What we prioritize.
Exceptional founders
Visionary, positive, mission-driven team builders and defense-tech subject-matter experts — able to balance strategy and execution, adapt, learn, and grow.
Compelling mission need
Genuine technical advantage applied to a critical warfighter mission need.
Dual-use, dual-market
A credible commercial or adjacent market alongside government demand, so the company can build revenue while longer procurement cycles mature.
A path to meaningful scale
A clear route from early product to durable, scaled impact — for the mission and for the business.
Where we focus.
We invest in specific technology areas that are of critical importance to the Department of War. Representative areas include:
Aerospace & propulsion
Next-generation propulsion, engines, and aerospace components within reach of early-stage capital.
Autonomy
Autonomous systems and the technologies that operate alongside and counter them.
Communications & networks
Resilient communications and networking for contested and degraded environments.
Cybersecurity
Securing systems, networks, data, and critical infrastructure.
Sensing & navigation
Sensors, sensing, and positioning where conditions are most demanding.
Advanced hardware
Microelectronics, photonics, power sources, and related components.
Decision support
Analytics and tools that speed and sharpen decision-making.
Human performance & medical
Biotechnology, medical, and human-performance technologies.
Software & AI
Software and artificial intelligence applied across these mission areas.
This list is representative, not exhaustive — we also consider other technologies of clear relevance to Department of War priorities. We share our specific areas of focus in more detail with founders and Limited Partners directly.
What we don't do.
FirstWatch is decidedly defense-tech focused.
We do not invest in consumer-focused products and services, cryptocurrency or digital assets, or companies without a clear national security application.