Harpoon Ventures

San Diego isn't just beaches and burritos anymore. 👇 It's quietly become a drone mecca, fueled by a potent mix of OG aerospace giants and fresh-faced startups. This boom isn't some fluke. San Diego has a long and storied history in aerospace, and that DNA is coursing through its drone scene. Big names like GA-ASI (think Predator drones) are taking their expertise global, while Northrop Grumman is developing next-gen, high-altitude surveillance beasts like the Global Hawk, replacing U-2 spy planes. But it's not all about the big guys. Teams like Firestorm and Shield AI are working hard and growing fast amongst the San Diego skyline to ensure our nation's uncrewed technology is the best in the world. A thriving ecosystem of smaller firms and parts manufacturers keeps the innovation engine humming, supporting over 16,000 high-paying aerospace jobs. Tech titan Qualcomm is even getting in on the action, using its wireless know-how to make commercial drone operations smoother than ever. And to top it all off, the U.S. Navy's deployment of a brand new squadron of unmanned surface vessels in San Diego shows that the city's dominance isn't just about flying machines. They're taking control of the whole unmanned systems game across different domains. San Diego's drone scene is more than just a business boom – it's pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Buckle up, because the future of unmanned tech is taking flight in America's Finest City and we at Harpoon Ventures are excited to be along for the ride. 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9PaU3vM ⇀

Oso is revolutionizing the way authorization is handled in software development with its "Authorization as a Service" platform. 👇 Their technology, built on Rust, supports various access control models like RBAC, ReBAC, and ABAC, offering a versatile and secure solution for managing access in complex, distributed environments. Oso’s seamless integration with existing databases reduces architectural complexity, making it easier for developers to implement robust security measures without significant changes to their infrastructure. At Harpoon Ventures, we were particularly impressed by Oso’s ability to simplify the development process while enhancing security. Their centralized authorization logic helps developers focus on building features, reducing the potential for security vulnerabilities. The positive feedback from Oso’s users, who praise its efficiency and scalability, reinforced our belief in their potential. Our investment in Oso is driven by their practical approach to solving a critical issue in modern software development. We see immense value in their innovative solutions and are excited to support their mission to reshape the software development landscape. Oso’s commitment to high-performance, secure authorization aligns perfectly with our goal of backing transformative technologies that drive real-world progress. We can't wait to see Oso continue to thrive as data security becomes more critical in the coming years. ⇀

Glyphic Biotechnologies is pioneering a shift in how America approaches medical research with its advanced protein sequencing technologies. 👇 This innovation is crucial for unlocking the potential of proteomics—the study of proteins at a large scale—which plays a key role in understanding human diseases and developing targeted treatments. As these technologies become more accessible and cost-effective, they facilitate the rapid progression of personalized medicine. This enhances the effectiveness of treatments and reduces the time and expense involved in medical research. This shift has the potential to position America as a leader in health innovation, setting new standards for medical research globally. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize patient care, making it more personalized and effective, thereby improving health outcomes across the board. At Harpoon Ventures, we're proud and excited to back the team at Glyphic Biotechnologies in their quest to make America a more strategic healthcare contributor to our planet. ⇀

Curious what the Fast and the Furious team thought about the Ripsaw light-tank? Don't just take our word for it. Take Vin Diesel's. Last week, we told you how Harpoon portfolio company Kodiak Robotics is taking the Textron Ripsaw tank to the next level with autonomy through its groundbreaking DefensePod autonomous driver assistance system. You asked for more information about how the Fast and Furious production team used the Ripsaw light tank to ramp up the cinematic action in F8: The Fate of the Furious. Check out this video to learn more about how Universal Pictures used the Ripsaw tank in the Fast and the Furious franchise. And yes, it was also used in The Grand Tour and GI Joe! But more on those featurettes later. ⇀

As we gather to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines our nation. At Harpoon Ventures, we are inspired by the entrepreneurial drive and vision that mirror the very essence of American independence. Our commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies and supporting visionary founders is a nod to the enduring pursuit of freedom and progress. On this day, we honor not only the past achievements that secured our liberty but also the future innovations that will continue to drive our country forward. We are proud to partner with those who dare to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence. Happy Independence Day from Harpoon Ventures. ⇀

At Harpoon Ventures, we're thrilled to back Firestorm, a company at the forefront of developing the future generation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). 👇 Firestorm is revolutionizing the defense industry with their modular, open-architecture UAS designed to support the ever-evolving needs of our warfighters. Firestorm’s approach to UAS is innovative and forward-thinking. Traditional systems are often rigid and costly, making them less adaptable to the evolving demands of the battlefield. Firestorm addresses this challenge by creating modular UAS that can be easily configured and upgraded. This flexibility allows for rapid deployment of new technologies and mission-specific modifications, ensuring that warfighters have the tools they need when they need them. The open-architecture design of Firestorm's UAS sets them apart. It enables seamless integration with a wide range of systems and technologies, fostering interoperability and reducing dependency on proprietary solutions. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives down costs, making advanced UAS capabilities accessible to a broader range of military units. Firestorm is redefining what’s possible in defense technology, and we at Harpoon Ventures are proud to support their mission....building adaptable, cutting-edge UAS and empowering warfighters to ensure they have the best possible support in the field. ⇀

