DUAL-USE ACADEMY
DEFENSE WORKSHOP
September 30, 2026
Austin, TX
Join us for Mission Ready: Compliance, Comms & Capital for Defense Tech
Helping defense companies build the legal, financial, and strategic foundation required to compete, grow, and scale.
Dual-Use Academy is designed to help founders in the dual-use space secure non-dilutive funding through education, mentorship, organic connections, and exclusive access to government partners and network. The Academy offers expert guidance on positioning your company for funding success while teaching best practices for keeping your business compliant and qualified for government contracts.
The day will begin with a National Security Demand Signal Roundtable hosted with the National Security Innovation Council at STATION Austin. Program leaders from AFWERX, Defense Innovation Unit, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and NASIC will brief attendees on their current problem sets and priorities.
SPEAKERS
Joy Schoffler
Principal, Distinctive
Edge Partners
SAMANTHA BROWN
Partner, Distinctive Edge Partners
AMANDA MERCED
Partner, Berry & Partners
ASHLEY LANDES
Director, Badger CPA
AGENDA
1:00 – 1:10 PM
Welcome Remarks
1:10 – 2:10 PM
Session 1
2:10 – 2:20 PM
Break
2:20 – 3:20 PM
Session 2
3:20 – 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 – 4:25 PM
Session 3
4:25 – 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Happy Hour
SESSIONS
Session 1: From Capability Statement to Contract
In dual-use and defense, small compliance mistakes can quickly become legal, financial, and reputational problems. This session prepares founders for the moments when the stakes are highest — from audits and investigations to cyber incidents and public scrutiny. Learn how legal, finance, and communications should work together to manage risk, respond effectively, and build the processes your company needs before a crisis occurs.
Session 2: When the FAR Meets the Front Page
Winning in the defense market requires more than strong technology — founders need to communicate what they can deliver clearly and credibly. This session explores how to translate technical capabilities into messaging that resonates with government customers, primes, investors, and acquisition teams without overpromising or underselling your value. Learn how stronger positioning, credible claims, and the right financial signals can build trust long before an RFP or diligence process begins.
Session 3: Built to Last, Built to Scale
Growth in the defense market brings new opportunities — and new operational, financial, and contractual complexity. This session explores what founders need to put in place as they scale, from DCAA-ready accounting and FAR/DFARS compliance to hiring, teaming agreements, capture opportunities, and M&A. Learn how to build the systems and processes that support growth without creating compliance issues that could slow your company down later.
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We help aerospace and defense leaders solve problems and achieve their goals, ensuring they excel at their business of changing the world. Connect with us today to learn how our team of communication, marketing, and event management experts can take your brand to the next level.
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