In today’s episode, Les sits down with Will Pearce and Brad Palm from Dreadnode, one of the nation’s most advanced offensive AI and cybersecurity companies. Based in the Rocky Mountain West, Dreadnode is redefining how we think about digital defense — by taking the offensive. Will and Brad share their experiences leading red teams at Microsoft, NVIDIA, and within the U.S. Marine Corps, and how those lessons now shape their mission to secure the future of artificial intelligence.

From battlefield drones and AI-enabled cyberattacks to the regulatory frameworks that will define the next era of warfare, this conversation explores what happens when AI becomes both a weapon and a shield.

Here’s a closer look at the episode:

From Red Teams to Founders

 * Will Pearce, former leader of AI Red Teams at Microsoft and NVIDIA, discusses his journey from penetration testing and consulting to building Dreadnode.
 * Describes how the offensive use of AI is a natural extension of red teaming — “offense leads defense.”

Brad Palm’s Path from the Battlefield

 * Brad Palm, a Marine Corps veteran and former red team leader, shares how military principles of mobility, attack, and defense translate into cyber warfare.
 * Offensive cyber as a transformational moment — comparing AI’s impact to the leap from muskets to machine guns.

The Rise of Offensive AI

 * Will breaks down the offensive AI landscape, from code scanning and model manipulation to adversarial attacks on computer vision systems.
 * How more “eyes,” even artificial ones, find more vulnerabilities — accelerating both innovation and exposure.

Building a Platform for Cyber ML Ops

 * Dreadnode’s platform enables organizations to build, evaluate, and deploy AI models and agents with security in mind.
 * Unlike “AI-in-a-box” startups, their approach mirrors ML Ops infrastructure — prioritizing transparency, testing, and adaptability.
 * Their mission: help clients build their own capabilities, rather than just buy black-box solutions.

A Collaborative Cybersecurity Community

 * Will and Brad note that in AI security, collaboration beats competition.
 * “If you have confidence in your abilities, you don’t need to hide anything.”
 * Despite growing investment and consolidation, the founders believe the industry is still expanding rapidly — with room for innovation and partnership.

Human + AI: The Future of the Battlefield

 * Brad connects his defense background to current AI developments, pointing to autonomous drones in Ukraine as examples of real-time AI-driven warfare.
 * Raises ethical and practical questions about “human-in-the-loop” systems and the urgency of explainable, auditable AI in combat environments.
 * Will expands on how regulatory frameworks and rules of engagement must evolve to keep pace with privately developed AI systems.

Offensive AI Conference & What’s Next

 * Hosting Offensive AI Con in San Diego — the first of its kind dedicated to offensive AI research and community building.
 * The team continues to release state-of-the-art research drops, collaborating with cyber threat intel groups and enterprise partners.
 * Above all, the founders share a deep appreciation for their team culture: detail-oriented, relentlessly curious, and dedicated to “winning every day.”

Resources:

Website: https://dreadnode.io/ 

Will Pearce - https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-pearce-a62331135/

Brad Palm - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradpalm/

Dreadnode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreadnode

Will Pearce & Brad Palm (Dreadnode) // The Frontlines of Offensive AI Security

In today’s episode, Les Craig speaks with Jim Lose, a Marine Corps veteran, longtime recruiter, and CEO of The Military Veteran (The MilVet). With over 25 years of experience helping thousands of service members transition into successful private sector roles, Jim shares his mission to place more veterans in executive leadership across high-growth, early-stage companies. Jim’s passion for service shines through as he talks about the importance of community, coaching, and aligning veterans with roles where they can have lasting impact. From his time in military intelligence to becoming the go-to resource for elite veteran talent, Jim’s journey is rooted in purpose, resilience, and servant leadership.

Here’s a closer look at the episode:

A Career Built on Service

 * Grew up in rural Pennsylvania; early influences of service from family (teacher, minister, Marine).
 * Commissioned into the Marine Corps, became an intelligence officer and Scout Sniper Platoon Commander.
 * Served under leaders like General Mattis and General Neller before they were well known.
 * Left active duty after 8 years and entered the recruiting world to continue serving—this time by supporting fellow veterans.

