26 Top Defense Tech VCs To Know

Daniel Ateya, RTX Ventures Daniel Ateya, managing director at RTX Ventures. RTX Ventures

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Notable investments: Ursa Major, Hermeus, EnCharge AI, Tomorrow.Io, Impulse Space

Why he's on the list: After leading 3M's corporate venture arm for over a decade, Ateya took over as head of venture for RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) in 2022. So far, it has invested in 17 aerospace and defense startups, including rocket propulsion provider Ursa Major and hypersonic aircraft developer Hermeus.

"Our main focus is on identifying teams with outstanding technical and engineering talent and experience that have developed a disruptive vision and strategy with an actionable plan to build a scalable business," Ateya told Business Insider.

Steve Bowsher, In-Q-Tel Steve Bowsher, president and CEO of In-Q-Tel. In-Q-Tel

Location: Menlo Park, California

Notable investments: Palantir, Databricks, MongoDB, Anaconda

Why he's on the list: As head of investment strategy (and later President and CEO) of In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture capital fund, Bowsher, in many ways, helped create the entire defense tech startup ecosystem. He made an early bet on Palantir, blowing the doors open for Silicon Valley techies to go after federal contracts. At the time, conventional wisdom in venture capital was that there was no point in trying to sell to the government; too slow, too much red tape, too much competition.

"I don't know how many reference calls I did for venture capitalists between 2006 and 2012 or so who were thinking about investing in Palantir that wanted to talk to me because they didn't understand the government market," Bowsher told Authority Magazine in February.

The son of a federal employee who grew up devouring spy novels, Bowsher has always been interested in the work of the government but actually cut his teeth in Silicon Valley. After graduating from Stanford, he worked for three startups and spent eight years at venture fund InterWest Partners. By combining Silicon Valley's swashbuckling ethos with a government agency's mission-driven mentality, Bowsher has helped shepherd some of the biggest defense tech success stories of the past two decades.

Katherine Boyle, Andreessen Horowitz Katherine Boyle. Andreessen Horowitz

Location: Miami

Notable investments: Anduril, Apex, Hadrian

Why she's on the list: Boyle is the animating spirit of Andreessen Horowitz's American Dynamism practice. She's a former Washington Post journalist who made an impression among founders at General Catalyst, where she invested in Anduril, Relativity Space, Nova Credit, and others. In a blog post at the time of her hiring, A16z general partner David Ulevitch wrote, "when we would meet with the best companies in these areas," such as defense, safety, and national security, "we were always asked if we knew Katherine Boyle." She joined the firm in 2021.

Michael Brown, Shield Capital Michael Brown, partner at Shield Capital. William Pratt

Location: Palo Alto, California

Notable investments: Nexla, according to PitchBook

Why he's on the list: Brown spent four years working for the Department of Defense leading the Defense Innovation Unit, which works to advance the use of commercial technology in the military. He left that role in 2022 to join Shield Capital, and he was promoted to partner in 2023.

Prior to leading the Defense Innovation Unit, Brown spent 2016 to 2018 as a Presidential Innovation Fellow working on the unit's collaboration with startups, known as DIUx. Earlier in his career, Brown spent 13 years as CEO of cybersecurity company Symantec and before that led Quantum Corporation, a data storage management company.

James Bruegger, Seraphim Capital James Bruegger, general partner and CIO at Seraphim Space.. Seraphim Space

Location: London

Notable investments: Hawkeye 360, All.Space, Iceye

Why he's on the list: Brugger is the chief investment officer of Seraphim Capital, which is focused on investing in space technology. He was also an early venture capital investor in Arqit, Iceye, LeoLabs, and D-Orbit and led investments in several companies that went public, including Spire Global and AST SpaceMobile.

According to his LinkedIn profile, his "focus is on identifying and supporting from inception to exit the sector's most ambitious and fearless entrepreneurs as they aspire to harness the infinite potential of Space to turn science fiction into science fact."

Jake Chapman, Marque Ventures Jake Chapman, managing director at Marque Ventures. Jake Chapman/Marque Ventures

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Notable investments: Mach Industries, Rangeview, Vatn, Firestorm, Extropic

Why he's on the list: Chapman started his career in venture capital nearly 20 years ago as a fund formation lawyer. He said he "quickly realized that he was a terrible lawyer but loved what his clients were doing." Chapman went on to cofound three companies and later worked as a corporate VC before starting his own deep tech-focused firm, Alpha Bridge Ventures. But over time, Chapman said he "developed an appreciation for the importance of deep tech to the national security mission" and started focusing his efforts more on defense. He left Alpha Bridge and took over as managing director of the Army Venture Capital Corporation, the VC arm of the US Army, After a few years, Chapman left, along with the team recruited to jump-start the AVCC, and launched the defense and national security-focused firm, Marque Ventures, in 2022.

