Igniting Innovation to Advance the Future of Defense
About Us
At Novatus Capital, we're building a better path to bring innovative technologies to market.
Through our proprietary DAI methodology, we identify, capitalize, and accelerate dual-use innovations that serve both commercial and defense needs. Our veteran team brings together industry leaders, government experts, successful entrepreneurs, and capital markets professionals to help companies build sustainable business models leveraging both commercial and defense opportunities.
We've developed a systematic approach for evaluating and accelerating innovations, creating a direct path for transformative technologies to reach the warfighter. Our ecosystem of defense technology incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners ensures early-stage companies can navigate the complex defense landscape and scale their impact.
Igniting Innovation to Advance the Future of Defense
About Us
At Novatus Capital, we're building a better path to bring innovative technologies to market.
Through our proprietary DAI methodology, we identify, capitalize, and accelerate dual-use innovations that serve both commercial and defense needs. Our veteran team brings together industry leaders, government experts, successful entrepreneurs, and capital markets professionals to help companies build sustainable business models leveraging both commercial and defense opportunities.
We've developed a systematic approach for evaluating and accelerating innovations, creating a direct path for transformative technologies to reach the warfighter. Our ecosystem of defense technology incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners ensures early-stage companies can navigate the complex defense landscape and scale their impact.
Igniting Innovation to Advance the Future of Defense
About Us
At Novatus Capital, we're building a better path to bring innovative technologies to market.
Through our proprietary DAI methodology, we identify, capitalize, and accelerate dual-use innovations that serve both commercial and defense needs. Our veteran team brings together industry leaders, government experts, successful entrepreneurs, and capital markets professionals to help companies build sustainable business models leveraging both commercial and defense opportunities.
We've developed a systematic approach for evaluating and accelerating innovations, creating a direct path for transformative technologies to reach the warfighter. Our ecosystem of defense technology incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners ensures early-stage companies can navigate the complex defense landscape and scale their impact.
Leadership Team
Leadership Team
Jay Gibson
CEO
The Honorable Jay Gibson is a private sector leader and C-suite executive across multiple industries, including aerospace and defense. He served as the first Chief Management Officer of the DoD, Assistant Secretary (CFO) of the Air Force, and in several other senior defense leadership roles. Jay has a unique perspective of both the US Government and Private Sector needs for National Security & Defense innovation. He will lead the overall strategic and operational direction of Novatus Capital and the Fund.
Jay Gibson
CEO
The Honorable Jay Gibson is a private sector leader and C-suite executive across multiple industries, including aerospace and defense. He served as the first Chief Management Officer of the DoD, Assistant Secretary (CFO) of the Air Force, and in several other senior defense leadership roles. Jay has a unique perspective of both the US Government and Private Sector needs for National Security & Defense innovation. He will lead the overall strategic and operational direction of Novatus Capital and the Fund.
Brandon Newell
Head of Investment Market Development
As a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, Brandon led, advised, and/or collaborated with nearly all defense innovation organizations. His final position was as NavalX SoCal Tech Bridge Director, serving as government champion for a host of industry partners across the horizontals of Autonomy, Connected, and Electric, including Anduril, Verizon, Robotic Research, and Qualcomm to name a few. He is a recognized expert in de-risking product, product market fit and go to market strategy through methodologies developed by DCI Next under Brandon’s leadership.
Brandon Newell
Head of Investment Market Development
As a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, Brandon led, advised, and/or collaborated with nearly all defense innovation organizations. His final position was as NavalX SoCal Tech Bridge Director, serving as government champion for a host of industry partners across the horizontals of Autonomy, Connected, and Electric, including Anduril, Verizon, Robotic Research, and Qualcomm to name a few. He is a recognized expert in de-risking product, product market fit and go to market strategy through methodologies developed by DCI Next under Brandon’s leadership.
Nate Hartley
COO
Nate Hartley is a former US Army Infantry Officer with 25 years of experience in international capital markets. He started his career at Credit Suisse First Boston and later at Barclays, holding senior positions in trading and treasury roles including as business line treasurer for the Emerging Markets group of Barclays’ investment bank, a $60 billion dollar balance sheet business. He later spent seven years as the CEO of Advance Global Capital, a UK-based alternative investment fund which has been named as one of IA50s top 50 international impact investment funds of its size every year since 2017. He has also held roles as the CFO of Crowdz and Head of North America for Channel Capital Advisors.