20+ Years Recruiting and Championing Veterans

 * Began his recruiting career at Lucas Group during the late 1990s.
 * Helped place over 3,000 veterans and transitioned to Korn Ferry after an acquisition in 2021.
 * Known for a long-term, relationship-based approach: “Today’s candidate is tomorrow’s client.”
 * Shifted focus to post-transition executive placements, filling a gap in veteran recruiting not served by other organizations.

Leading The MilVet

 * Joined The MilVet in 2023 to scale a mission-led, veteran-centric recruiting firm.
 * Focus: place veterans in executive roles in VC/PE-backed and early-stage companies.
 * Differentiators: customized search playbooks, interview scorecard development, and strategic advisory for clients.
 * Firm belief: “The best indicator that a company will hire a veteran is having a veteran in the C-suite.”

The Broader Vision & Future Impact

 * Identifies high-opportunity sectors for veterans: defense tech, private equity operations, and AI-resistant industries like home services.
 * Emphasizes “finding a tribe” and community-building through networking dinners, events, and office hours.
 * Coaching is the next frontier for The MilVet—launching an executive coaching offering in 2026.
 * Jim’s long-term vision: a national movement to elevate veterans into positions of influence and impact.

Resources:

Website: https://www.themilvet.org/

Jim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslose/

The MilVet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themilvet/



Jim Lose (The MilVet) // Elevating Veterans into Executive Leadership

Summary:

In today’s episode, Les speaks with Chris Peterson, co-founder and CEO of Radicl, and a pioneer in cybersecurity innovation. Chris shares his inspiring journey from early days at Price Waterhouse to co-founding LogRhythm, and now leading Radicl - a company on a mission to bring military-grade cybersecurity to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), especially those in the defense industrial base (DIB). With humility, vision, and deep industry experience, Chris talks about the challenges of cybersecurity for SMBs, the promise of AI in threat detection, and the principles that drive Radicl’s product and culture.

Here’s a closer look at the episode:

1. Chris’s Cybersecurity Roots

 * Grew up curious and mischievous - early hacking instincts emerged from pushing boundaries.
 * First tech job at Price Waterhouse, where he was inspired by early internet penetration testing.
 * Mentored by pioneers like George Kurtz (founder of CrowdStrike) and Ron Gula.
 * Early work included database security assessments and automated audit tools.

2. Building LogRhythm

 * Co-founded LogRhythm after stints at Counterpane and Tenable.
 * Bootstrapped early development by selling his home and self-funding the venture.
 * Partnered with Phil Villella (nuclear physicist) and Andy Grolnick (CEO) to scale the company.
 * Lessons from early days: founder commitment, frugality, focus on product-market fit.
 * LogRhythm grew to 500 employees before exiting via private equity in 2018.

3. The Genesis of Radicl

 * Founded Radicl to address cybersecurity gaps in SMBs within the defense supply chain.
 * Inspired by the SolarWinds hack and national security threats.
 * Assembled a founding team including his brother Matt and a former fighter pilot.
 * Mission: protect under-defended SMBs in DIB against industrial espionage.

4. The Opportunity and Market Need

 * DIB SMBs are often unable to afford or operate traditional cybersecurity solutions.
 * Barriers include tight margins, complex compliance (e.g. CMMC), and lack of in-house talent.
 * Advances in cloud, automation, and AI now make affordable, scalable solutions viable.
 * Radicl addresses both compliance operations and 24/7 security operations via software + human hybrid model.

5. Radicl’s Product and Platform

 * Delivers “virtual SOC” capabilities—blending human expertise with AI and automation.
 * Handles CMMC readiness, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
 * Designed for transparency: customers can engage with Radicl’s ops team in-platform.
 * AI-driven agents are increasingly being introduced to reduce cost and improve response times.

6. Looking Ahead

 * Preparing for a Series A raise in the next 4–6 months to accelerate R&D investment.
 * Focused on doubling down on AI innovation and expanding platform features.
 * Vision: democratize advanced cybersecurity for SMBs while delivering elite protection to the DIB.
 * Chris aims to balance company building with family, health, and meditation—striving for better life integration as a second-time founder.

