The Startup Defense
The Startup Defense explores the intersection of commercial technology and defense innovation. Callye Keen (Kform) talks with expert guests about the latest needs and trends in the defense industry and how startup companies are driving innovation and change. From concept to field, The Startup Defense covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mission computing, autonomous systems, and the manufacturing necessary to make technology real.
The Startup Defense
Human Capital, Informal Networks, and Defense Entrepreneurs Forum with Jesse Levin
Callye Keen sits down with community-builder Jesse Levin to explore why people, not hardware, are the decisive edge in modern defense. From grassroots networks in Ukraine to DEF’s “virtuous insurgency,” the conversation unpacks how informal connectors accelerate innovation and why manufacturing talent is America’s silent super-power.
Topics We Cover
- Human capital as the “non-sexy” but essential innovation layer
- Lessons from two-plus years on the ground in Ukraine and the rise of 24-hour tech cycles
- Manufacturing-at-the-edge and fixing gear in theater
- DEF 2.0, local Agoras
- Re-energizing trades & STEM talent for national resilience
Key Takeaways
- Humans over hardware. Innovation succeeds when high-trust “movers and shakers” inside and outside the institution link up .
- Informal networks are a strategic capability. DEF’s community acts as a “bat-phone” that can move mountains during crises .
- Edge manufacturing is mission-critical. Ukraine proved that rapid repair skills often outclass shiny new drones .
- A cultural shift is coming. An emerging cohort craves purposeful, hands-on work—opening new on-ramps to defense tech .
Highlights
00:02 | Callye welcomes Jesse and sets the stage
02:00 | Why human terrain beats shiny gear
06:30 | Ukraine and hard truths about wasted hardware
09:45 | Manufacturing at the edge & Building Momentum shout-out
16:40 | Humanizing the defense industry for outsiders
25:30 | DEF 2.0 launch, Agoras, and moving the convo to Signal
Resources & Links
- DEF.org – Join an Agora or learn about DEF 2.0
- Tactivate – Jesse’s community activation work
- Building Momentum – Hands-on rapid-prototyping courses
Connect
- Jesse Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-levin/
- Callye Keen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
“Informal networks are a weapon system.” — Jesse Levin
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