Elad Gil Solo venture capitalist Elad Gil. Dey

Location: San Francisco

Notable investments: Anduril, Mistral AI, Gitlab

Why he's on the list: Despite not being directly associated with a name-brand VC fund or a government agency, Gil — one of Silicon Valley's biggest solo capitalists — has left his mark on the defense tech sector.

In 2021, Gil personally led Anduril's $450 million Series D, which valued the company at $4.6 billion. The company, led by Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, has been one of the most prominent defense-tech darlings in recent memory, and Gil has continued to be an important backer and booster of the company.

Gil is also a prolific investor across the emerging generative AI space, which he believes will have far-reaching impacts on every facet of society including defense and intelligence use cases. He's also circumspect about the dangers of this nascent technology.

"The first question I asked Anduril when I met them — and it was just the founders — was how do you think about the ethics, and how do you think about what's permissible and isn't?" Gil told Business Insider.

Dan Gwak, Point72 Private Investments Dan Gwak, managing partner at Point72 Private Investments. Point72 Private Investments

Location: Seattle

Notable investments: Shield AI, Vannevar Labs, STOKE Space, Saronic, REGENT

Why he's on the list: Dan Gwak was awarded a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon for his service in the US Marine Corps before getting into VC. He cut his teeth in finance at Credit Suisse and The Carlyle Group and joined In-Q-Tel, the not-for-profit venture firm funded by the Central Intelligence Agency, after his time in the Marine Corps.

After four years as a partner at In-Q-Tel, he joined Point72 Private Investments, the private investing arm of the hedge fund Point72 Asset Management. He oversees the defense tech and growth investment teams at Point72 Ventures. "Today's emergent technologies have the potential to shift the global superpower balance, Gwak told Business Insider. "The startups of today that bring those technologies to bear will be the defense primes of tomorrow."

Tommy Hendrix, Decisive Point Tommy Hendrix, managing partner at Decisive Point. Decisive Point

Locations: New York, Washington, DC

Notable investments: Radiant Nuclear; Maybell Quantum; Firestorm Labs; EpiSci

Why he's on the list: Following a decadelong US Army career where he served as an infantry and Special Forces Officer — including as Troop Commander in the US Central Command's Counter-Terrorism Crisis Response Force — Hendrix earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and later his master's degree in law from the George Washington University Law School.

His first foray into a civilian career was as an analyst at asset management firm Blackstone, where he worked for two years before founding his own venture capital firm, Decisive Point, in 2018. Since starting the firm, which focuses on critical technologies for defense, energy, and infrastructure, Hendrix has invested in startups, including Radiant Nuclear, which is building a portable nuclear microreactor to replace diesel generators, and Firestorm, which builds unmanned aerial systems.

While defense tech plays a big role in Hendrix's portfolio, he told Business Insider that the technology is also important to revitalize America's manufacturing industry.

"Today, we are also seeing a lot of interesting opportunities in adjacent sectors like logistics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and nuclear energy," he said.

George Hoyem, In-Q-Tel George Hoyem, head of investments at In-Q-Tel. In-Q-Tel

Location: San Francisco

Notable investments: Cylance, D-Wave, Swarm Technologies, Gitlab

Why he's on the list: Hoyem currently leads the investment team at In-Q-Tel, the venture capital fund for the CIA and broader intelligence community. The fund has been an early backer of some of the most successful defense tech startups in recent memory. Its close intertwined relationship with the US intelligence establishment gives it unique insight into the problems and processes of highly secretive organizations. Hoyem has spent years as an essential liaison between government stakeholders and Silicon Valley.

He spent over a decade as a venture investor and can move seamlessly between the intelligence community, the venture world, and the startup ecosystem. Hoyem specializes in helping startups that have never worked with the federal government navigate the complex process of developing technology for defense and intelligence applications.

Larsen Jensen, Harpoon Ventures Larsen Jensen, founder and general partner at Harpoon Ventures. Larsen Jensen, Harpoon Ventures

Location: San Diego

Notable investments: Merlin Labs, Kodiak Robotics, Ursa Major, Astranis, WireScreen, Firestorm Labs

Why he's on the list: An Olympian, Navy SEAL, and now a venture capitalist — Larsen Jensen has always been a competitor. He competed and won silver and bronze in freestyle swimming at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, respectively, and holds the American record in the 400-meter freestyle. He later became a Navy SEAL, and then went on to business school at Stanford.