Resources:

Website: 

 * RADICL
   * https://www.linkedin.com/company/radicl-defense/  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/radicl-defense/]
   * https://radicl.com/
 * Chris Peterson
   * https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispetersen1/ 
   * https://radicl.com/bio-chris-petersen 

Chris Peterson (Radicl) // Building Military-Grade Cybersecurity for SMBs

In this episode of Found in the Rockies, Les Craig sits down with Arthur Karell, Partner at First In, a venture firm investing at the intersection of cybersecurity, defense tech, and data intelligence. Arthur shares his unconventional journey from international law to the Marine Corps to scaling startups and leading M&A at Anduril, before transitioning to early-stage investing. He unpacks the realities of venture returns in defense tech, the difference between strategic and tactical problems, and why First In aims to build enduring companies—not just chase flashy innovations. With sharp insight and mission-driven conviction, Arthur offers a candid, inspiring look at what it means to empower entrepreneurs who secure national freedom.

Here’s a closer look at the episode:

1. Arthur’s Career Journey

 * Grew up in Arlington, VA; studied at Harvard and earned a law degree from UVA.
 * International corporate law with a focus on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
 * Service in the Marine Corps post-9/11.
 * Transitioned to startups, joining FiscalNote post-seed as one of the first employees.

2. Lessons from Operating and M&A

 * Helped scale FiscalNote through aggressive M&A strategy—tucking in niche data companies.
 * Applied similar playbook at Anduril, crafting their corporate development team and deals.
 * How defense tech M&A must align with procurement timelines and gate reviews.
 * Why successful acquisitions hinge on founder-engineer-product fit and integration.

3. Investment Philosophy at First In

 * The focus on being truly “first in” to high-potential, early-stage defense tech startups.
 * Strategic problems vs. tactical ones, to drive high-leverage outcomes.
 * The importance of stage specificity and clear risk-reward underwriting.
 * Is venture capital for every founder?

4. Industry Insights & Emerging Themes

 * Tailwinds in AI applications and industrial automation across defense sectors.
 * Momentum in cybersecurity as go-to-market talent shifts to early stage.
 * DoD’s structural challenges—startups must work with the system, not against it.
 * Arthur’s belief that the U.S. has latent industrial capacity—what’s needed is political and contracting will.

Resources:

Website: https://wearefirstin.com/ 

Arthur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurkarell/ 

FirstIn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-in/ 

Arthur Karell (FirstIn) \\ Being “First In” on DefenseTech

In this episode of Found in the Rockies, Les Craig sits down with Logan Selby and Kevin Larrabee of Datashapes AI—two veterans turned tech innovators who are redefining how artificial intelligence is applied to the electromagnetic spectrum. From battlefield-tested insights to real-world commercial applications, the conversation dives into drone detection, spectrum awareness, and what it means to build a dual-use defense tech company. With 21 patents and a mission-first mentality, Datashapes is arming the next generation of warfighters—and industries—with actionable signal intelligence.

Here’s a closer look at the episode:

 * Founders’ Backgrounds: Logan Selby and Kevin Larrabee share their journeys from military intelligence and operations research to leading a cutting-edge defense tech startup.
 * Mission-Driven Innovation: Datashapes AI is revolutionizing how AI is applied to the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly in electronic warfare and signal intelligence.
 * Unique AI Approach: Unlike traditional LLMs, Datashapes uses a proprietary, vector-based AI system focused on real-time waveform analysis—not text prediction.
 * Dual-Use Technology: While rooted in defense, the company is expanding its signal detection and analysis tools into commercial sectors like public safety, sports venues, and infrastructure.
 * Drone Detection & Threat Mitigation: The conversation explores the growing problem of drone-based threats and how Datashapes is providing early warning solutions through spectrum analysis.
 * Product Evolution: The team explains their transition from software-only to launching Sentinel, a hardware solution designed for field use and rapid deployment.
 * Iterative Development with End-Users: Engineers work side-by-side with warfighters during exercises to rapidly integrate user feedback into the product roadmap.
 * Bridging the Government-Startup Gap: Insights on building trust with military users and navigating the challenge of defense procurement as a tech startup.
 * Company Strategy & Culture: The team emphasizes their mission-first culture, recent HQ move to Charlottesville, and focus on real-world impact over Silicon Valley hype.
 * Trust and Transparency: Emphasis on auditable AI decisions to foster user confidence, especially in high-stakes defense environments.

