Defense and dual-use ventures don't fail on technology. They fail on translation.
Strategic advisory for founders, investors, and institutions building, funding, and scaling defense and dual-use technology — grounded in direct product, capital, and operational experience, not observation from the outside.
Why a working defense product isn't automatically a business
Building working technology isn't enough in defense tech. To grow, a product has to clear four stages.
Combat use
Does the product solve a real frontline problem — not on a test range, but under real conditions?
Product and business model
Can it be manufactured, sold, and scaled to meet military unit, procurement, and General Staff requirements?
Capital
Does the investor understand where the money goes — and how do you pick the right one?
International market
Are the product and company ready for European requirements, partnerships, and orders?
I know how to move successfully through each of these stages — if your product genuinely works.
I've walked this path in different roles
Where are you right now?
I work with defense teams across different TRL levels — from a working prototype to international scaling.
Your product already works
You have first real-world use and feedback from military users, but it's unclear how to scale it and turn a working product into a systematic business.
→ We'll define the next steps and a growth strategy.
You're ready to scale
Demand exists, but growth brings new challenges: production, team, sales, large customers, and business model.
→ We'll find what's holding back growth and prepare the company for the next level.
You need capital
A working product isn't enough. Investors need to see the market, the economics, the scaling potential, and a clear growth strategy.
→ We'll prepare the company to raise capital and talk to investors in their own language.
You're ready for international markets
What works and sells in Ukraine doesn't automatically scale to other markets. You need to define countries, buyers, positioning, a partnership model, and an entry strategy.
→ We'll build the route to international market entry.
You could be at any of these stages. I'll help you move through each of them as fast and effectively as possible.
Built and operated, not only advised
DrillApp
Challenge
Build a product that works as two businesses at once — a consumer app for individual soldiers, and a B2B platform for instructors and defense manufacturers — with military-grade security expectations from day one.
Actions
- Self-funded initial development, then secured USF grants and angel capital
- Structured the commercial model: subscription, OEM onboarding, revenue share
- Secured initial OEM contracts and led the current fundraising round
Outcome
A live product in active use by military personnel; NATO-adjacent testing; OEM partnerships signed.
[VERIFY] Current user/revenue figures at time of publication.
Psychological Support Function
Challenge
Build a support function that adapts as fast as operational tempo demands. Presented at a conceptual level by design — operational specifics are intentionally excluded.
Actions
- Co-authored a public field guide on communication and reintegration
- Introduced VR- and biosensor-assisted decompression tools
- Advocated for curriculum reform in Ukrainian psychology education
Outcome
A functioning, adaptive support process. Awarded the Medal for Resilience, 2024.
MyDutyFree
Challenge
Build a company from zero — team, process, go-to-market — across seven structurally different markets at once.
Actions
- Assembled the founding team and built core operating processes
- Launched into seven countries, connecting 33 retail points
- Secured Plug'n'Play acceptance and a CRDF Global grant
Outcome
Operational launch across seven countries with 33 connected retail points; accelerator graduation and grant funding secured.
Forbes Ukraine
Challenge
Modernize digital infrastructure and build sustainable subscription revenue simultaneously, amid wartime disruption to media economics.
Actions
- Set technology strategy and digital product roadmap
- Directed subscription and analytics strategy for Forbes Community+
- Coordinated editorial, product, and technology functions at executive level
Outcome
An operating digital subscription and analytics infrastructure supporting the brand's monetization strategy.
UUI Ventures — Hideez
Challenge
Structure and lead a $1M Series A syndicate into Hideez, a cybersecurity hardware company — anchoring the round rather than participating in it.
Actions
- Sourced and evaluated Hideez as an investment opportunity
- Led the $1M syndicate, anchoring $500K of the round
- Invested personally as an angel in the same round
Outcome
A closed $1M Series A round, 2018 — the position has been held continuously since.
Analysis, not filler
The founding story of a wartime training platform
How DrillApp went from a personal $20K bet to a live product.
PTSD, adaptation, and veteran reintegration
A field-level interview on psychological support inside an active brigade.
Building a defense app with a special-forces co-founder
The origin story, told from inside the founding team.
If your product works, let's figure out how to grow it faster.
Tell me briefly what you're building, where you are right now, and where you want to get to. I'll review it and let you know if I can help, and what format of work would fit best.
Every brief gets a direct, personal reply — usually within two business days. Strong fits receive a scheduling link right away.
Thanks — your application has been sent. Expect a reply within two business days.
Your information is used only to prepare for our conversation and isn't shared with third parties.