Scout Ventures
Actively deployingAustin · Seed–Series B · 9 people tracked
Investment thesis
Scout Ventures invests in dual-use technologies with applications across both private sector and defense markets, leveraging its team's deep experience in the military, intelligence community, and entrepreneurship. The firm combines government sector expertise with venture capital competency to support founders building critical innovations in national security and enabling technologies. Scout partners with portfolio companies to access non-dilutive defense and national lab funding while helping early-stage teams build robust organizations and expand their customer base.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 20, 2026.
Team · 9 people
from the firm's website
Entrepreneur and business development executive who founded Scout Ventures, an early-stage VC firm focusing on national security and critical technology innovation. He served five years as an Airborne Ranger and Captain in the U.S. Army, graduated from West Point and MIT Sloan, and has led investments in companies including Unite US, ID.me, Voyager Space, and Tomahawk Robotics.
Former 77th Secretary of the Navy (2020-2021) and the first Navy flag officer to reach that role. Extensive naval aviation and public affairs background, including command positions and Arctic strategy development. Currently advises on technology investments and serves on boards including Tritium and Atom Computing.
Experienced executive and former NASA astronaut with 18 years of space agency service, including two spaceflights and command of ISS Expedition 47. Currently leads Starlab and Nanoracks. Previously served as President of OneWeb Technologies and held robotics and space operations leadership roles at MDA. Founded and partnered at Blue Bear Capital.
West Point graduate and former Army aviator with over 30 years of international commercial and defense aviation and finance experience. Led the launch and growth of Sanad Capital and Sanad Group as CEO, building assets and revenues exceeding $1 billion globally. Currently engaged with Scout portfolio companies including De-Ice and GelSight.
What they invest in
from 46 of 87 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×23Defense Tech ×12Deep Tech ×11Hardware ×11Enterprise Software ×10SaaS ×9Advanced Manufacturing ×5Data & Infrastructure ×5
HQs:United States×18Canada×1United Kingdom×1
Investments · showing 60 of 87
founders shown can be your intro pathValarian builds ACRA, an infrastructure platform for organizations requiring high levels of control, privacy, and compliance in their digital environments. The platform is designed for use cases including privileged communications, secure collaboration, government deployments, and AI products.
Cloud ComputingCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareLondon, GB
Max Buchan(Co-founder & CEO)Josh McLaughlin(Co-founder & COO)
Arena Labs provides digital coaching, educational curriculum, and physiological data tools designed for healthcare professionals. The platform delivers on-demand performance coaching and video-based training from experts to support high-stress medical work.
Digital HealthHealthtechSaaS
AV Inc. develops integrated defense systems including unmanned vehicles, precision strike systems, counter-UAS platforms, directed energy weapons, electronic warfare capabilities, and AI-driven autonomy and decision-support software for military and allied operators globally. The company serves defense and government customers with 50,000+ deployments across 55+ countries.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechSpace Tech
Beacon AI builds an AI assistant for commercial and private aircraft to support pilots with checklist management, flight procedures, route optimization, and safety calculations. The platform serves airlines, charter operators, corporate flight departments, and aircraft manufacturers.
AI & Machine Learning
Bioflyte provides chemical and biological threat detection solutions for critical infrastructure and business operations, enabling organizations to monitor, identify and respond to bio/chem threats. The company serves government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and other organizations responsible for security and safety.
BiotechDeep TechDefense TechHardware
Hunter Brown(Chief Executive Officer)Wayne Bryden(Chief Science Officer)
CoinGeek is a media publication covering blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets news and analysis.
Crypto & Web3Media & Entertainment
PlayVS operates a competitive gaming platform for scholastic and collegiate esports across North America, offering leagues, recruitment tools, and curriculum for middle and high school students. The platform connects players, coaches, educators, and parents to compete and grow through organized gaming.
EdTechGaming
Casimir develops technology to extract usable energy from the quantum vacuum through Casimir cavities, aiming to create a novel power source for applications including advanced propulsion and energy generation. The company applies quantum physics research to produce practical energy systems.
Deep TechEnergyHardwareQuantum ComputingSemiconductors
Sonny
Chiplytics operates a supplier network that sources difficult-to-find electronic components while capturing electrical and visual signatures for traceability. The company provides aerospace-grade inspection, electronic testing, and certification with automated quality verification and extended warranty guarantees for microelectronics.
HardwareSemiconductors
Circle provides a full-stack platform for digital finance, combining blockchain infrastructure, stablecoins (USDC, EURC), and payment networks to enable borderless value exchange and financial access globally. The company operates with regulatory compliance across major jurisdictions and serves financial institutions, businesses, and individuals participating in the digital economy.
AI & Machine LearningCrypto & Web3Fintech
Jeremy Allaire
Civitech builds technology infrastructure for political candidates, social causes, and local governments to increase voter registration and engagement. The platform provides voter data, SMS outreach tools, and campaign support to help underrepresented communities participate in the democratic process.
Enterprise SoftwareGovTechSaaS
Jeremy Smith(CEO and Co-founder)
DataRobot develops an AI and machine learning platform that automates model development and deployment for enterprises. The platform serves organizations across industries including financial services, healthcare, defense, and retail.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareBoston, US
DeepSig develops machine learning software for wireless communications, specializing in signal processing, spectrum sensing, and 5G optimization. The company serves wireless equipment manufacturers, network operators, and defense organizations through AI-native solutions.
AI & Machine LearningDefense Tech
EnCharge AI develops advanced hardware and software solutions for AI computing, focused on semiconductor design and AI systems optimization. The company serves the AI computing market with next-generation chip architectures and systems.