Resources:

Website: https://www.datashapesai.com/ 

Kevin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-larrabee/ 

Logan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-d-selby-phd-a433ab35/ 

Datashapes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/datashapesai/ 

#FoundInTheRockies #NextFrontierCapital #DefenseTech #AIInnovation #GovTech #Datashapes 



Logan and Kevin (Datashapes) \\ Defense Tech Built for Warfighters

In today’s episode, Les is joined by John and Levi, the co-founders of 4th State Communications, a Wyoming-based defense technology company. They delve into their backgrounds in the Marine Corps, experiences in the Warfighting Lab, and the inspiration behind their startup. The conversation explores the critical challenges of military communications in denied and austere environments and how their company is developing innovative solutions to improve battlefield connectivity. John and Levi emphasize the significance of dual-use technology, leveraging both military and commercial applications. They introduce "virtual satellite" technology, which allows for long-range, infrastructure-independent communication by manipulating the atmosphere—a capability that has potential benefits for both defense operations and the financial sector.

Resources:

Website: https://www.4thstatecomm.com/ 

John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmedwardsii/ 

Levi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi-kunkel-997b0a56/ 

4th State LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fourth-state-communications/ 



John & Levi (4th State Communications) \\ Revolutionizing Battlefield Communications Forever

In today’s episode, Les sits down with Sean Leahy and John Price from HighGround. the conversation delves into the founders’ unique backgrounds—from military service and government intelligence to data science and entrepreneurial ventures—and how these experiences inform their ambitious vision. HighGround seeks to create a centralized platform, similar to Bloomberg for equities, providing comprehensive market intelligence for defense and national security sectors. The episode highlights the challenges of navigating complex government systems, the evolving defense tech landscape, and the founders’ commitment to simplifying access to public data for transformative impact. Their mission underscores the potential for democratizing information to drive innovation and improve outcomes for both government and private entities. Here’s a closer look at the episode: John Price shares his background, including his upbringing in Colorado, his father's career on Wall Street, and his early fascination with technology. Sean Leahy shares his upbringing in Northern Virginia, his experience at the Pentagon after 9/11, and his career as a government contractor. Sean and John discuss the early days of HighGround, including their initial 12-slide pitch deck and their commitment to the venture. High Ground's Vision and Market Transformation Impact on Emerging Defense Tech Companies and Investors Broader impact of High Ground on the defense industry, including potential reinvigoration and innovation in technology development. Thoughts on dual-use technology, the future of the defense industry, and the potential impact of High Ground. Resources: Sean Leahy LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/seanleahyctg John Price LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-p-b8a376b/

Sean & John (HighGround) \\ Transforming Defense Tech Markets

In today’s episode, Les talks with Kenny Scott, the founder of Paramify. Kenny shares his journey from initially disliking compliance and GRC work to eventually building a successful SaaS company that automates and streamlines these processes. He discusses his background in consulting and cybersecurity, his brief stint running a hedge fund, and the pivotal moment when he decided to create a solution to the pain points he experienced in the GRC space. Throughout the conversation, Kenny emphasizes the importance of relationships, prioritizing family, and leveraging technology to enable security professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives. Kenny talks about the importance of balancing work and family and predicts a future where AI will play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity. Here’s a closer look at the episode: Kenny’s background, mentioning his initial interest in finance and his transition to programming. Kenny discusses his career progression, including roles at Google, American Express, and Adobe, where he worked on organizational risk management. Kenny reflects on the challenges and rewards of his career, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems. Kenny’s thoughts on the significance of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and the growing demand for security services. Kenny dives into the complexities of FedRAMP, explaining its purpose and the rigorous process involved. Kenny talks about the early days of Paramify, including the search for talented developers and the initial success with small startups. Kenny highlights the importance of relationships and the support from early clients like Palo Alto Networks. Kenny provides an update on Paramify's current status, including their FedRAMP High audit and the growth of their client base. Resources: Website: https://www.paramify.com/ Kenny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-g-scott/ Paramify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paramify/ Kenny Twitter: https://x.com/kenny_g_scott

