Show Notes
Today Tyler talks with Mike Moreno, a former CIA Operations Officer who now works at the boundaries of technology and global stability within the public sector, VC community, startups and in his role with the business development team at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this episode, Mike talks about how AWS aims to address limitations in the government’s willingness to accelerate the transition, and support the scale of commercial tech.
What’s Happening on the Second Front:
- AWS’s process for working with startups
- The purpose behind Second Front Systems’ Offset Symposium
- Why Mike believes it’s a great time to both build and invest in companies
- Advocating for investments in deep tech startups both in the US and in our allies abroad
- Mike’s lifelong commitment to his family and the betterment of the world
Connect with Mike: LinkedIn | Website
Connect with Tyler: LinkedIn | Website
This show is produced by Soulfire Productions
Top Relevant Quotes:
“There’s, generally, a broad interpretation of sustainability and what I say to startups is: ‘If you think that you’re doing something in space, or with space technologies, around sustainability, just apply to AWS and we’ll get back to you.’”
Mike - 3:33
“The Offset Symposium is designed to be this event and experience that brings together conversations between policymakers, government executives, private capital and startups that shows that there is this common ground where we can achieve great results without having to overachieve one way or the other.”
Mike - 11:11
“When I assess a startup, I look for a good team, business model and technology. If you don’t have a good team and a good business model then it’s just a science project that’s never going to make it out of the lab.”
Mike - 17:20
“I think the government has to play a role in terms of meaningful and thoughtful investment into startups and venture capital funds for US and ally national interest."
Mike - 20:50
“There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t get a call from a really incredible European startup that wants to come work in the US and support US national interests, but I’m still hitting my head against the wall calling up people who are in the US government that say they support allied startups. It’s not an easy task to get them to put their money where their mouth is.”
Mike - 24:35
