Scout Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, focused on backing founders who are building transformative technologies for national security and defense. Founded with a mission to bridge the gap between innovative entrepreneurs and the needs of government and defense customers, Scout has become a specialized investor in the dual-use technology ecosystem.
The firm invests in defense tech and dual-use companies that have both commercial and national security applications. Areas of interest include aerospace, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and AI-driven defense technologies. Scout primarily partners with early-stage companies developing solutions with strategic importance for the U.S. and its allies.
In 2025, Scout Ventures announced the close of its fifth fund at $125 million. The new fund is dedicated to scaling the firm’s investment activity in defense technology and deep tech sectors, expanding beyond initial seed investments into follow-on rounds.
Fund V was raised from a combination of institutional investors, family offices, and strategic partners aligned with the defense sector.
With this new capital, Scout intends to deepen its support for portfolio companies as they progress from prototype to deployment, particularly as demand for innovative national security solutions accelerates globally.
Leadership
Scout Ventures is led by founder and Managing Partner Brad Harrison, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in venture investing. Harrison is joined by a team of partners and advisors with backgrounds in military service, national security, and technology commercialization, giving the firm a unique edge in understanding the defense sector and connecting startups with government customers.
Investment Strategy
The firm’s strategy is to invest in dual-use technology startups that can address both commercial markets and critical government needs.
Scout provides capital along with access to a network of defense industry experts, government procurement pathways, and mission-driven advisors.
Its approach emphasizes aligning founders with defense acquisition processes while ensuring long-term commercial viability, creating durable companies that can thrive at the intersection of government and private markets.
Notable Investments
Scout Ventures has backed several notable startups across defense and security, including companies advancing drone technologies, satellite communications, and AI-powered cybersecurity. Portfolio highlights include:
These companies show Scout’s focus on founders developing critical technologies for modern defense.
Notable Exits
Scout has seen successful exits within its portfolio, though many of its most prominent defense technology investments remain in high-growth mode and have not yet exited due to the long timelines of defense procurement.
Other
Scout Ventures stands out as one of the few specialized VC firms entirely dedicated to defense and dual-use technology. With its latest fund, it is expanding its role as a key partner for founders aiming to scale in highly complex, regulated markets.