After stints as a VC at Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed, Jensen founded early-stage firm Harpoon Ventures in 2018, focusing on enterprise tech "critical to national security and democracy." The firm manages $300 million in AUM and has invested in defense tech, cybersecurity, AI, and frontier technology.

Jensen said he was introduced early in his career to VC by the cofounders of coaching platform startup BetterUp, Alexi Robichaux and Eduardo Medina. After witnessing their success, he was "inspired to delve deeper into the venture ecosystem."

Paul Kwan, General Catalyst Paul Kwan, managing director at General Catalyst. General Catalyst

Location: San Francisco

Notable investments: Anduril, Helsing, Vannevar Labs, Andesite, Nominal, JEH Aerospace

Why he's on the list: Kwan spent over two decades as a tech banker at Morgan Stanley, spending his last six years there heading its West Coast team. He moved over to General Catalyst in 2021 to become managing director of its Global Resilience Team.

"We look across the entire defense ecosystem and invest in companies that unlock multiplier effects to modernize our defense, intelligence, and industrial base capabilities," Kwan told Business Insider.

One of those companies is Anduril, where Kwan is a board observer. Now he's looking for the next Palmer Luckey, one of Anduril's cofounders.

"In founders, we look for mission, intentionality, technical depth of the team, commitment to responsible innovation, and the ability to radically collaborate with government customers," Kwan said.

Joe Lonsdale, 8VC Joe Lonsdale, managing partner at 8VC. Joe Lonsdale

Location: Austin

Notable investments: Oculus, Guardant Health, Oscar, Anduril

Why he's on the list: Serial founder and investor Lonsdale co-founded Palantir in 2004, soon after graduating from Stanford University. He founded 8VC in 2015, which raised $550 million for its fifth fund last year and now manages over $6 billion in committed capital.

Lonsdale moved 8VC from the Bay Area to Austin in 2020, and wrote on X that Texas was "more tolerant of ideological diversity than SF."

In recent years, after his work at Palantir, Lonsdale has emerged as a prolific defense tech startup founder and investor. He cofounded Epirus, which develops technology to counter unmanned aircraft systems, through 8VC's Build program, and invested in autonomous surface vessels startup Saronic Technologies, and was an early backer of Anduril.

Gilman Louie, America's Frontier Fund Gilman Louie, the founder of the nonprofit, America's Frontier Fund. Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Location: San Francisco

Notable investments: Maxar Technologies, Looking Glass, Aerospike

Why he's on the list: The founder and former CEO of In-Q-Tel, a VC fund backed by the CIA to connect the intelligence agency with the startup community, Louie is now the cofounder and partner at VC fund Alsop Louie Partners and the founder of the nonprofit America's Frontier Fund.

Louie, a director on the Maxar Technologies and Aerospike boards, is also a member of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board and the US Department of State's Foreign Affairs Policy Board.

Pete Mathias, Alumni Ventures Pete Mathias, partner at Alumni Ventures. Alumni Ventures

Location: New York

Notable investments: Unstructured.Io, Red 6, Picogrid, Antares Industries, Edgescale AI, Sphere Semi

Why he's on the list: Mathias forged his path as a VC while touring as the drummer for his rock band, Filligar. Working closely with the US Department of State, Filligar was dispatched to regions including Russia, the Middle East, South America, and North Africa to strengthen cultural connections, Mathias told Business Insider.

After his band days, he started in venture by landing a student fellowship at .406 Ventures. He then worked at VC firm Bertelsmann Investments, where he was embedded in the European and Chinese startup ecosystems. He's now a partner at Alumni Ventures, "overseeing investments in critical strategic technologies for the United States." Mathias is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Council on Germany.

"I embrace venture capital's original self: as an asset class for the biggest ideas for the most consequential and timeless of challenges," he told Business Insider. "Defense is one of those challenges."

Alex Moore, 8VC

Location: Austin

Notable investments: Addepar, Chaos Industries, Wish, Zanbato

Why he's on the list: Moore was employee number one and director of operators at Palantir, where he still sits on the board of directors. He also cofounded social media analytics company Backplane, and cloud automation startup NodePrime, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2016.

