Dual-Use Tech, AI Disruption & Defence Innovation

Welcome 👋
Dear Reader,

This week’s newsletter rockets us into the heart of innovation, where deeptech, defence, and dual-use collide with venture capital strategy. We unpack game-changing trends from the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, revisit insights from a moonlit panel at Harwell Campus, and dig into what founders really need to know about investor readiness. As always, we’re here to keep the conversation between entrepreneurs and investors sharp, warm, and forward-looking.

Let’s dive in.

🛰️ Weekly Spotlight: What is Dual Use?

Insights from the Mishcon de Reya LLP panel at the Zeta Building, Harwell Campus. Moderated by Nicola McConville, with the brilliant Toby McCrindle alongside me, we explored the promise and challenges of dual-use technologies—those that serve both civilian and defence markets.

What opportunities and disadvantages do you think dual use creates?

👉 Watch the panel clip here

🤖 VC Perspective: Surviving the AI Disruption

How do you protect your startup in the age of AI?

This disruption isn’t coming—it’s already here and only accelerating. Too many founders are still sleepwalking into the fire.

If AI doesn’t become your job (or at least a huge part of it), funemployment might be your future.

We also covered this during last week’s panel under the moonlight at Harwell with Nicola and Toby.

How are you preparing for the next AI wave?

👉 Watch my comments on AI on the panel here

🚀 Entrepreneur Corner: Investor Readiness with NATO & DASA Founders

Hosted by Hattie Mellor - Janus Allies, this was not your average startup session.

We redefined how founders should think about VCs, starting with some ancient Chinese wisdom:

Of course, VCs aren’t the enemy, but understanding them is essential to success.

60 founders in the room, 180+ online, and a high-energy Q&A. Let’s do that again!

Special shoutout to Aquark Technologies, proudly repped on my water bottle and Built for Athletes bag, true NATO DIANA pioneers.

👉 Watch the session replay here
👉 Intro post here

Cheers to all who joined!

📈 Common Ground / Industry Trends: Defence Is Back

“Defence is back, and this time, it’s a startup’s dream.”

Just as the Janus Allies investor readiness session hit, the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review dropped. It’s a full-on transformation:

Key takeaways for startups & VCs:

• £400M+/year for UK-based defence innovation

• Procurement down to 3 months for novel tech

• New Defence Investors’ Advisory Group

• 10% of MOD budget for emerging tech

• Exports & AUKUS-style partnerships built in

If you’re building in autonomy, AI, cyber, space, or dual-use deeptech—the MOD is now your strategic customer.

👉 Read more here

Let’s move fast. This window won’t stay open forever.

❓ Ask Alex: When’s the Right Time to Raise?

Q: When is the right time to raise a new round?

A: When you're either growing so fast you need rocket fuel, or you've hit a clear, fundable milestone. Don’t wait until you’re desperate. Investors fund momentum, not rescue missions.

Want your question featured? Just reply to this email or reach out on LinkedIn or TikTok!

📅 Upcoming Events: Equity + Grants = Smart Capital

Webinar: 18 June – HSBC Innovation Banking
Explore how Innovate UK’s Investor Partnerships Programme can power your growth through matched grant and equity funding.

Panel includes:

• Jonathan Memel, Head of Grants, Ayming UK

• Dr Susanne Coles, Deputy Director, Innovate UK

• Alex Leigh, Investment Director, Future Planet Capital - me!

• Emily Wood, HSBC Early Stage Banking

👉 Register here
👉 LinkedIn post here

🌕 Detours: Moonwalks & TikTok Edits

Sound on! 🎧 Sometimes, a good TikTok filter and a lunar backdrop are all you need to see the lighter side of the startup grind.

👉 Watch the video

@thetippytopblog

Lessons from Under the Moon: Defence Innovation Needs Investor Readiness Today’s Mishcon de Reya LLP event at the Zeta building on Harwell... See more

💭 Closing Thoughts

Thanks again for tuning in and being part of this growing, ambitious community. Whether you're building the future or backing it, remember: We climb higher when we climb together.

Here’s to reaching the Tippy Top, together!

Until next time,

Alex

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