In this episode, the founding partners of Marque Ventures share how a veteran-led venture capital firm is backing defence, space, and critical technologies across the U.S. and allied markets. We unpack their dual-use investment thesis, lessons from collaborating with ManTech, and how active duty, Guard, and Reserve experience informs their approach to scaling companies. The team offers sharp insights on avoiding “innovation theatre,” building the right relationships early, and what international founders often misunderstand about breaking into the U.S. market. A candid conversation on bridging capability gaps, accelerating adoption, and strengthening cross-border AUKUS partnerships.

Guest Links:

• Marque Ventures Website
• Jake Chapman – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakechapman/
• Tip Myers –h ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tip-myers

Produced by The Podcast Boss

Founder and lead investor at Beaten Zone Ventures, Steve Baxter sets the tone for the series: why BZV exists, what we invest in, and how ‘lethality and survivability’ guides our early‑stage defence thesis. We cover the state of the fund, portfolio highlights (HEO, Arkeus, Zendir, Zeromark, Tiberius), and why hackathons and events like Breach Point matter for capability. Steve shares pragmatic advice for Australian founders navigating the U.S., thoughts on real versus performative innovation, and the importance of building products warfighters will actually use. Clear, direct, and grounded — this is the mission brief for The Briefing Room.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: [Add Steve Baxter link]
• Organisation: Beaten Zone Ventures – https://beatenzone.vc

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Find out more:

Website: https://beatenzone.vc

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

Spotify: [Add profile link]

Hosts & Cohosts:

• Peta Ellis – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petaellis
• Sean Singleton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-singleton-b616292/
• Jake Bostock – LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake123456789/]

Produced By The Podcast Boss