As an investor, Moore has invested in over 50 seed-stage companies as both an angel investor and on behalf of 8VC, where he has been a managing partner since 2017. At 8VC, he says he looks for founders with the longer term outlook defense startups require.

"There's a unique type of founder who's not sort of just hacking something together and then jumping around every four years, which is the Silicon Valley ethos," Moore said on a panel last year. "Is this guy going to work on this when he's 25 — is he going to work on it when he's 55? I want someone who's going to, because it's their whole life and they don't have anything else."

John Moran, Lockheed Martin Ventures

Location: Bethesda, Maryland

Notable investments: Elroy Air, Hawkeye 360, Heilcity Space, X-Bow

Why he's on the list: As the executive director of Lockheed Martin Ventures, John Christopher "Chris" Moran is in charge of the defense behemoth's venture strategy.

In 2022, Lockheed Martin doubled the size of its VC fund from $200 million to $400 million so it could make larger investments and speed up "defense innovation through investments in growing tech companies."

The firm has made over 100 investments since 2007, according to PitchBook data.

Jackson Moses, Silent Capital Jackson Moses, founder and managing partner at Silent Ventures. Jackson Moses

Location: Dallas

Notable investments: Hadrian, Saronic, CHAOS, Armada AI, Anduril, Castelion

Why he's on the list: Moses founded Silent Ventures to invest in founders of early-stage aerospace, defense, and national security startups. Since launching his venture fund in late 2022, it's invested in startups, including Firestorm, which builds unmanned aerial systems, and Armada AI, an autonomous surface vessel builder for Western naval and maritime forces.

While Moses has long been in the startup world — he founded AI content-moderation startup Spectrum Labs and corporate tax software MainStreet — building Silent Ventures marks his full-time foray into the defense tech world. Before founding the firm, Moses invested across verticals, including B2B software and manufacturing, as an angel investor.

Josh Manchester, Champion Hill Capital

Location: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Notable investments: SpaceX, Anduril, Umbra

Why he's on the list: A former infantry and combat engineer officer in the US Marine Corps, Manchester and his pre-seed and seed stage firm Champion Hill Capital have backed some of the hottest startups in defense tech and space, including SpaceX, Anduril, and Umbra.

Before launching his firm, Manchester also had investing roles at Foundation Capital and Trubridge Capital Partners. Last year, Manchester addressed generalist VCs' growing interest in defense tech.

"Defense investing is the ultimate form of mission investing," he told TechCrunch. "Defense investors from decades ago are the reason why this article isn't being written in Russian. It's a great thing that the category has new entrants."

Raj Shah, Shield Capital Raj Shah, managing partner at Shield Capital. Resilience

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Notable investments: Hawkeye 360, Howso, Apex, Albedo, Elroy Air, Resilience

Why he's on the list: Shah has been an F-16 fighter pilot with the US Air Force since 2000, and his current work at Shield Capital is centered on connecting Silicon Valley to the Pentagon. Since joining the firm in 2020, Shah has invested in startups, including cyber-insurance startup Resilience — he's also the company's cofounder — and Hawkeye 360, a satellite startup that maps radio frequency emissions for defense, maritime, and global protection purposes. Before Shield, Shah was the managing partner of the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit, the military's innovation arm intended to connect it with commercial, cutting-edge technology.

Shah told Business Insider that he looks for founders who have grit because founding a company is one of the hardest things a person can do outside combat.

"Founding a deep tech company is especially challenging," he said. "We seek to back founders so passionate and dedicated to their mission that they will run through walls to succeed."

Peter Tague, US Innovative Technology Fund Peter Tague is the managing partner at US Innovative Technology Fund. US Innovative Technology Fund

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Notable investments: Capella Space, Primer

Why he's on the list: At Thomas Tull's US Innovative Technology Fund, Tague puts money and support behind companies catering to the defense industry and the commercial sector. He's only been there a year, and is already adding promising upstarts to the fund's portfolio, such as the rapidly-growing satellite manufacturer Capella Space.

Before joining the firm, Tague worked at In-Q-Tel, a nonprofit strategic investor for the national intelligence community and its allies, where he established offices in London and Sydney and oversaw an applied research group focused on national security.

Thomas Tull, US Innovative Technology Fund Thomas Tull . Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Notable investments: Anduril, Celestial AI, Gecko Robotics, Lambda Labs, Pryon, Shield AI

Why he's on the list: Tull made a fortune selling his film company to a Chinese conglomerate several years back, and now uses his money and influence to support defense-focused startups giving the nation and its allies a technological edge.

