AIN Ventures

Congrats to AIN Ventures Portfolio Company Tradespace for being recognized in Bain Capital Ventures 2024 Vertical SaaS 50 list. Tradespace stands out for its application of AI to provide industry-specific software solutions, particularly in highly fragmented and document-based industries. https://lnkd.in/gtqE94jC Alec Sorensen Marcia Ramos Chang Kapil Israni

Wishing you a safe and joyous Independence Day! Happy Fourth of July

We proudly welcome Matthew Chaires as a United States Department of Defense Skillbridge Fellow! Matthew is a dedicated and accomplished US Army Field Artillery Officer transitioning to civilian life. As the Fires Training Officer and the Assistant Current Operations Officer at the Security Forces Assistance Command (SFAC) Division Headquarters, Gunner has amassed significant expertise in the field artillery community, mainly focusing on rocket and missile systems. A United States Military Academy at West Point graduate, Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and plans to pursue an MBA after his military service. Welcome, Matthew! 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Deep Tech Founders & Funders Happy Hour during #NYTechWeek earlier this month! And a big thank you to our partners at Squadra Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, and Cooley LLP for making the event a success. The turnout was fantastic, and we truly appreciated the opportunity to bring our community together.

We proudly welcome Matthew Chaires as a United States Department of Defense Skillbridge Fellow! Matthew is a dedicated and accomplished US Army Field Artillery Officer transitioning to civilian life. As the Fires Training Officer and the Assistant Current Operations Officer at the Security Forces Assistance Command (SFAC) Division Headquarters, Gunner has amassed significant expertise in the field artillery community, mainly focusing on rocket and missile systems. A United States Military Academy at West Point graduate, Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and plans to pursue an MBA after his military service. Welcome, Matthew! 

Is Defense Tech in a Bubble? As veterans and deep tech investors, we understand the critical balance between innovation and practicality in this field. Our latest whitepaper delves into the question: Are current Defense Tech valuations justified, or are we in a bubble? In this comprehensive analysis, we cover: - Key Indicators of Investment Bubbles: Learn how historical bubbles like Tulip Mania and the Dot-Com Bubble offer insights into today's market. - Comparable Companies & Precedent Transactions: See how Defense Tech startups stack up against public companies and past deals. - The Role of Venture Capital: Discover how VCs drive innovation in Defense Tech despite the challenges. - Modern Warfare Dynamics: Understand the increasing importance of software in military operations and the rise of autonomous systems. - Dual-Use Potential: Explore how Defense Tech innovations can transition to commercial markets. - Disruption of Defense Primes: Consider the shifting landscape as nimble startups challenge established defense contractors. Our findings highlight both the opportunities and risks in this sector. The stakes are high—not just for investors but for national security. Read the full paper to gain critical insights and make informed decisions in the Defense Tech space at https://lnkd.in/eHvbGtZH #DefenseTech #VentureCapital #NationalSecurity #InvestmentAnalysis #Innovation #TechTrends Sherman Williams II Forrest Underwood James Palmer III, M. Ed. Chris Porter Cael McCormick Derek Reim

Is the defense tech sector a bubble waiting to burst? Our new analysis examines the valuations, exits, and VC enthusiasm fueling this critical sector. We provide insights from public comps, transaction data, and industry experts, exploring the following: - The evolving nature of warfare and why software is taking center stage, creating big opportunities for startups - How the massive defense budget could drive disruption of traditional primes - The potential for dual-use technologies to unlock commercial markets We also consider the risks: long sales cycles, customer concentration, and contracting challenges. As veterans running a dual-use deep tech fund, we understand what's at stake. National security demands a balanced investment approach to keep innovation flowing to the warfighter. Please read our full report to explore this critical issue further. Is defense tech overheated or undervalued? The answer may surprise you. Read on at bit.ly/4ciYvG7

AIN Ventures would like to thank all who attended the Deep Tech Founders & Funders Happy Hour during NY Tech Week. AIN Ventures Co-Hosted this event with Squadra Ventures, focusing on bringing together founders, investors, LPs, accelerators, and others in the Deep Tech Ecosystem.

Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we pause to celebrate past victories, recognize the present challenges, and commit to a more equitable future for all, especially Black Americans.

We are thrilled to welcome David Kramer, a United States Department of Defense Skillbridge Fellow. David graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and served as a United States Marine Corps pilot and Forward Air Controller. He will be pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School this fall. Please join us in welcoming David! James Palmer III Chris Porter Cael McCormick Derek Reim Sean Kesluk Evan Lerner