Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in frontier and dual-use technologies developed by founders from the military, intelligence community, and national research labs. The firm leads seed rounds with investments ranging from $2 to $5 million, with plans to follow on through Series B. Their investment focus includes AI, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials science, security, space and aerospace, and advanced energy. The team comprises military service academy graduates with extensive experience in active military service and the Intelligence Community, as well as in founding companies at the forefront of innovation in both government and civilian sectors.

Scout Ventures is committed to investing in revolutionary innovations and taking bold risks to create a better future through transformative technology. They are driven by a deep belief in the potential of groundbreaking ideas. The firm's approach emphasizes aligning founders with defense acquisition processes while ensuring long-term commercial viability, creating durable companies that can thrive at the intersection of government and private markets.

The firm has a deep track record, with over 85 deals and 22 exits. They have unparalleled industry relationships, with over 1,200 connections in the Department of Defense and 10,000 deals crossing their desk annually. Their experience in both government and civilian sectors enables them to effectively support portfolio companies in sectors requiring government interaction or addressing national priorities.

In May 2024, Scout Ventures announced the successful closing of Fund IV at $94 million, demonstrating growing confidence in their unique investment approach. The firm focuses on identifying and backing innovative companies developing frontier and dual-use critical technologies – technologies with both commercial and national security applications. Fund IV has already demonstrated strong momentum, with nine portfolio investments showing early positive performance and valuation markups. Additionally, Scout recently sold Fund III portfolio company Tomahawk Robotics to AeroVironment, resulting in a cash distribution to their Fund III Limited Partners.

Scout Ventures' commitment to entrepreneurs, often veterans, building early-stage, high-impact companies aligns with their investment strategy. They provide capital along with access to a network of defense industry experts, government procurement pathways, and mission-driven advisors. Their approach emphasizes aligning founders with defense acquisition processes while ensuring long-term commercial viability, creating durable companies that can thrive at the intersection of government and private markets.

The firm's team consists of venture professionals with deep domain expertise in a variety of sectors. They consistently assist entrepreneurs with business development, hiring, sales strategies, and more. Scout focuses on sectors where the team's experience helps companies grow: Frontier Technologies (AI & Data Science, Robotics, Drones, Autonomous Mobility, AR/VR, Advanced Materials, Physical and Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, Space) and Enterprise SaaS.

Scout Ventures stands out as one of the few specialized VC firms entirely dedicated to defense and dual-use technology. With their latest fund, they are expanding their role as a key partner for founders aiming to scale in highly complex, regulated markets. Their approach emphasizes aligning founders with defense acquisition processes while ensuring long-term commercial viability, creating durable companies that can thrive at the intersection of government and private markets.