Nate Hartley
COO
Nate Hartley is a former US Army Infantry Officer with 25 years of experience in international capital markets. He started his career at Credit Suisse First Boston and later at Barclays, holding senior positions in trading and treasury roles including as business line treasurer for the Emerging Markets group of Barclays’ investment bank, a $60 billion dollar balance sheet business. He later spent seven years as the CEO of Advance Global Capital, a UK-based alternative investment fund which has been named as one of IA50s top 50 international impact investment funds of its size every year since 2017. He has also held roles as the CFO of Crowdz and Head of North America for Channel Capital Advisors.
Managing Partners
Managing Partners
Billy Snider
Head of Marketing & Investor Relations
Billy has over 15 years selling into both government and commercial markets for fast growing tech startups and established Fortune 500 companies. He was an early hire for the Lyft Business team, where he led the Government and Non-Profit vertical. He secured a $186M Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Federal government and negotiated the first rideshare contract with the Department of Defense. He held senior roles at EMC and Investment Banking at Consilium Partners and is a strategic advisor to several early stage startups. His focus for the Fund is originating strategic pipelines and partnerships for funding candidates and developing the overall fund ecosystem.
Billy Snider
Head of Marketing & Investor Relations
Billy has over 15 years selling into both government and commercial markets for fast growing tech startups and established Fortune 500 companies. He was an early hire for the Lyft Business team, where he led the Government and Non-Profit vertical. He secured a $186M Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Federal government and negotiated the first rideshare contract with the Department of Defense. He held senior roles at EMC and Investment Banking at Consilium Partners and is a strategic advisor to several early stage startups. His focus for the Fund is originating strategic pipelines and partnerships for funding candidates and developing the overall fund ecosystem.
Edward Parker
Head of International Development
Ed has extensive investment banking experience in London and Hong Kong working with Cazenove & Co, Salomon Bros, and Citigroup. He is well connected with global Family Offices with relationships created through his involvement in veteran organizations in the UK and US. He served in the British Army during the 1980’s and 1990’s and co-founded UK veteran charity, Walking with the Wounded. He will support the Fund with his skills in venture capital, financial advisory, strategy, investments, public-private partnership and his investor network.
Edward Parker
Head of International Development
Ed has extensive investment banking experience in London and Hong Kong working with Cazenove & Co, Salomon Bros, and Citigroup. He is well connected with global Family Offices with relationships created through his involvement in veteran organizations in the UK and US. He served in the British Army during the 1980’s and 1990’s and co-founded UK veteran charity, Walking with the Wounded. He will support the Fund with his skills in venture capital, financial advisory, strategy, investments, public-private partnership and his investor network.
Special Advisors
Special Advisors
Garrett Harencak
Special Advisor
Garrett "Sack" Harencak is the president and founder of Harencak Consulting LLC, with over 40 years of military and defense contractor experience. A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, he previously served as President of Mission Support and Test Services LLC (MSTS) and Vice President of Strategic Defense Programs at Jacobs Engineering. His military career spanned senior leadership roles in strategic deterrence, nuclear integration, and bomber operations, including command of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and USAF Recruiting Command. Sack resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife Tanya.
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Garrett Harencak
Special Advisor
Garrett "Sack" Harencak is the president and founder of Harencak Consulting LLC, with over 40 years of military and defense contractor experience. A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, he previously served as President of Mission Support and Test Services LLC (MSTS) and Vice President of Strategic Defense Programs at Jacobs Engineering. His military career spanned senior leadership roles in strategic deterrence, nuclear integration, and bomber operations, including command of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and USAF Recruiting Command. Sack resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife Tanya.
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Bernice Kissinger
Special Advisor
Bernice Glenn Kissinger specializes in rapid defense contracting, tech scouting, and engaging innovators from Allied Nations. She has developed unique networking and teaming models, supporting the first Allied Nations OTA Consortium, the Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX), and co-directing the Defense Innovation Unit's OnRamp Hub in Hawaii supporting INDOPACOM. Kissinger currently serves as Managing Director of Ballard Partners' Honolulu and Tokyo offices. She is a co-founder of the Defense Entrepreneur Forum Indo Pacific and Women Allied in Security, an NSF reviewer, and a lifetime member of NDIA Women In Defense. A Princeton University graduate in East Asian Studies, her work has been published in Defense News, Japan Times, Stars and Stripes, and Space News.
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Bernice Kissinger
Special Advisor
Bernice Glenn Kissinger specializes in rapid defense contracting, tech scouting, and engaging innovators from Allied Nations. She has developed unique networking and teaming models, supporting the first Allied Nations OTA Consortium, the Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX), and co-directing the Defense Innovation Unit's OnRamp Hub in Hawaii supporting INDOPACOM. Kissinger currently serves as Managing Director of Ballard Partners' Honolulu and Tokyo offices. She is a co-founder of the Defense Entrepreneur Forum Indo Pacific and Women Allied in Security, an NSF reviewer, and a lifetime member of NDIA Women In Defense. A Princeton University graduate in East Asian Studies, her work has been published in Defense News, Japan Times, Stars and Stripes, and Space News.