At Harpoon Ventures, we're excited about Astranis Space Technologies and their mission to revolutionize global connectivity. 👇 Astranis builds cost-efficient, flexible microsatellites designed to operate in geostationary orbit, enabling low-cost, dedicated broadband access anywhere in the world. Astranis' microsatellites are game-changers in the satellite industry. Traditional satellites are expensive and take years to build and launch. Astranis leverages cutting-edge technology to produce and deploy their microsatellites at a fraction of the cost and time. This efficiency means they can offer affordable high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and opening up new opportunities for millions of people. Their approach is both innovative and practical. Focusing on smaller, more flexible satellites, Astranis can quickly adapt to changing demands and provide tailored solutions for various regions. This agility ensures that no area is left behind in the digital age. Astranis is setting a new standard for global connectivity, and we at Harpoon Ventures are proud to support their vision....making the dream of universal internet access a reality, one microsatellite at a time. ⇀

On January 17, 1966, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress collided with a KC-135 tanker during a mid-air refueling operation over the Mediterranean Sea, near the Spanish village of Palomares....and dropped four nuclear weapons. 👇 The B-52, part of Operation Chrome Dome—an initiative keeping nuclear-armed bombers in constant airborne alert—originated from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The collision, attributed to an error during the refueling maneuver, led to the catastrophic breakup of both aircraft, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven out of the eleven crew members involved. The accident released four Mark 28 hydrogen bombs from the B-52. Although none of the bombs detonated their nuclear payloads, two experienced conventional explosive detonations upon impact with the ground, dispersing plutonium over a wide area around Palomares. This created a significant radiological hazard, necessitating an extensive and urgent cleanup operation. The other two bombs were recovered intact, one on land and the other from the Mediterranean Sea following a protracted underwater search that lasted two and a half months, coordinated by the U.S. Navy. The cleanup operation was a complex and high-stakes endeavor led by various U.S. agencies, including the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). These agencies worked alongside Spanish authorities to decontaminate the affected area. This involved the removal of thousands of tons of radioactive soil, which was then transported to the United States for safe disposal. The operation demonstrated the high level of collaboration and the significant resources required to address the aftermath of a nuclear incident, highlighting the severe environmental and public health risks posed by such accidents. The Palomares incident strained U.S.-Spain diplomatic relations and spurred widespread public concern regarding the safety protocols for handling nuclear weapons. The incident played a pivotal role in policy changes, ultimately contributing to the termination of Operation Chrome Dome in 1968. It also led to improvements in nuclear weapons safety and emergency response procedures. What took too long was an operational aid for making airborne refueling safer. The complexities and inherent risks of mid-air refueling, demonstrated by this tragic collision, pinpoint areas where modern innovations could be transformative. Today, AI-driven refueling systems from Harpoon portfolio company Merlin Labs offer the potential to significantly enhance safety and precision in these high-risk operations. The US Air Force has called upon Merlin Labs to test their autonomous flight technology for the KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft in the coming year. Based on the 1966 incident, we know Merlin will save many lives with this technology. ⇀

🔥 The spark that ignited a revolution! 🔥 "No taxation without representation!" In 1765, Britain imposed the Stamp Act, a blatant attempt to tax the American colonies without their consent. This wasn’t just about money; it was a direct assault on our freedom and rights. Our forefathers refused to accept this tyranny. They rallied with the powerful cry, "No taxation without representation!" This was more than a slogan; it was a declaration of their right to self-governance. Protests erupted across the colonies, British goods were boycotted, and a newfound unity began to take shape. The Stamp Act Congress marked the first unified colonial response, boldly standing against British oppression. Although the Act was eventually repealed, the spirit of resistance had been ignited, and the quest for independence became unstoppable. Our fight for liberty started with a stamp and the unwavering resolve to be free. 🇺🇸

Today, let's take a moment to remember the incredible bravery of the heroes from Operation Red Wings. On June 28, 2005, nineteen brave men lost their lives, after facing unimaginable odds in Afghanistan's mountains, showing a level of courage and brotherhood that's second to none. One of these heroes, Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions. His courage reminds us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our military every day. As we honor their memory, let's strive to live with the same dedication and courage in our own lives. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of what true heroism looks like. 🇺🇸 Navy SEALs 🇺🇸 - Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y. - Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, Calif. - Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nev. - Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, N.H. - Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Fla. - Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colo. - Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La. - Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, Calif. - Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Ore. - Lt. (SEAL) Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, of Portville, N.Y. - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, W.Va. 🇺🇸 Army Night Stalkers 🇺🇸 - Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio. - Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minn. - Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla. - Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind. - Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn. - Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va. - Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla. - Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn. Honor their memory.