With a hefty war chest at his fingertips, Tull is one of the most active investors in the defense-tech category. He's already corralled $1.8 billion from backers like Guggenheim Partners for his US Innovative Technology fund. And, The Information reported, he's seeking to raise another $1.2 billion, with a goal of closing a total of $3 billion.

David Ulevitch, Andreessen Horowitz David Ulevitch. Andreessen Horowitz

Location: New York

Notable investments: Air Space Intelligence, Anduril, Flock Safety, Prepared, Radiant, Skydio

Why he's on the list: Ulevitch helped kickstart the American Dynamism practice at Andreessen Horowitz alongside Katherine Boyle, spurring a wave of investment and support for startups advancing the national interest. Before A16z, Ulevitch founded OpenDNS, a cloud-based security service that sold to Cisco in 2015 for $635 million.

Ulevitch has more financial firepower than ever before. In April, A16z unveiled a new $600 million American Dynamism fund for investing in aerospace, defense, public safety, education, housing, supply chain, industrials, and manufacturing.

Chip Walter, Marlinspike

Location: Damascus, Maryland

Notable investments: Anduril, Palantir, Shield AI

Why he's on the list: As a nearly three-decade Navy veteran, Walter may be better suited than just about anyone else on this list to understand the real-world impact of advanced technology on the battlefield. Throughout his storied federal career, he oversaw the CIA's innovation and technology sourcing strategy, advised the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and deployed to Afghanistan. He would go on to lead Northrop Grumman's in-house venture investment where he brought his years of military and government experience to bear on developing innovative new technologies of defense and intelligence applications.

Now, he serves as managing director at Marlinspike, a Washington, DC-based, veteran-led venture capital fund that focuses on technologies solving complex national security issues. Marlinspike has backed some of the biggest and most successful defense tech companies, including Anduril and Palantir.

Josh Wolfe, Lux Capital Josh Wolfe, cofounder of Lux Capital. Lux Capital

Location: New York

Notable investments: Anduril, Saildrone, Hadrian, Varda, Epsilon3

Why he's on the list: Wolfe cofounded Lux Capital in 2000 and has become known for backing moonshot companies in areas like biotech, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and defense. Before entering VC, Wolfe worked in investment banking at Salomon Smith Barney and capital markets at Merrill Lynch.

Wolfe has been a longtime defense tech investor and an early backer of defense tech standouts like Anduril and the space infrastructure startup Varda. While the industry hasn't reached its peak, Wolfe he's a staunch believer in the future of defense tech.

"Standout companies (like Anduril) are rapidly attracting talent and capital, turning product launches into programs of record that are reflected in rising revenue and valuations," he told Business Insider. "This momentum is expected to spur the creation of adjacent ventures and attract additional capital, driving industry growth, and we expect dedicated 'defensetech' fund-of-funds to follow."

Michelle Volz, Andreessen Horowitz Michelle Volz. Andreessen Horowitz

Location: New York

Notable investments: Air Space Intelligence, Cape, Crux, Radiant

Why she's on the list: When all money is green, founders want to work with partners who have been in their shoes before. Volz certainly has. She made her first professional strides at Palantir, creating demos and documentation of its government products, and went on to work at venture-backed startups across cybersecurity and real-estate tech.

In 2022, Volz joined Andreessen Horowitz on the American Dynamism team, focusing on the tangling of software and hardware in areas where the government has a major role, such as defense, aerospace, energy, and — her specialty — public safety.

7 Profitable Technology Business Ideas To Jumpstart Your Entrepreneurial Journey

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Are you a tech enthusiast looking to turn your passion into profits? Look no further! In this post, we've rounded up 7 lucrative technology business ideas that will not only jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey but also set you on the path to financial success. From app development to cybersecurity consulting, there's something for everyone in this ever-evolving industry. So grab your laptop and let's get started on building your empire today!

The Growing Demand for Technology Businesses

The technology industry has been rapidly growing in recent years, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As our world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, the demand for innovative tech businesses continues to rise. In fact, according to a report by Gartner, global spending on technology products and services is expected to reach $4 trillion in 2021.

The Growing Demand for Technology Businesses:One of the main drivers of this growth is the ever-increasing reliance on technology in both personal and professional aspects of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, technology has become an integral part of how we communicate, work, shop, and access information. This heightened dependence has created a high demand for new and improved technologies that can make our lives easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Another factor contributing to the rising demand for technology businesses is the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place worldwide, many traditional industries have struggled while tech companies have prospered. The sudden shift towards remote work, online learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce has highlighted the essential role of technology in maintaining business continuity during crises.

