Building Dual-Use Companies in the AI Era

Artificial intelligence is reshaping not only the products we build, but also the markets they serve. As geopolitical competition accelerates and governments invest more heavily in innovation, an increasing number of startups are finding opportunities to build technologies that serve both commercial customers and the public sector. Why should founders should care about defense, commercial markets, and the changing rules of company building? What does it take to build a successful dual-use company? When should founders begin thinking about government markets? And how is AI changing the way these companies are designed, funded, and scaled from day one? Join us for an evening exploring the future of dual-use innovation and company building. Together with founders, investors, and leaders operating at the intersection of AI, defense, and emerging technology, we'll discuss the opportunities, challenges, and strategic decisions shaping the next generation of startups. Topics we'll explore include: Why dual-use innovation has become a strategic priority for founders, investors, and governments. How AI is changing the way companies are built, from product development and engineering to go-to-market and scaling. What founders should consider when designing products for both commercial and government customers. Common misconceptions about government and defense markets, and what it actually takes to enter them. The evolving investment landscape for AI, defense, and dual-use startups. Lessons from founders and operators building companies at the intersection of commercial innovation and national security. Where the biggest opportunities are emerging over the next decade for AI-native companies. The discussion will be hosted by: Misfit Labs, a Miami-based AI-native venture studio founded in 2022. The studio partners with founders and institutions to design, build, and scale software companies across healthcare, infrastructure, and enterprise software, incorporating artificial intelligence across the full development lifecycle. Learn more at misfitlabs.vc Black Mountain Strategies, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned strategic advisory firm specializing in energy, AI, cybersecurity, and federal markets. The firm provides strategic advisory, business development, and market access services across the defense and national security ecosystem. Learn more at blackmountainstrat.com