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Learn which startups Scout Ventures invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Brad Harrison).
Scout Ventures operates as a seed-stage venture capital firm, specializing in strategic capital and operational support for nascent technology companies. Its investment focus lies at the critical intersection of National Security and Critical Technology Innovation, encompassing domains such as AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced energy. The firm primarily backs dual-use technologies, which possess both private sector commercial viability and public sector defense applications, leveraging its network to secure non-dilutive capital for its portfolio.
The firm was founded in 2009 by Brad Harrison, who serves as Managing Partner. Harrison, alongside a seasoned team largely comprised of military service academy graduates and intelligence community veterans, identified a unique opportunity to apply their deep operational and entrepreneurial experiences. This pedigree enables Scout Ventures to target and nurture founders from similar backgrounds, providing informed guidance to companies navigating the complex landscape of frontier technologies.
Scout Ventures primarily partners with promising founders developing dual-use innovations capable of enhancing global security and prosperity. These early-stage companies benefit from the firm's specialized expertise and network as they build robust organizations. The overarching vision for Scout Ventures is to cultivate a portfolio that ultimately safeguards the world by investing in groundbreaking innovations that contribute to a more secure future.
Key people at Scout Ventures.
Scout Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to advancing frontier and dual-use technologies that address critical national security and global challenges. The firm’s mission centers on making the world safer and more resilient by backing visionary founders—often from military, intelligence, and premier research backgrounds—who are building transformative solutions in sectors like AI, quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, cybersecurity, space, and energy. Scout’s investment philosophy emphasizes bold, high-impact bets on technologies that can scale from lab to market, with a focus on both commercial viability and strategic importance. By providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to a powerful network, Scout plays a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of startups that are shaping the future of defense, enterprise, and deep tech.
Founded in 2009, Scout Ventures was established by Brad Harrison, a West Point graduate and former military intelligence officer, alongside a team of partners with deep roots in defense, intelligence, and entrepreneurship. The firm’s origins are closely tied to the growing recognition that breakthroughs in national security and frontier technologies often emerge from unconventional sources—especially those with firsthand experience in high-stakes operational environments. Over the years, Scout has evolved from a niche investor in defense tech to a leading force in dual-use innovation, expanding its reach into adjacent sectors like AI, space, and climate while maintaining its core commitment to supporting founders who bridge the gap between government and commercial markets. This evolution has been fueled by a track record of identifying and scaling companies that solve real-world problems with scalable, cutting-edge technology.
Scout Ventures is at the forefront of a growing trend: the convergence of defense, enterprise, and deep tech innovation. As global challenges—from cybersecurity threats to climate change—demand more sophisticated solutions, the line between government and commercial technology is blurring. Scout’s focus on dual-use technologies positions it to capitalize on this shift, enabling startups to develop products that are both commercially viable and strategically critical. The firm’s emphasis on founders with real-world operational experience gives it a unique edge in identifying and scaling technologies that can address complex, high-stakes problems. In doing so, Scout is helping to shape a new generation of startups that are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in tech.
Looking ahead, Scout Ventures is well-positioned to continue driving innovation in frontier and dual-use technologies. As governments and enterprises increasingly seek out solutions that can operate across both commercial and national security domains, Scout’s expertise and network will become even more valuable. The firm’s ability to identify and support founders with deep domain knowledge will likely lead to more breakthroughs in AI, quantum, space, and beyond. In the coming years, Scout’s influence is expected to grow as it helps shape the next wave of startups that are not only building the future but also making it safer and more resilient.
Key people at Scout Ventures.