Furthermore, advancements in technology itself are generating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into emerging markets. For instance, the development of 5G networks has opened doors for innovation in fields like virtual reality gaming or self-driving cars. The Internet of Things (IoT) is also creating unique business prospects as connected devices revolutionize industries such as healthcare and manufacturing.

These factors have resulted in a thriving environment where there is an increasing need for digitally-driven solutions across various sectors. This presents aspiring entrepreneurs with an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this demand by launching their own profitable tech ventures.

Why You Should Consider Starting A Tech Business:Not only does starting a technology business offer potential financial success but it also allows individuals to be at the forefront of shaping how society operates in an increasingly digital world. Tech startups are also known for their scalability, attracting investors looking for high-growth potential ventures.

Idea 1: Mobile App Development and Customization Services

Mobile app usage has skyrocketed in recent years, with more and more businesses turning to apps as a way to connect with their customers and streamline their operations. As the demand for mobile apps continues to rise, there is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into this market by offering mobile app development and customization services.

One of the major advantages of starting a mobile app development and customization business is its low barrier to entry. With readily available tools and resources, even individuals without extensive coding experience can create functional and high-quality apps. However, what sets successful businesses apart is their ability to offer unique and customized solutions tailored to their clients' specific needs.

To start this business, it is important to have a deep understanding of the latest app development trends, as well as knowledge of various programming languages such as Java, Objective-C or Swift for iOS platforms, and Kotlin or React Native for Android platforms. Additionally, having graphic design skills can also be beneficial in creating visually appealing interfaces for the apps.

Once you have established your technical expertise, you can start marketing your business by reaching out to potential clients through social media platforms or attending networking events. It is essential to showcase your portfolio that highlights your previous projects and demonstrates your abilities in developing custom-made applications.

As an entrepreneur in this field, it will be crucial to stay updated with new technologies and constantly improve your skills through online courses or workshops. Keeping up-to-date with industry trends will give you an advantage over competitors in providing cutting-edge solutions.

Idea 2: E-commerce Platforms and Online Marketplaces

In recent years, the growth of e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces has been unstoppable. With the rise of internet usage and increasing consumer preference for online shopping, starting a business in this sector can prove to be extremely profitable.

E-commerce platforms refer to websites or apps that allow individuals and businesses to conduct buying and selling activities electronically. These can range from small boutique shops to large retail giants like Amazon or Alibaba. On the other hand, online marketplaces are platforms that connect buyers with multiple sellers offering various products or services.

One of the biggest advantages of starting an e-commerce platform or online marketplace is the low barrier to entry. With minimal upfront costs, you can create an online store or marketplace using various platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy. This means that even as a solopreneur, you can start your own business without needing hefty investments.

Moreover, e-commerce platforms provide a wide reach for businesses as they have the potential to cater to a global audience. The convenience of shopping from anywhere at any time makes it appealing for consumers, leading to higher sales and revenue for businesses.

Additionally, with advancements in technology and digital marketing strategies, it has become easier to target specific audiences based on their interests and behavior. This allows businesses on e-commerce platforms and marketplaces to personalize their offerings and tailor them according to customer preferences, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

Another benefit of venturing into this field is its scalability. As your business grows, you can easily expand your product offerings or scale up your operations without worrying about physical constraints like in traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Idea 3: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Solutions

With the rise of technology and its integration into our daily lives, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions has become more prevalent. These advanced technologies have paved the way for new businesses to emerge, making it an attractive avenue for entrepreneurs to explore.

One of the key benefits of AI and ML solutions is their ability to streamline processes and improve efficiency in various industries. For example, in healthcare, AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze medical images and assist doctors in making accurate diagnoses. In customer service, chatbots

In addition to improving efficiency, AI and ML solutions also have a significant impact on cost reduction for businesses. By automating repetitive tasks such as data entry or data analysis, companies can save time and resources while also minimizing errors. This not only cuts down on operational costs but also allows businesses to redirect their resources towards higher-value tasks that require human creativity and problem-solving skills.

Another potential area where AI and ML solutions can be profitable is in personalized marketing. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of consumer data to identify patterns and preferences, allowing businesses to tailor their marketing campaigns accordingly. This level of personalization has been proven to increase conversion rates significantly, making it a valuable tool for companies looking to boost their sales.

