7 opportunities for investors interested in dual-use defense.
In an era defined by geopolitical volatility, technological competition, and industrial realignment, defense is no longer a niche sector for a handful of traditional primes. It is a national priority, a catalyst for innovation, and—crucially—a compelling investment thesis.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is the connective tissue across all modern defense systems—from predictive maintenance to real-time battlefield intelligence.
What to Look For:
• Edge AI & real-time inference for deployed environments.
• ML-powered command & control platforms.
• AI infrastructure companies enabling training and deployment at scale.
2. Autonomy
From drones to self-driving convoys, autonomy is reshaping how militaries operate across domains.
What to Look For:
• Tactical drones (C-UAS, swarming systems).
• Autonomous logistics (land and air).
• Dual-use AV technologies with battlefield conversion potential.
3. Cyber and Telecom
Cyberspace is now an active warfighting domain. 21st-century defense is inseparable from cyber resilience.
What to Look For:
• ICS/OT security for energy, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Quantum-safe encryption and post-quantum comms stacks.
• Cloud-native and agentless platforms enabling zero-trust architectures.
4. Energy
Operational energy is mission-critical. Think microgrids, safe batteries, and modular nuclear power.
What to Look For:
• Next-gen battery chemistries for harsh environments.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with defense installation applicability.
• AI-powered grid optimization.
5. Human Systems
From performance augmentation to trauma recovery, the soldier of the future is a platform.
What to Look For:
• Biotech for cognitive, metabolic, and physical resilience.
• Immersive simulation and training systems.
• Recovery and readiness platforms (VR, wearables, neurotech).
6. Space
From ISR to satellite comms, space is the newest strategic frontier.
What to Look For:
• Small satellite constellations for pattern-of-life analytics.
• Responsive launch and space logistics platforms.
• Software-defined hardware for agile modernization.
7. Emerging Deep Tech
Breakthroughs in hypersonics, quantum sensing, and advanced materials will define the next arms race.
What to Look For:
• Quantum navigation for GPS-denied environments.
• Cost-effective hypersonic test platforms.
• Lightweight, heat-resistant composites for propulsion and armor.
Instead of picking individual bets across defense, AI, energy, and cybersecurity, investors can gain diversified exposure through a single, actively managed fund—like America 2030.
By investing in a portfolio built across these critical sectors, with disciplined entry points and real-time market responsiveness, investors can access the upside of national interest technologies while mitigating the risk of sector concentration or timing missteps.
Over the past few years, we had the privilege of advising investors into companies like Anduril Industries, Palantir Technologies, SpaceX and Rubrik, and we now launched the America2030 Fund, a $50M Regulation D venture vehicle laser-focused on the intersection of defense, energy, AI-Infra, and cybersecurity.
Through this work, we engaged with founders, brokers, government stakeholders, and investors working at the frontier of national interest technology.
Following recent discussions at several defense investment summits and with emerging fund managers entering this space, it felt timely to share a practitioner’s framework for how to invest in defense—strategically, responsibly, and profitably.
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Disclaimer
Private companies carry inherent risks and may not be suitable for all investors. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Always conduct thorough research and seek professional financial guidance before making investment decisions.