AI & Machine LearningHardwareSemiconductors
Naveen VermaKailash GopalakrishnanEchere Iroaga
FluxWorks develops magnetic gearing technology for motion systems, replacing traditional mechanical gears with contactless magnetic solutions. The company serves automation, robotics, and space industries with its Celestial Gear product.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareRoboticsTexas, US
Bryton Praslicka(Chief Executive Officer)
Forcepoint provides data security and AI governance solutions that monitor AI tool usage, prevent unauthorized access, and detect data loss across cloud, endpoint, email and network infrastructure. The platform serves enterprise security teams seeking to protect sensitive data while enabling safe AI adoption.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityData & Infrastructure
Funnel is a property management software or platform serving multifamily real estate companies; it hosts a Customer Advisory Board (CAB) of senior leaders from major property management firms and REITs who shape its product roadmap and strategy.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechPropTechSaaSNew York City, US
GelSight develops high-resolution tactile imaging and surface metrology technology for measuring and analyzing surface properties in manufacturing. The platform serves aerospace, automotive, electronics, and research sectors with non-destructive mobile measurement capabilities that improve product quality assessment and innovation speed.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardware<UNKNOWN>, US
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Havoc develops software for coordinating autonomous vehicles across air, sea, and land domains, enabling operators to supervise hundreds or thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously through a unified control platform. The company serves defense and mission-critical applications requiring resilient multi-asset autonomy in degraded communication environments.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechRobotics
Paul Lwin(Co-Founder & CEO)
UbiQD develops and manufactures quantum dot materials and products for controlled-environment agriculture, clean energy, and security applications. The company's first commercial product, UbiGro, is a luminescent layer that enhances crop yields in greenhouses by optimizing light spectrum through fluorescence technology.
AgTechDeep TechNew MaterialsLos Alamos, US
Hunter McDaniel(Founder and CEO)
INTALUS develops a patented ceramic infusion process that integrates ceramics into metal to create engineered material architectures for OEMs and manufacturers operating in demanding environments. The technology serves applications across aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors where surface durability and performance are critical.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechNew Materials
LeagueApps provides a mobile app and management platform for youth sports organizations to handle team scheduling, communication, registration, payments, and facility operations. It serves coaches, admins, parents, and players across clubs, camps, tournaments, and leagues.
B2B MarketplacesSaaSSports Tech
Lone Star Lunar operates space-based data storage and sovereign AI inference platforms called StarVaults, which orbit Earth and the Moon. The company serves governments and regulated industries requiring secure, compliant data processing and storage.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingSpace Tech
Social Native provides a platform for user-generated content (UGC) and influencer discovery that enables brands to access authentic social content across the consumer journey. The platform helps businesses build communities of brand ambassadors and influencers to scale their stories.
Creator EconomyMarketing TechSocial
David Shadpour(Founder & CEO)Eytan Elbaz(Co-Founder)
Onsights provides AI-powered shopper identification and behavior tracking for brick-and-mortar retailers using existing camera systems, delivering ecommerce-style analytics on in-store shopping journeys. The platform serves retail property operators and CPG brands seeking to optimize store layout, promotions, and tenant performance.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareRetail TechMinnetonka, US
PiLogic builds targeted AI models for aerospace applications using probabilistic inference, designed for precision and computational efficiency in critical tasks like electrical diagnostics, radar analysis, and sensor fusion. The company serves aerospace and defense sectors requiring mathematically grounded, fast, and accurate decision-making without hallucinations.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechLos Angeles, US
Mark Chavira(Founder & CTO)Johannes Waldstein(Founder & CEO)Geoff Bough(Founder & CRO)
Radical Aero builds StratoSats, autonomous solar-powered aircraft that operate at 65,000 feet for extended periods to deliver persistent high-performance infrastructure. The company develops stratospheric platforms for communication and data services.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechHardwareSpace TechSeattle, US
Resonant Link Medical develops wireless power transfer technology for implantable medical devices, enabling faster charging, extended range, and smaller device form factors. The platform serves medical device manufacturers developing next-generation rechargeable and battery-free implants.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
Sicura automates security compliance and control management for organizations across government and enterprise. The platform helps teams accelerate compliance processes like Authority to Operate (ATO) and deploy infrastructure securely.
CybersecurityDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareGovTech
Lisa Umberger(Co-founder)Kendall Moore(Co-founder)
SightX provides an all-in-one consumer research platform that automates insights collection for researchers and marketers. The platform enables competitive advantage through in-depth analysis while simplifying the research process.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureFintechMarketing TechSaaS
Signpost provides AI-powered customer communication and lead management for home service businesses across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and related trades. The platform combines AI voice receptionists, live receptionists, and automated texting to capture and respond to customer inquiries across multiple channels including phone, text, Angi, Thumbtack, and Facebook.
AI & Machine LearningMarketing TechSaaS
Board seats · per SEC filings
what is this? ⓘ$11.7M raise · filed May 2026 · via Cody Huggins
Inferred from directors named on each company's SEC Form D — public regulatory data, not a portfolio list published by the firm.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Scout Ventures invest at?
- Scout Ventures invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B stages.
- What is Scout Ventures's typical check size?
- Scout Ventures typically writes checks of $2M – $5M.
- What sectors does Scout Ventures focus on?
- Scout Ventures focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Defense Tech, Energy, New Materials, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Semiconductors, Space Tech.
- Where is Scout Ventures located?
- Scout Ventures is headquartered in Austin, US.
- Does Scout Ventures lead rounds?
- Yes, Scout Ventures leads investment rounds.
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