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Michael S. Miller
Special Advisor
Michael Miller is the Founder and CEO of Miller C. & Co., where he architects outcome-driven playbooks that translates emerging technologies into early, defensible value in national security relevant markets. His leadership spans both the private sector and U.S. government, serving as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, deploying $12B+ in investments to accelerate transformational technologies. Michael also led the development of innovative technologies as a director at a research and development firm, served in the U.S. Air Force and as a senior advisor to senior executives across several government agencies.
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Michael S. Miller
Special Advisor
Michael Miller is the Founder and CEO of Miller C. & Co., where he architects outcome-driven playbooks that translates emerging technologies into early, defensible value in national security relevant markets. His leadership spans both the private sector and U.S. government, serving as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, deploying $12B+ in investments to accelerate transformational technologies. Michael also led the development of innovative technologies as a director at a research and development firm, served in the U.S. Air Force and as a senior advisor to senior executives across several government agencies.
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John Walker
Special Advisor
John Walker has over 35 years of mining industry experience, holding P&L responsibility across 15 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In 2011, he co-founded The Quartz Corp, a joint venture specializing in high-purity quartz for the solar, semiconductor, and fibre optic industries — now commanding 25% global market share and valued at over $1B. More recently, he has played a key role in shaping global critical mineral strategy, with advisory roles on major lithium and essential minerals projects spanning the UK, USA, Argentina, Finland, Mozambique, Australia, and beyond.
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John Walker
Special Advisor
John Walker has over 35 years of mining industry experience, holding P&L responsibility across 15 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In 2011, he co-founded The Quartz Corp, a joint venture specializing in high-purity quartz for the solar, semiconductor, and fibre optic industries — now commanding 25% global market share and valued at over $1B. More recently, he has played a key role in shaping global critical mineral strategy, with advisory roles on major lithium and essential minerals projects spanning the UK, USA, Argentina, Finland, Mozambique, Australia, and beyond.
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Eddie Mottern
Special Advisor
Eddie is a nationally recognized expert in robotics and autonomy with over 23 years of experience delivering results across complex, high-stakes environments. He played a central role in securing a $228 million Series A capital raise and has built a reputation for scaling operations and bringing disruptive technologies to market. As COO of RRAI, he grew the company from 80 to over 300 employees and led the commercialization of North America's first fully autonomous electric transit bus. Earlier, he led autonomy programs at General Dynamics Robotic Systems and helped deploy autonomous shuttles in 11 countries. Eddie is a published expert on unmanned systems, co-inventor on multiple patents, and holds an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
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Eddie Mottern
Special Advisor
Eddie is a nationally recognized expert in robotics and autonomy with over 23 years of experience delivering results across complex, high-stakes environments. He played a central role in securing a $228 million Series A capital raise and has built a reputation for scaling operations and bringing disruptive technologies to market. As COO of RRAI, he grew the company from 80 to over 300 employees and led the commercialization of North America's first fully autonomous electric transit bus. Earlier, he led autonomy programs at General Dynamics Robotic Systems and helped deploy autonomous shuttles in 11 countries. Eddie is a published expert on unmanned systems, co-inventor on multiple patents, and holds an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
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Technological Dominance is the New Battleground
Our Principles
Our Principles
01
Warfighter-Centricity
Every decision we make is laser-focused on delivering mission-critical capabilities to those who defend our nation. In an era where economic security equals national security, we ensure innovations reach the frontlines at speed.
01
Warfighter-Centricity
Every decision we make is laser-focused on delivering mission-critical capabilities to those who defend our nation. In an era where economic security equals national security, we ensure innovations reach the frontlines at speed.
02
Fierce Dedication
We are operators, not observers. Our proprietary DAI process reflects our unwavering commitment to systematic evaluation, precision execution, and accelerated outcomes.
02
Fierce Dedication
We are operators, not observers. Our proprietary DAI process reflects our unwavering commitment to systematic evaluation, precision execution, and accelerated outcomes.
03
Ecosystem Approach
We harness the collective power of defense innovators, industry leaders, and strategic partners through an extensive network including Tech Bridges, DIU, NSIN, and AFWERX.
03
Ecosystem Approach
We harness the collective power of defense innovators, industry leaders, and strategic partners through an extensive network including Tech Bridges, DIU, NSIN, and AFWERX.
Let’s bring your vision to life
Contact us
Let’s bring your vision to life
Contact us
Let’s bring your vision to life
Contact us