Marlinspike, a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm redefining defense innovation through dual-use investing, announced the formation of the Marlinspike Disruptive Technology Fund II (MDTF II) Advisory Board. Comprised of leaders from the defense, intelligence, and strategic policy communities, the board will provide strategic guidance and expert insights to advance Marlinspike’s mission of investing in the best of the bold.

Marlinspike is a specialist VC firm led by veterans and industry experts whose mission is to rearm and rebuild the industrial base and military capabilities to foster unprecedented innovation. Focusing on dual-use companies, the firm leverages its institutional knowledge of the military and Washington, D.C.’s procurement ecosystem to identify and advance promising defense technologies with commercial market potential. MDTF II is a growth fund that also takes strategic foothold positions in early-stage companies to drive exceptional returns. Its holdings will focus on aerospace, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cybersecurity—technologies poised to become the foundation of future 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, adding value to our portfolio companies, has driven exceptional outcomes for LPs. With the addition of our new advisors for Fund II, we enhanced our specialist edge for the benefit of our investors and portfolio companies.”

The board brings together institutional experts in defense technology, intelligence, and strategic policy research. It includes:

• Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Howell, 15th Commander, Joint Special Operations Command
• Andrew Makridis, former Chief Operating Officer, Central Intelligence Agency
• Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Howell, 15th Commander, Joint Special Operations Command

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Scott A. Howell is a decorated leader and career helicopter pilot with 2,600 flight hours and extensive experience in global operations. He commanded NATO Special Operations forces in Afghanistan and led critical missions across Iraq, Kosovo, and Djibouti. As the 15th Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, he drove strategic initiatives to enhance U.S. and allied special operations capabilities.

Andrew Makridis, former Chief Operating Officer, Central Intelligence Agency

Andy retired from the Central Intelligence Agency in 2022 after serving as its Chief Operating Officer, concluding a distinguished 37-year career in national security. He played pivotal roles in U.S. intelligence, including briefing President George W. Bush after 9/11, leading nuclear threat analysis, and overseeing the CIA’s response to the WikiLeaks breach. A three-time recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, Andy is celebrated for his leadership and mentorship, earning some of the Agency’s highest honors during his tenure.

Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute

Bryan specializes in naval operations, electronic warfare, and wargaming. A retired submariner, he previously served as special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and led initiatives in undersea warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations. He has conducted studies for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DARPA and is a recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Navy Superior Service Medal.

About Marlinspike

Marlinspike was founded in 2020. After a series of successful co-investments in companies such as Palantir and Shield AI, they launched their first in a series of venture funds focused on investing in companies developing disruptive and revolutionary dual-use technologies. Marlinspike Disruptive Technology Fund I (MDTF I) launched in 2022 and includes positions such as Anduril, Armada, and Voyager Space. MDTF II launched in 2024 and, to date, includes positions in Kodiak Robotics and Gambit Defense. Marlinspike has established itself as a leader in the defense tech ecosystem due to its insight and execution.

For full biographies and photographs, please visit Marlinspike’s website at https://marlinspike.us.

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