Furthermore, with the continued development of self-driving cars, drones, virtual assistants, and other cutting-edge technologies that rely on AI and ML capabilities, there is a growing demand for specialized services such as software development or consulting in this field. Entrepreneurs with expertise in these areas could tap into these emerging markets by providing innovative solutions or services.

However, it is essential to note that venturing into AI/ML-based business ideas requires a high level of technical knowledge and capital investment. Therefore entrepreneurs must carefully plan their approach before embarking on this journey. One way they could do so is by partnering with experienced professionals or companies that specialize in AI/ML solutions. This collaboration can help mitigate risks and provide access to the necessary resources, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on developing their business ideas.

Idea 4: Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Development and Design

As technology continues to advance, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have become increasingly popular and in-demand. These immersive technologies have the ability to transport users to different worlds and enhance their real-life experiences. With the gaming industry being one of the biggest markets for VR/AR, there are endless opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into this market by specializing in VR/AR development and design.

Firstly, let's distinguish between VR and AR. While both involve computer-generated graphics, VR completely immerses the user in a simulated environment while AR overlays digital content onto the real world. Both these technologies have proven to be invaluable tools for various industries including gaming, education, tourism, healthcare, marketing, and more. Entrepreneurs can cater their services towards any of these industries or even specialize in a specific aspect such as designing training simulations or creating interactive marketing campaigns.

One of the main advantages of starting a VR/AR development and design business is that it has relatively low start-up costs compared to other tech businesses. All that is needed is a computer with suitable software and creative minds with an eye for detail. However, it is essential to stay updated on the latest hardware and software developments as this field evolves rapidly.

To succeed in this venture, having technical expertise and skills like programming languages such as C#, Unity3D or Unreal Engine is crucial. Furthermore, knowledge of 3D modelling tools like Maya or Blender will come in handy when building virtual environments. Design skills like animation, UI/UX design are also essential to create visually stunning experiences.

The key differentiator between a successful VR/AR business and an average one will be its content quality. The better your products represent realistic environments or objects while keeping up with technological advances; you will stand out from competitors.

Moreover, expanding your product range beyond just gaming can boost profitability greatly by reaching out to various industries mentioned earlier which use these technologies for training, marketing or healthcare purposes. Another way to stand out in the market is by offering customized VR/AR solutions for clients according to their requirements.

Idea 5: Digital Marketing and Social Media Management Services

With the rise of digital platforms and online marketing, businesses can no longer ignore the importance of having a strong online presence. This is where digital marketing and social media management services come into play.

Nowadays, consumers rely heavily on the internet for information, reviews, and recommendations before making purchases. As such, companies need to have a solid online strategy to attract potential customers and retain existing ones.

Digital marketing involves using various online channels like search engines, social media, email marketing, content creation, and more to reach out to potential customers. On the other hand, social media management focuses specifically on managing a company's presence on different social media platforms.

The demand for these services is continuously increasing as businesses realize the value of investing in digital marketing. As an entrepreneur with knowledge and expertise in this field, you can capitalize on this demand by offering your services to clients.

One advantage of starting a digital marketing agency is that it requires minimal startup costs. All you need is a laptop or computer and reliable internet connection to get started. You can also work remotely from anywhere in the world, allowing for flexibility and freedom in your business.

To be successful in this industry, it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in digital marketing. Platforms like Google Analytics provide valuable insights into consumer behavior that can help tailor strategies for each client's needs.

Furthermore , having strong communication skills is crucial as you will be working closely with clients to understand their goals and objectives. It's also important to be creative in developing unique approaches tailored specifically for each business.

As more businesses turn towards outsourcing their digital marketing efforts due to lack of expertise or time constraints, there will always be opportunities for entrepreneurs offering these services.

Idea 6: Cybersecurity Consulting and Solutions

Cybersecurity consulting involves offering expert advice and guidance on how best to secure a company's network, systems, and devices from potential threats. As a consultant, you will work closely with clients to assess their current cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, and recommend strategies to improve their overall security status.

Additionally, you can offer services such as risk assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management to help businesses proactively identify and address any potential weaknesses in their digital infrastructure. These services can also be offered on an ongoing basis to ensure that the company remains protected against emerging threats.

Moreover, there is also a need for customized cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for each business's unique needs. This includes software tools that can prevent unauthorized access to networks or platforms and encrypt sensitive data. As an entrepreneur providing such solutions, you should stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and approaches in cybersecurity so you can develop robust products that meet industry standards.

