisor to the ISAF Commander, General David H. Petraeus. Chip’s shore tours included Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Central Command.

An avid cyclist, Chip and his wife, Kim, reside in Damascus, Maryland.

Natasha Ahmed is an investor and macroeconomist, currently leading corporate development at Epirus. Previously, she spearheaded space and dual-use investments at a late-stage private equity firm Disruptive, and led the space portfolio at an accelerator focused on early-stage startups.

With a decade of experience at the intersection of defense and technology, Natasha has played a pivotal role in shaping strategies across the dual use of emerging markets. Her expertise lies in identifying transformative innovations and scaling ventures that sit at the intersection of advanced tech and national security. Passionate about fostering innovation ecosystems, she continues to drive impact by bridging the gap between deep tech and commercial applications.