Webinar
The Buyer Changed: What actually happened in defense tech — five trends, and where the money is really going
Drew Wandzilak of Alumni Ventures’ U.S. Strategic Tech Fund and Mike Collins, CEO and Founder of Alumni Ventures, offered a clear-eyed look at the forces reshaping defense tech — from fundamental changes in government buying behavior to the technologies, business models, and companies attracting serious capital.
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In this session, Drew and Mike unpacked five defining trends transforming defense tech and examined what they revealed about where the market was heading. They explored how the buyer had changed, how new procurement pathways and shifting priorities were opening doors for startups, where investment dollars were concentrating, and what separated enduring defense platforms from short-lived hype.
Whether you were an accredited investor evaluating defense tech, following the modernization of America’s strategic infrastructure, or looking to understand how private capital was responding to changing national priorities, this session provided a practical view of the opportunity ahead. Watch the recording to learn where capital was flowing — and what investors should watch as the next generation of defense technology takes shape.
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Key Takeaway
- HomeUnderstand five major trends reshaping the defense tech market
- HomeLearn how changing procurement priorities are creating new opportunities for venture-backed startups
- HomeHear where capital is concentrating and what may distinguish durable platforms from market hype
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About your presenters
Drew has worked in high-growth industries as both an investor and operator, focusing on how people and technology interact within organizations. As a long-time investor with Alumni Ventures, he has worked across multiple funds and internal initiatives. He has worked on National and State level political campaigns, focusing on Small Business and Entrepreneurial policy. Drew holds a BS from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy, specializing in Learning & Organizational Development. He also served as an Ambassador for Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and was recognized in Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25.
Mike has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is the CEO of Alumni Ventures and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.