But it's not just about protecting data; it's also about ensuring business continuity in the event of a cyber attack or breach. Hence another profitable idea is offering disaster recovery services – helping businesses create backups of their critical data so they can quickly resume operations after an incident.

To succeed in this business idea, you need technical skills along with specialized knowledge in areas like cryptography, threat intelligence analysis or ethical hacking techniques. You must also keep your finger on the pulse of changes within the industry as cyber threats evolve every day.

Additionally, honing your marketing skills is crucial as well since many businesses may not realize the importance of investing in cybersecurity until they become victims themselves. You must be able to effectively communicate the value and importance of your services, especially considering that cybersecurity is not a tangible or visible product.

Idea 7: Cloud Computing and SaaS Products

Cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) have become increasingly popular in recent years as businesses seek more efficient and cost-effective technology solutions. As such, this presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into the market by offering cloud computing and SaaS products.

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, servers, databases, software applications, and analytics. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in expensive hardware and infrastructure, making it an attractive option for companies of all sizes.

On the other hand, SaaS products are software applications that are hosted on the cloud and accessed through a web browser or dedicated app. They offer a range of benefits such as cost savings, automatic updates, scalability, and easy collaboration between team members.

One profitable idea within this sector is to develop customizable SaaS products for specific industries or niches. For example, creating project management software specifically designed for construction companies or an accounting tool tailored for freelancers. By targeting a specific audience with unique needs, you can differentiate your product from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.

Additionally, you could also consider developing cloud-based storage solutions for businesses that handle large amounts of data or providing infrastructure-less hosting services. These options allow businesses to securely store their data on remote servers without having to invest in expensive hardware or hire IT staff to manage it.

Another potential avenue is to develop platforms that help businesses automate their processes through integrations with various SaaS tools. Companies are always looking for ways to streamline their operations and improve efficiency – offering them an all-in-one solution can be incredibly appealing.

However, developing successful cloud computing or SaaS products requires significant investment in research and development before launch. It's crucial to thoroughly understand your target market's needs and pain points before creating your product so that you can effectively address them.

But don't let the initial costs deter you; these types of products tend to have high demand and consistent revenue streams. Plus, the recurring subscription model of SaaS products means you can continue to generate income even after the initial sale.

Conclusion

These seven technology business ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential opportunities in the ever-evolving world of technology. As an entrepreneur, it is essential to stay updated with market trends and constantly explore new ways to innovate and disrupt industries. We hope these ideas have sparked your creativity and motivated you to take action on your journey towards starting a successful tech-based venture. Remember, with determination, hard work and perseverance, anything is possible in the fast-paced world of technology entrepreneurship.

Baltimore City Schools Adopt New AI Weapon Detection System. Here's How It Works

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City schools are using artificial intelligence to keep things safe.

The public school system is rolling out a new weapon detection system from Evolv Technology. Digital Harbor High School was the first school to implement it.

WJZ was inside Digital Harbor High School Tuesday morning to see the new scanners in action.

The scanners are a little wider than the metal detectors the school used before. While they started being used on Monday, many students still had to adjust to the new technology.

Before going through the scanners, students and teachers have to take out laptops, binders and umbrellas from their bags and place them in a bin.

But, everything else -- including backpacks -- can go through the scanners.

Digital Harbor High senior Dejavu Rimmer said it's a lot faster than it was with the metal detectors.

"[With the metal detectors] I had to take everything off," Rimmer said. "They'd check our bags and we had to put our phones away."

Senior Trayvon Smith agreed.

"Now we can just walk through without having to do all of that. I feel like it's more time-saving and more efficient," he said.

Here's how the scanners work: with the help of AI, the scanners are looking for components or whole weapons. As soon as one is detected, the scanner alerts staff who are monitoring tablets that are part of the system.

On those tablets, staff can see exactly where the possible weapon is.

Over the next month, the scanners will be implemented in traditional, alternative and transformational high schools in the city.

The school district said these scanners were tested last school year after a survey found students and staff wanted more safety measures in schools.

"It is a public forward-facing opportunity that we're committed to providing a safe learning environment to our staff, students and families," said Maurice Gaskins, director of construction for BCPS.

Some students WJZ met Tuesday morning said they're unsure if this will be enough, recalling back in 2021 when a gun was found in the school.

Also, last year, the school had to undergo a lockdown because of a possible gun threat.

During the 2022-2023 school year, 15 guns were found in BCPS schools, according to a school district spokeswoman.

Smith is grateful the school district is investing in safety.

"It lets students know that the school really cares about the safety of the students," he said.

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