How We Win 2.0: Technology & Washington, DC
How We Win 2.0
The purpose of How We Win 2.0 is simple: to bring technology and Washington, DC into real conversation with one another. That belief is what shaped our new monthly series format - we've moved away from panels and toward focused themes, breakout discussions, and fireside conversations that allow for genuine collaboration.
Each edition follows the same structure: a clear theme, a curated meetup with semi-moderated breakout sessions, a single keynote fireside chat, and a happy hour. The series will run monthly, creating continuity, momentum, and deeper engagement across the STATION DC tech + policy community.
February 26: Technology and Washington, DC
2:00-4:00 PM | Critical Technology Areas Meetup
A structured community meetup focused on the Department of War's Critical Technology Areas — Applied Artificial Intelligence, Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics Technologies, Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, Scaled Hypersonics, Scaled Directed Energy. The meetup will include smaller, semi-moderated breakout conversations (15-25 people) organized by technology area, designed for real discussion among builders, operators, investors, and policymakers. Breakout group leads will be announced soon.
4:00-4:30 PM | Startup Pitches
A group of carefully selected startups will take the stage to deliver rapid pitches. This is a chance to discover emerging companies, meet founders early, and engage directly with what’s being built.
4:30-5:00 PM | HON. Michael "Mike" Dodd Fireside Conversation
A fireside conversation with the Honorable Mike Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, moderated by Grant Verstandig, Founder and CEO of Red Cell Partners — focused on how the private sector and the DoW can work more closely together to develop and deploy the most advanced critical technology capabilities.
5:00-5:30 PM | Scott Kupor Fireside Conversation
A fireside conversation with Scott Kupor, Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management, moderated by Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation — focused on technology in government, talent, leadership, and how Washington and the innovation economy can work better together.
5:30-6:30 PM | Vanta's Cocktails & Compliance Happy Hour
Time to continue the conversation, make connections, and build relationships across the community of innovators, technologists, investors, and policymakers in Washington, DC — powered by Vanta.
Our Partners
Baker Botts — Legal partner to the innovators.
Bloomberg Industry Group — Trusted resources that deliver results for tax, legal, and government industries.
Capital Factory — The center of gravity for entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley.
Deloitte — Industry insights and audit, tax, and consulting services.
IAI North America — U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI), Israel's largest aerospace and defense company.
Leonid Capital Partners — Government & defense financing.
Prefect — Workflow orchestration & AI infrastructure.
Red Cell Partners — Incubation firm building & investing in rapidly scalable tech-led companies.
Vanta — Trust management platform.
Attendance & Access
Attendance for How We Win 2.0 is by application. STATION DC members receive priority access to each edition of the series.