Welcome to DEFCOM by Station Alpha! This community gathers innovators, investors, officials, and community leaders working in the dual-use and defense space.
Our goal is to create a public forum where attendees can exchange the news, ideas, resources available to the National Capital Region.
At this event, we will
Connect with amazing people. We even have a special app for this. And, yes, just like everything these days, it's AI-powered.
Learn from the leading experts on the panel
Share your immense experience and learn from others
Discuss collaborations between different communities and organizations in the National Capital Region
Share and learn what's happening in the region. If you are working on something awesome, be sure to tell everyone during the lightning pitches round.
Did I mention having a good time? Yep, that too!
Agenda
5:30-6:40 PM - networking
6:40–7:10 PM - announcements, lightning pitches, presentations
7:10-8:00 PM - "Built to Endure: What It Takes to Build a Great Deep-Tech Company."
8:00–9:30 PM - more networking
Our Panelists
Charlie Reardon is the Founder and Senior Managing Director of Asgaard Capital, with decades of experience in investment banking, restructuring, financing, acquisitions, and business operations. He has advised companies through complex financial and strategic challenges and brings deep expertise in growth, transformation, and capital strategy. Charlie was named one of the Top 25 Financial Advisors in the U.S. by Global M&A. His background spans both hands-on operating experience and high-level financial advisory work.
Nicolas Maubert is a space industry executive and engineer with more than 25 years of experience across space engineering, international cooperation, and business development. He is the Co-Founder and CTO of Symphony Space, where he is helping build modular, reusable orbital infrastructure designed to make access to space more flexible and affordable. Previously, Nicolas served for six years as the CNES Representative to the United States and Space Counselor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., working at the intersection of government, industry, and international space collaboration. He also brings a distinctly adventurous perspective to leadership, having completed a solo 4,700-kilometer crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by rowboat.
Bradley Casto works in Mergers, Acquisitions & Ventures at Cook Inlet Region, Inc., where he focuses on investment opportunities, corporate strategy, and long-term growth. His background includes experience at Booz Allen Hamilton and Cambridge Associates, giving him a broad perspective across management consulting, investment analysis, and emerging technologies. He also serves as a mentor with the Orbital Edge Accelerator, supporting founders and companies working across the space and technology ecosystem.
Moderated by Anca Burke - the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ARTA Ventures and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Station Alpha, with more than 20 years of experience spanning consulting, SaaS, AI, enterprise technology, healthcare, and government innovation. She is an investor, executive, and startup advisor who works closely with early-stage founders on strategy, fundraising, investor engagement, and building high-performing teams. Anca has helped companies raise more than $40 million in capital and brings a distinctive combination of operating experience, investment insight, and deep involvement in the startup ecosystem. Her work focuses on supporting ambitious founders and transformative companies at the intersection of technology, business, and innovation.
Our Sponsors and Partners
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support and sponsorship of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and DMV Angel Group.
About Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
This event won't be possible without the generous support of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, who are providing their gorgeous space (featuring one of the best rooftops in DC!), along with food and drinks.
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm founded in 1873, with more than 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals across 30+ offices worldwide. The firm works with everyone from ambitious startups to Fortune 100 companies, helping them navigate the legal side of building and scaling a business—from venture capital, fundraising, M&A, and intellectual property to employment, regulation, litigation, and emerging technologies like AI. For founders in particular, Morgan Lewis has dedicated Emerging Companies & Venture Capital and technology practices, supporting companies and investors throughout the startup journey.
Fun fact: when the firm moved to their new address, the building was stripped down to concrete and steel, and they also added two more floors. Very founder energy!
About the DMV Angel Group
DMV Angel Group is a community of experienced entrepreneurs and investors who believe the best people to support founders are often those who have built companies themselves. With more than 20 years of experience across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—the DMV region—the group brings together entrepreneurial expertise, capital, and relationships to help promising companies grow. Its philosophy is straightforward: entrepreneurs backing entrepreneurs, combining investment with the practical perspective that comes from building and scaling businesses.
While DMV Angel Group has deep roots in software, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, enterprise software, and business services, its investment interests have expanded significantly over the years. Today, the group also supports companies in life sciences, drug development, advanced materials and manufacturing, health, digital media, and innovative consumer businesses. This broad focus allows DMV Angel Group to connect ambitious founders with investors who can contribute not only funding, but also experience, industry knowledge, and networks that can help turn promising ideas into successful companies.
About Station Alpha
Station Alpha is a community builder and a global startup growth and market-entry organization dedicated to helping exceptional companies connect, scale, and succeed through the power of capital, community, and strategic relationships.
Operating at the intersection of founders, investors, enterprises, and government, Station Alpha supports entrepreneurs by refining their narrative, strengthening their market positioning, facilitating investor and customer introductions, and providing hands-on guidance for U.S. market expansion.
Through curated events, embassy partnerships, founder advisory services, and a trusted international network, Station Alpha has become a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, helping innovative companies transform meaningful connections into lasting partnerships and sustainable business success while fostering a thriving global innovation ecosystem.
Parking and Transportation
The venue is a 4-minute walk from Metro Center, served by the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
The venue is located 3 blocks from the White House, so, as you might expect, street parking is extremely challenging.
The cheapest nearby parking option is at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW, which costs around $12 after 5 PM. Multiple other garages nearby are in the $12–$25 range.
Dress Code
Business Casual.
Previously on DEFCOM
Here are a few photos from the previous event to give you an impression:
This event is part of Deep Tech Week. Create a free profile at deep-tech-week.com/register to help hosts approve your registration and build your schedule for the week.