Marlinspike, a venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C., has announced the formation of the Marlinspike Disruptive Technology Fund II (MDTF II) Advisory Board. This elite panel, composed of distinguished leaders from the defense, intelligence, and strategic policy sectors, will provide expert insights and strategic direction to bolster Marlinspike’s mission of advancing cutting-edge technologies for defense and commercial markets.
As a specialist venture capital firm, Marlinspike is redefining defense innovation by focusing on dual-use technologies—innovations that serve both military and civilian applications. The firm’s leadership, consisting of military veterans and industry experts, is dedicated to revitalizing the industrial base and enhancing military capabilities. By leveraging its deep understanding of the defense sector and Washington, D.C.’s complex procurement ecosystem, Marlinspike identifies and nurtures technologies with significant potential to disrupt traditional markets.
Strategic Vision for MDTF II
MDTF II, Marlinspike’s growth-oriented fund, is designed to drive exceptional returns while positioning its portfolio companies at the forefront of innovation. The fund not only invests in growth-stage ventures but also takes strategic positions in early-stage companies with promising technologies. The fund’s primary focus is on high-impact sectors such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cybersecurity—fields expected to underpin the future of defense and commercial capabilities.
“Breaking through in Washington, D.C., is a challenge, but it’s one Marlinspike has mastered,” said Neil Keegan, CEO of Marlinspike. “Our industry-recognized approach, which emphasizes adding tangible value to our portfolio companies, has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for our investors. With the addition of our new advisors for Fund II, we’ve further strengthened our specialist edge, enabling us to provide even greater benefits to both our investors and portfolio companies.”
An Advisory Board of Experts
The newly established MDTF II Advisory Board features leading experts in defense technology, intelligence, and strategic policy research. These advisors bring a wealth of experience and insights to support Marlinspike’s investment strategy and the growth of its portfolio companies.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Howell
Lt. Gen. Howell is a decorated military leader and the 15th Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Over his distinguished career, he amassed more than 2,600 flight hours as a helicopter pilot and led critical missions in global hotspots, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Djibouti. As a NATO Special Operations commander, he spearheaded initiatives to strengthen allied special operations forces. At JSOC, he was instrumental in developing strategies to enhance U.S. and allied capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
Andrew Makridis
With a 37-year career at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Andrew Makridis retired in 2022 as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he played pivotal roles in national security, including briefing President George W. Bush following the 9/11 attacks, leading nuclear threat assessments, and overseeing the CIA’s response to the WikiLeaks breach. A three-time recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, Makridis is widely recognized for his leadership and mentorship, having received some of the CIA’s most prestigious honors.
Bryan Clark
A retired submariner and expert in naval operations, electronic warfare, and wargaming, Bryan Clark is currently a Senior Fellow and Director at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. During his military career, he served as a special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and led initiatives in undersea warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations. His expertise extends to studies for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DARPA. For his contributions, Clark has been awarded the Legion of Merit and the Navy Superior Service Medal.
Driving Innovation in Defense and Beyond
The establishment of the MDTF II Advisory Board marks a significant milestone for Marlinspike as it continues to advance its mission of transforming the defense and industrial landscape. By combining the strategic expertise of its advisors with its institutional knowledge, the firm is well-positioned to identify and support pioneering technologies that will shape the future of defense and commercial markets.
With MDTF II, Marlinspike not only seeks to deliver robust returns for its investors but also aims to address critical challenges facing national security and industrial resilience. Its focus on dual-use technologies ensures that these innovations not only serve defense purposes but also generate meaningful commercial applications, amplifying their impact across industries.
Through its strategic investments and expert-driven approach, Marlinspike reaffirms its commitment to being at the forefront of defense innovation, driving value for its portfolio companies and investors alike. The formation of the advisory board underscores the firm’s dedication to building a foundation of expertise and innovation that will redefine the future of defense technology.
