In this episode of The Briefing Room, Dr Will Crowe, Co‐Founder and CEO of HEO, walks through a non‐linear founder journey that ends in orbit.

Will started as a researcher in astrodynamics, completed a PhD at UNSW, explored asteroid mining, and realised his work had immediate, practical value. That insight led to HEO.

Today, HEO enables commercial, resolved non‐Earth imaging by acquiring and analysing satellite data through proprietary software. The company helps satellite operators and governments monitor space assets, manage debris, inspect damaged satellites, and protect both Earth and space infrastructure.

This conversation covers the shift from research to execution, how deep technical work becomes a commercial platform, and what it really takes to build a space company with long timelines and real consequences.

Episode Links • Dr Will Crowe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william‐crowe‐space

• HEO: https://www.heospace.com

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Veteran and entrepreneur Warwick Penrose reflects on a career spanning CIED and CBRN Army specialisation through to founding EPE, a company trusted to protect soldiers and first responders. We cover capability delivery in counter‑IED, counter‑drone, ISR, and ECM, the pitfalls of selling to Defence, and lessons from building businesses across Asia Pacific and the U.S.

Warwick shares candid thoughts on leadership, culture, and legacy, and advice for the next generation of veteran‑founders shaping Defence innovation.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warwick-penrose-8493a819/
• Organisation: EPE – https://www.epequip.com/

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

• • Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis

• Jake Bostock – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake123456789/

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Reservist officer and founder Ben Dullroy shares leadership lessons from leading 21 soldiers at 21, reflections from Iraq, and what end‑users actually need from startups. We discuss how to earn trust inside Defence, common mistakes founders make when pitching to the Army, and practical first steps for working with procurement pathways. Ben closes with candid thoughts on service, family, and the personal cost of a life lived between business and the Army.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendullroy/
• Organisation: Bravo Delta https://bravodelta.com.au/

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

• Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Strategist, author, and former Commander of the Australian Defence College, Mick Ryan distils 35 years of service into sharp lessons on leadership, modern warfare, and innovation. We examine the realities of Ukraine, where technology truly changes war — and where it doesn’t — and the cultural work required to connect founders with end‑users. A wide‑angle conversation on sovereign capability, Australia’s role in great‑power competition, and preparing for the wars of tomorrow.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-ryan-am-ba299540/
• Organisation: https://mickryan.com.au/

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

• Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis

Produced by The Podcast boss

Q‑Branch founder Marc Cervantes dives into the realities of building dual‑use companies that sell to the government. We cover the origin story, the craft of becoming an ‘acquisition ninja,’ and lessons from engagements spanning DIU to state and federal partners.

For founders, Marc maps the path past innovation theatre toward programs with budget, users, and urgency — and shares straight talk on entering the U.S. market from Australia. We close on how Q‑Branch and BZV can strengthen cross‑border deal flow and AUKUS Pillar Two collaboration.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atx-maverick/
• Organisation: Q‑Branch – https://www.q-branch.dev/

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

• Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis
• Sean Singleton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-singleton-b616292/

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Policy veteran John Thomas outlines Station D.C.’s vision and how legal, regulatory, and policy strategies intersect with defence innovation.

We explore advising dual‑use companies, collaborating with DIU and IQT, and what Australians often misunderstand about entering the

Find out more:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmarkthomas04/

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts

Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis

Sean Singleton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-singleton-b616292/

Produced By The Podcast Boss

Army veteran and social innovator Dylan Conway reveals how a simple idea — ‘just one book can change a life’ — became one of Australia’s largest book communities.

We discuss the mission of bibliotherapy in strengthening mental resilience for serving members and veterans, building a movement of 20,000+ readers, and why the World’s Coolest Readathon resonates. For innovators and transitioning veterans, Dylan shares candid lessons on pivots, momentum, and designing programs that actually help people.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-conway-613847200/
• Organisations: Brothers ’n’ Books – https://abf.org.au

Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

• • Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis
  • Sean Singleton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-singleton-b616292/

Produced By The Podcast Boss

Former Director of the Defense Digital Service and co‑founder of Rebellion Defence, Chris Lynch shares a rare end‑to‑end view of software, procurement, and venture in national security. We revisit why DDS was created, the enduring lessons from Rebellion, and how Arsenal evaluates dual‑use founders today. Practical guidance includes avoiding theatre, engaging the right PEOs and budget owners, and the timing of partnerships with primes.

A grounded roadmap for founders aiming to build durable capability in the U.S. and AUKUS markets.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: Chris Lynch | LinkedIn

Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeatenZoneVenturePartners/videos

Hosts & Cohosts:

Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis

Sean Singleton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-singleton-b616292/

Produced By The Podcast Boss