Defense Innovation and Dual-Use Growth Strategies with Jacqueline Blackburnn

Jacqueline Blackburn, leader of the acceleration portfolio at Decisive Point, brings a wealth of experience from the U.S. Naval Academy, forward-deployed service in the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community, venture investing at Scout Ventures, and scaling early-stage technology at J.P. Morgan. In this episode, she shares leadership lessons gained from working across both government and private sector innovation. The conversation explores how dual-use startups can successfully navigate the transition from seed funding to Series A, particularly when serving both commercial and defense markets. Jacqueline discusses the importance of engaging transition partners early and building credibility that lasts. She offers perspective on the role of venture capital in accelerating defense-relevant technologies and how startups can better communicate their dual-use value proposition. The episode also highlights overlooked forms of support that are essential for scaling in the national security ecosystem. Looking ahead, Jacqueline points to emerging defense innovation trends and ways to strengthen the pipeline between startups and defense adoption.

Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com