How Will the Pandemic Affect National Security Innovation?

this.”

“This” being a COVID-19 induced recession. The second week of March was an inflection point for many across the world. As a founder of a tech company with commercial and defense customers, I have concerns for the early-stage companies with defense applications. With the massive economic downturn came panicked investors trying to determine which companies in their portfolios would survive. They reached out to learn how much cash we have, if we can do layoffs, and if we would ultimately survive. My experience was not unique. My peers went through the same set of questions from their investors. The world of high-tech startups, like many other major industries, is in jeopardy, and the decisions these companies make will have lasting ripple effects for U.S. national security.