Listen "SOF 029: Innovating for National Security with Don Dodge"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Don Dodge, a tech and investment veteran with a storied career spanning groundbreaking startups and tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Join us as we explore Don's journey, from his early days at Forte Software, Alta Vista, and Napster to his pivotal roles at Microsoft and Google. We dive into his experiences with venture capital, the evolving landscape of startups, and his unique insights into dual-use technologies bridging the commercial and defense sectors. Don also shares his excitement about joining New North Ventures, emphasizing the opportunities in national security and commercial crossovers. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike, highlighting the importance of team dynamics, market understanding, and the changing game of building successful tech companies. 0:00Introduction0:52From Startups to Silicon Valley4:39Evolving Challenges, Team Dynamics, and the Startup Ecosystem13:20Balancing Tech and Market Fit18:58Unlocking Dual-Use Innovation29:10Bridging Innovation and National Security34:57Outro
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