About this episode
The episode explores the complexities of getting new technology into the hands of warfighters and the challenges of defense acquisition reform.
What does it actually take to get new technology into thehands of warfighters—and why is it still so hard? In this episode, Mike sits down with the co-founders ofDcode, Meagan Metzger and Meg Vorland, to unpack the reality behind defense innovation, acquisition reform, and the flow of capital into the sector. Dcode operates at a unique intersection—working withstartups, investors, and the Pentagon—giving them a rare, inside-out view of how the system really works. We break down why most acquisition reform efforts fallshort, whether recent policy changes are hitting the right targets, and what conventional wisdom in defense innovation is simply wrong. If you’re trying to understand how defense actually getsbuilt, funded, and fielded—this is the inside baseball. Links • Sign up for the newsletter ! • Support us on Patreon ! • Dcode website • Dcode Capital portfolio • Dcode LinkedIn • Meagan Metzger LinkedIn • Meg Vorland LinkedIn • CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE podcast ---- Follow us on... • LinkedIn • Instagram • X • Facebook • Website ---- 00:00 00:44 intro 01:19 Dcode origin story 04:55 founders, funders, and fighters 09:27 acquisition reform 12:32 risk vs the no-monster 15:58…
People in this episode
Host: Mike
Guests: Meagan Metzger, Meg Vorland
Topics covered
- defense innovation
- acquisition reform
- technology in military
- capital flow
- startup collaboration
- policy changes
Keywords
- Pentagon
- defense
- innovation
- acquisition
- capital
- startups
- policy
- contracting
- misconceptions
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Dcode, Dcode Capital, CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE
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