defense tech

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)

Check: $1M-$100M+ (from $2.5B+ American Dynamism fund)

Leads a16z's American Dynamism practice — a $2.5B+ fund (expanded from $600M in 2023) backing companies that support national interests. Believes the most important companies of the next decade will be built at the intersection of technology and national security. Patriotic tech thesis: the best founders don't just build for consumers, they build for the country. Katherine argues that Silicon Valley abandoned hard, important problems for consumer social apps and that the pendulum is swinging back. The name 'American Dynamism' is intentional — it's about restoring the dynamism that built America's infrastructure, defense, and industrial capacity. She sees a generational opportunity as government procurement modernizes and defense budgets prioritize technology over legacy systems. Has written extensively about how the best founders she meets are motivated by mission, not just money.

Gil Capital (Solo GP)

Check: $500K-$10M+ (flexible, has written checks as large as $50M+ in later-stage co-investments)

One of the largest and most successful solo GP funds ever ($1B+). Unusually dense hit rate across breakout companies — has invested in more unicorns than most institutional funds. Invests based on pattern recognition from decades of operating and investing. Moves fast, decides fast — known for making investment decisions in a single meeting. Written 'The High Growth Handbook,' the definitive guide on scaling from Series B to IPO. Being on your cap table is a strong signal to other investors — 'Elad Gil is on the cap table' has become a credibility marker in Silicon Valley. Currently most excited about AI as a platform shift comparable to mobile and cloud. Has shifted from primarily angel investing to writing larger checks ($5-50M+) as his fund has grown. Views the current AI wave as the most important technology shift since the internet.

Gil Capital (Solo GP)