Kenny Scott (Paramify) \\ Automating Compliance's Tedious Grind

In today’s episode, Les talks with Orlando Zambrano, a West Point graduate and former infantry officer, who discusses his journey from serving in the 1/73 Airborne Brigade to working at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). DIU, established in 2015, aims to integrate commercial technology into defense solutions. Orlando highlights DIU's three phases: 1.0 focused on building Silicon Valley links, 2.0 on rapid prototyping, and 3.0 on strategic impact at scale. Orlando discusses DIU's role in leveraging private investment and AI to enhance military capabilities, aiming for rapid adaptation in response to evolving threats.



Here’s a closer look at the episode:

 * Origins and Background of Orlando Zambrano  [https://otter.ai/u/BIx49CttHodNvmZ_jgLr9970SHU?tab=summary&t=0s]
 * Orlando recounts his upbringing in Florida and Venezuela, influenced by his parents' immigrant backgrounds and his early interest in service and leadership.
 * Military Service and Early Career  [https://otter.ai/u/BIx49CttHodNvmZ_jgLr9970SHU?tab=summary&t=436s]
 * Orlando’s years in management consulting at McKinsey before transitioning to roles in the startup ecosystem, focusing on autonomy companies.
 * Orlando’s decision to join the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as a contractor, driven by the desire to contribute to national security and defense innovation.
 * The importance of DIU's dual-fluency team members who can engage effectively with both the DoD and the commercial technology sector.
 * DIU's history and mission, and the importance of harnessing commercial technology to solve warfighter problems.
 * Examples of DIU Projects and Successes
 * The role of DIU in creating pathways for private investment and supporting the growth of defense tech companies.
 * Future of Autonomy and AI in Defense  [https://otter.ai/u/BIx49CttHodNvmZ_jgLr9970SHU?tab=summary&t=2460s]
 * Orlando shares his admiration for the talented and patriotic people he works with at DIU, who are committed to maintaining the U.S. technological edge.

Resources:

DIU Website: https://www.diu.mil/

Orlando LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orzambrano/ 

DIU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diux/ 

Orlando Zambrano (Defense Innovation Unit) \\ How the DIU is Harnessing Commercial Tech for National Security

Orlando Zambrano (Defense Innovation Unit) \\ How the DIU is Harnessing Commercial Tech for National Security Summary: In today’s episode, Les talks with Orlando Zambrano, a West Point graduate and former infantry officer, who discusses his journey from serving in the 1/73 Airborne Brigade to working at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). DIU, established in 2015, aims to integrate commercial technology into defense solutions. Orlando highlights DIU's three phases: 1.0 focused on building Silicon Valley links, 2.0 on rapid prototyping, and 3.0 on strategic impact at scale. Orlando discusses DIU's role in leveraging private investment and AI to enhance military capabilities, aiming for rapid adaptation in response to evolving threats. Here’s a closer look at the episode: Origins and Background of Orlando Zambrano Orlando recounts his upbringing in Florida and Venezuela, influenced by his parents' immigrant backgrounds and his early interest in service and leadership. Military Service and Early Career Orlando’s years in management consulting at McKinsey before transitioning to roles in the startup ecosystem, focusing on autonomy companies. Orlando’s decision to join the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as a contractor, driven by the desire to contribute to national security and defense innovation. The importance of DIU's dual-fluency team members who can engage effectively with both the DoD and the commercial technology sector. DIU's history and mission, and the importance of harnessing commercial technology to solve warfighter problems. Examples of DIU Projects and Successes The role of DIU in creating pathways for private investment and supporting the growth of defense tech companies. Future of Autonomy and AI in Defense Orlando shares his admiration for the talented and patriotic people he works with at DIU, who are committed to maintaining the U.S. technological edge. Resources: DIU Website: https://www.diu.mil/ Orlando LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orzambrano/ DIU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diux/

Orlando Zambrano (Defense Innovation Unit)

Les Craig (@foundintherockies) · Zencastr

Les Craig (@foundintherockies)

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