Field of View (FOV) - April 2025

Comprised of experienced startup operators and former DoD, Approach Venture was formed to enable founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential. Approach supports frontier technology startups with business development, proposal writing and recruiting as well as larger organizations with technology scouting, due diligence and market intelligence.

CONTACT APPROACH to learn more. Follow us on LINKEDIN.

NEW ADDITION TO APPROACH VENTURE

Following time leading space-focused capture efforts for Palantir, Approach Venture is pleased to announce SHAWN KOBYLINKSKI will be joining us as Vice President.

We’re ecstatic to have Shawn onboard and for the teams we support across dual-use business development & capture efforts to benefit from Shawn’s operator experiences spanning across startups through Primes: Palantir, York Space Systems and Lockheed Martin.

EMERGING TRENDS

KEEPING UP WITH REVISED TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES.

The past month has been a rollercoaster for startup founders engaging with and seeking funding from US government organizations. From contract delays and unexpected cancellations to the whiplash of released and then rescinded solicitations, the environment is in constant flux. At Approach, our team of former DoD and startup operators is diligently tracking these dynamic changes and other vital aspects of doing business across government branches.

The most recent example came from the National Science Foundation (NSF). On May 2, NSF announced the termination of additional awards not aligned with revised agency priorities. This decision reflects the organization’s communicated alignment with current priorities and commitment to continuing to advance science and engineering R&D in the US. The current administration is actively pursuing significant cuts to NSF—FY2026 includes a 55% reduction in NSF funding.

Another example of many that we are tracking includes Air Force Special Operations Command's (AFSOC) A3 branch, previously focused on logistics planning, is reportedly disbanding. To support our dual-use focused partners and clients amidst this dynamic government organizational shift, we are actively adapting roadmap strategies and in some cases, pivoting where needed.

NEED FOR SPEED: HOW THE FAR OVERHAUL AIMS TO DELIVER.

Alright folks, let's cut to the chase: the FAR OVERHAUL is here, and it's a game-changer you need to understand, no matter which side of the acquisition table you sit on. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the primary regulation governing the process by which the US federal government purchases goods and services.

For our DoD subscribers, this isn't just another bureaucratic shuffle. We're talking about a potential acceleration of the procurement pipeline. Plain language in the FAR means clearer requirements, potentially faster turnaround on critical acquisitions, and hopefully, more streamlined access to the innovative solutions you need in the field. Keep an eye out for those buying guides which are designed to make the process more navigable for program managers and contracting officers alike. Be prepared for new contract language, and ensure your teams are up to speed on the revised procedures. This could mean getting cutting-edge tech into your hands faster—if we play our cards right.

For our VC and investor subscribers, this overhaul presents a significant opportunity. The push for plain language and reduced complexity is intended to lower the barrier to entry for non-traditional contractors, including the innovative startups you call PortCos. The emphasis on commercial solutions and the potential for increased use of OTAs signal a shift towards embracing agile, commercially-proven technologies. This means your portfolio companies might find it easier to navigate the federal landscape. However, due diligence will be key. Understand how these changes impact existing contracts and future solicitations. The sunset provisions on non-statutory rules also mean a more dynamic regulatory environment—one that could favor nimble, adaptable companies.

For our startup founder subscribers, the government is actively trying to make it easier for you to do business with them. The focus on commercial solutions plays directly to your strengths. The reduced complexity and clearer language should make navigating the FAR less daunting. However, don't get complacent and be sure to understand the nuances of these changes. Engage with the buying guides. Network with government acquisition professionals. This isn't a guarantee of easy wins, but it's a significant step towards leveling the playing field. Be prepared to articulate how your commercial offerings meet defense needs in clear, understandable terms.

Overall, the FAR Overhaul is about speed, clarity, and broader participation. For the military, it's about getting better tools faster. For investors, it's about unlocking new government markets for your portfolio companies. And for startups, it's about a more accessible pathway to serving our national security needs. Stay informed, adapt quickly, and leverage these changes to our collective advantage.

