SOF 41: Strategic Vanguard: Bridging Innovation and Defense- A Conversation with William "Mac" McHenry Artwork

Securing Our Future

Securing Our Future is a podcast and publication from New North Ventures (NNV). NNV is a venture capital fund that is solving large and unmet national security problems and commercial opportunities. To learn more about how commercial and national security sector collaboration can accelerate innovation subscribe to our newsletter at securingourfuture.us

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Securing Our Future

SOF 41: Strategic Vanguard: Bridging Innovation and Defense- A Conversation with William "Mac" McHenry

August 06, 2025

In this episode of 'Securing Our Future', we explore how commercial and national security sectors collaborate to drive innovation. Host Jeremy sits down with William "Mac" McHenry, an experienced leader from the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, to discuss the evolving landscape of technology acquisition and the crucial role of government partnerships. Learn about the journey from being a marine aviator to leading the Defense Innovation Unit, the cultural shifts in Silicon Valley, and strategies for tech startups to successfully navigate government contracts.

00:00 Introduction to Securing Our Future Podcast

00:41 Guest Introduction: Mac's Background and Experience

01:35 Changes in Government and Commercial Tech Collaboration

02:32 Government's Role in Tech Development

04:31 Navigating Government Partnerships for Tech Companies

10:52 Overcoming the Valley of Death

20:00 Mission Relevance and Government Restructuring

25:48 Future of Government and Tech Collaboration

32:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts