​Wars aren't just fought with soldiers anymore.

​They're fought with software, AI, drones, robotics, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and the startups building them.

​The UK's latest Strategic Defence Review made one thing clear: defence is becoming one of the biggest innovation opportunities of the decade.

• ​📈 Defence spending rising to 2.6% of GDP by 2027

• ​🔬 £400m annual Defence Innovation Fund

• ​🧠 10% of the MoD equipment budget dedicated to novel technologies

• ​🚀 Major investment in AI, cyber, autonomy, robotics, and dual-use innovation

​The UK isn't just increasing defence spending, it's actively looking to work with startups building the next generation of technology.

​We'll kick things off with a fireside chat featuring two people who sit at the heart of this rapidly evolving world.

​Guests

​Logan Torrence is a former US military operator who has helped scale four unicorn companies and founded two defence startups. Now building in stealth mode at the intersection of autonomous systems and psychological warfare, Logan has a front-row seat to how technology is reshaping conflict, influence, and national security.

​Karl Eze brings an equally unique perspective. A Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, Director of Capability Development at robotics company Orqa, and UK Head of dual-use investor Ondas Capital, Karl has spent years bridging military operations, emerging technology, venture capital, and drone innovation. From helping shape drone capability within the British Army to investing in the technologies defining tomorrow's battlefield, few people understand the defence ecosystem from as many angles.

​Together, they'll unpack what modern warfare actually looks like, where governments are investing, what capabilities matter, and where founders can find opportunities in a sector that can often feel impossible to navigate from the outside.

​Whether you're exploring an idea, building a product, raising investment, or simply curious about how defence innovation is changing the world, this is your opportunity to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and hear directly from people operating at the cutting edge.

​The Open Mic pitching session will be reserved exclusively for defence and dual-use startups, but the event is open to everyone.

​You may not think you're building for defence.

​By the end of the evening, you might think differently.

​The Format

​We’ll kick things off with a fireside chat about defence trends with our special guests, Logan Torrence & Karl Eze.

​Once we are done we will start the open mic pitching.

​Every 20–30 minutes, we randomly pull 5-6 founders. 60 seconds to sell your vision.

​⏱️ Go over time? 💦 Meet the water guns.

​Chapman rules 📸🚫

​For this Open Mic, we will be operating Chapman house rules. Rare Founders will be capturing photography throughout the night, but we ask guests not to take any photos or videos on their own phones.

​Agenda

• ​6.00 pm - 7.00 pm: Arrival & Networking

• ​7.00 pm - 7.40 pm: Welcome + 101 fireside chat

• ​7.40 pm - 8.10 pm: Networking

• ​8.10 pm - 8.30 pm: Open Mic Pitching (Round 1)

• ​8.30 pm - 9.00 pm: Networking

• ​9.00 pm - 9.20 pm: Open Mic Pitching (Round 2)

• ​9.20 pm - 10.00 pm: Final Networking

​Come for the insights. Stay for the connections. 🚀

​👉 Spots are limited—sign up now.

​By joining the event, you’re allowing us to capture and share some of the great moments! Photos and videos taken may be used later to showcase our community and for marketing, helping us make future events even better.

​Rare Founders is a founder-led community bringing together early-stage founders, operators, and investors through thoughtfully curated events across London. From open mics and intimate roundtables to large-scale Demo Days, our focus is on meaningful connections, practical insight, and creating spaces that feel welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely useful.

​If you’d like to stay in the loop, you can also sign up to our weekly newsletter for handpicked startup events, opportunities, and updates for founders and investors across the ecosystem.

​See more details here.

​💥 Get better connected with Sophy

​Meet Sophy - your networking companion designed to make every connection count. Built for founders, investors, and operators, Sophy helps you see who’s in the room, add notes to your contacts, set follow-ups, and instantly search your entire network - so no valuable connection ever slips through the cracks. Download Sophy now and start building a smarter, stronger network today: GetsophySoPhy — Never Lose a Contact Again

​​​​What to sponsor the event and get exposure with hundreds of businesses? Please email [email protected]

​​​A Huge Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners!

​Carta

​Carta is the equity management platform trusted by 50,000+ companies and 1M+ employees globally from incorporation to exit. They help manage ownership, share plans, fundraising, valuations and compliance at every stage. As of 2026, they're offering Carta Launch free for early-stage founders: set up your cap table in minutes, issue equity, and build the ownership infrastructure you'll scale with. Check out the link for more details.

​Safety Partner

​Safespace Plus is helping us to foster a safe and inclusive environment at our events. Check out our Code of Conduct so you are aware of what kind of behaviour is not allowed at our events.

​​​​Childcare Support with CocoRio

​We’re proud to be partnering with CocoRio, a flexible, trusted childcare provider created to support working parents.

​For this event, attendees can access discounted in-home childcare at £25.50 per hour (all-inclusive of VAT, insurance, and agency fees) — reduced from the usual £40 rate for ad hoc bookings.

​While children can’t attend the venue, this offer is designed to help make the day more accessible for parents and carers.

​​Venue Partner

​Hosted at The Ministry - Borough’s iconic creative members’ club and workspace, built by the team behind Ministry of Sound. Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian printworks, it features stylish lounges, studios, a gym, a buzzing bar, and everything designed for founders and creators to collide. With flexible day passes, wellness spaces, great coffee and a culture-driven vibe, it’s the perfect home for bold ideas and unforgettable events.

​Food will be available for purchase at the venue! ​​​Click here for the menu.