Forward Deployed Venture Capital is a defense and security focused venture capital firm founded in 2022 by general partner Mark Scianna. Headquartered in the United States. The firm takes its name from Scianna’s former role as a forward deployed engineer at Palantir Technologies, where he spent more than a decade building software products for the US Army and Marines in Iraq and Africa before leaving in 2019.
The firm invests in startups operating in defense, industrials, and other critical industries, aiming to be the “first call” for founders in these sectors. It targets companies developing technologies with strategic national security applications, such as drones, advanced manufacturing, and mission-critical software.
In 2025, Forward Deployed Venture Capital closed a $45 million fund dedicated to defense and security innovation.
The capital came from a mix of institutional investors, including Bain Capital Ventures, and a large network of individual backers. Notably, 150 current and former employees of companies such as Palantir Technologies, SpaceX, and Anduril Industries participated in the fundraise.
Scianna leveraged his personal network, often hosting informal “hobbit happy hours” with Palantir alumni in Palo Alto, New York, and Washington, to secure commitments. The fund positions the firm to actively support early-stage startups in sectors critical to national defense and industrial resilience.
Leadership
Mark Scianna serves as general partner and founder. His career includes extensive operational experience in defense software deployment through his tenure at Palantir, where he worked directly with military units in high-stakes environments.
His combination of technical expertise, deep industry connections, and founder trust-building is a key differentiator for the firm.
Investment Strategy
Forward Deployed Venture Capital applies a highly networked, founder-first approach. It leverages the strong ties Scianna has with defense and industrial innovators, alongside strategic institutional partners, to identify and back high-potential companies early.
The firm emphasizes hands-on support, industry expertise, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of scaling in defense and critical infrastructure markets.
Notable Investments
As a newly launched fund, Forward Deployed Venture Capital’s portfolio is in the early stages of formation, with investments expected to focus on startups at the intersection of defense technology, industrial innovation, and security infrastructure.
Other
The firm operates with a deep insider understanding of defense procurement cycles, leverages strong alumni networks from leading defense-tech companies, and is positioned to bridge early-stage innovation with national security needs.