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TOP TALENT & JOBS

ALL JOB OPENINGS | RESUME DROP

HERE is Approach’s list of Tier I A&D industry talent.

FEDERAL WORKFORCE SHIFTS HIRING MARKET.

As part of the federal government’s DOGE initiative, over 100,000 employees, including a large number of transitioning service members, are moving out of government roles this year. Many are doing so through voluntary severance programs or deferred resignation options, which offer up to two years of pay in exchange for early exit. For service members, programs like TAP (Transition Assistance Program) provide job training, resume support, and a structured path into the civilian workforce. This allows some individuals to test the job market before fully separating, but the timelines can vary, and the process is often under tight deadlines.

There are trade-offs involved. Taking severance can disqualify individuals from certain long-term benefits or require repayment if they later qualify for VA compensation. For many, it’s a financial and career reset that comes with real uncertainty, especially for those who haven't yet lined up civilian roles. On the upside, a wave of cleared, experienced professionals is entering the private sector with leadership backgrounds and technical expertise across defense, aerospace, cyber, and logistics. For employers, it’s a unique moment: a larger-than-usual pool of mission-driven talent is exploring new opportunities outside the federal system, and many are doing so for the first time in their careers.

FEATURED JOB OPENINGS.

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TRACKED SOLICITATIONS

Contact [email protected] for proposal support.

ACTIVE.

UPCOMING.

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VENTURE UPDATE

BREAKING AWAY FROM LEGACY VENTURE MODEL.

Lightspeed Venture Partners has transitioned to a registered investment advisor (RIA) status, enabling it to invest more extensively in assets beyond traditional startup equity, such as public stocks, secondary shares, and cryptocurrencies. This move aligns with a broader trend among major venture capital firms seeking greater flexibility in their investment strategies.

This strategic shift reflects broader challenges facing venture capital, such as a slowdown in fundraising, fewer IPO and acquisition exits, and declining startup valuations. By turning to secondary markets, Lightspeed seeks to offer investor liquidity and take advantage of discounted assets—having already deployed $580 million into secondaries over the past three years. Lightspeed now has the ability to invest in public equities, execute private equity-style buyouts, build roll-up strategies, and scale secondary market operations—essentially operating like a modernized Blackstone.

At the same time, there's been a notable surge in “defense-tech” VCs backing Pre-Seed to Seed stage startups. The key question is whether this will lead to a wave of consolidation over the next 2–3 years—or a spike in startup failures amid limited exit opportunities. Time will tell.

HARPOON VENTURES UNVEILS BLACK FLAG ACCELERATOR.

The Black Flag Accelerator is a virtual, rolling accelerator program launched by Harpoon Ventures in collaboration with Shield Capital and In-Q-Tel (IQT). Black Flag is designed to support early-stage startups developing critical technologies across sectors such as aerospace, defense, energy, robotics, AI, cybersecurity, and biotechnology.

Unlike traditional accelerators, Black Flag operates without fixed cohorts or deadlines. Instead, it accepts applications on a rolling basis and provides ongoing support tailored to each company's needs. Startups accepted into the program receive investments ranging from $250k to $1mm from Harpoon Ventures. Additionally, Shield Capital and IQT may choose to invest independently.

FOUNDER TIP

FIND YOUR CHAMPIONS.

Due to recent downsizing of government teams, it’s critical to identify new champions if your prior advocates will no longer be part of organizations you previously engaged with. Relatedly, technology focus areas and interest have changed significantly over the last month or so—be sure to understand revised focus areas for specific government teams and where your technology fits (the answer yesterday is not the same as today).

[email protected]

[email protected]

DID YOU KNOW?

USAF/USSF SOLICITATION(S) OVERLAP.

The upcoming AFWERX Open Topic solicitation is no longer called 25.6 and is now 25.5 (the same number as the last solicitation released in February 2025).

This solicitation also overlaps with many USAF/USSF Specific Topics which are all planned to release on the same date: Wednesday, May 7. Said Specific Topics were previously released and then rescinded soon thereafter.

Link to Last Month’s Newsletter HERE.