Watchtower: W-TWR Y1Q2: The Roundtables
Join Watchtower for deep-dive discussions on the critical challenges facing defense tech founders, led by operators and builders who've navigated them firsthand.
This afternoon is structured around three simultaneous expert roundtables, each focused on a core obstacle in building dual-use companies. Choose the track most relevant to your work and engage in small-group dialogue with people who've been in the trenches.
The Tracks:
From Prototype to Production – Scaling hardware from working prototype to manufactured product. What breaks, what costs more than expected, and when to bring manufacturing in-house vs. outsource.
Navigating Defense Buyers – Understanding program managers, contracting officers, and end users. How to structure your approach, speak their language, and avoid deal-killing mistakes.
Start-up Financing in Dual-Use Companies – Raising capital in defense tech. What investors evaluate differently, how to position commercial traction alongside government pipeline, and when venture makes sense. Honest conversation with founders and investors (VC, PE, Investment Banking) who've been on both sides.
The Format: 90-minute moderated discussions with 3-4 expert panelists per roundtable. Expect candid conversation and hard-won insights. Each roundtable is capped at to maintain dialogue quality.
Expert panelists to be announced.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Roundtables) | 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM (Synthesis & Closing)
Location: Address provided upon RSVP
RSVP: Space is limited per roundtable. Please confirm your attendance by May 20th.