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The Pair Program

Technology Podcasts

Welcome to the Pair Program from hatchpad, the podcast that gives you a front-row seat to candid conversations with tech leaders from the startup world. Join host Tim Winkler alongside co-host Mike Gruen as they bring together two guests to dissect topics at the intersection of technology, startups, and career growth. Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies. Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight. Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions: 💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer? 💡 Should we build or buy software? 💡 How do startups get funded? 💡 How do I get into Product Management? All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad. 🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣 Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists. Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology. Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends. This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals. 🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/ 🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/ Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to the Pair Program from hatchpad, the podcast that gives you a front-row seat to candid conversations with tech leaders from the startup world. Join host Tim Winkler alongside co-host Mike Gruen as they bring together two guests to dissect topics at the intersection of technology, startups, and career growth. Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies. Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight. Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions: 💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer? 💡 Should we build or buy software? 💡 How do startups get funded? 💡 How do I get into Product Management? All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad. 🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣 Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists. Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology. Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends. This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals. 🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/ 🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/ Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg

Language:

English


Episodes
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From Tickets to Autonomy: Reinventing IT with AI Agents | The Pair Program Ep87

1/27/2026
From Tickets to Autonomy: Reinventing IT with AI Agents | The Pair Program Ep87 On today’s episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Jake Stauch, Founder & CEO of Serval, and Patrick Chase, Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures, for a deep dive into the future of IT service management. The conversation explores why legacy ITSM tools are breaking under modern demands, how AI-native automation is changing the way work actually gets done, and what it takes to build and back a category-defining infrastructure company. What we cover: About Patrick Chase: Patrick is a Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures, where he focuses on infrastructure, SaaS, and AI. He has been at Redpoint for over seven years and works closely with companies including Modal, Serval, LiveKit, Hex, Attio, MotherDuck, and Zed. About Jake Stauch: Jake is the Founder and CEO of Serval, an AI-driven IT automation and service management platform. Before founding Serval, he spent more than five years at Verkada, leading products from early concept through launch and scaling efforts across hardware and software, operating at the intersection of product, operations, and AI-powered infrastructure. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:00:52

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Mission Modernized: How AI is Reshaping Intelligence from the Inside Out | The Pair Program Ep86

1/13/2026
Mission Modernized: How AI is Reshaping Intelligence from the Inside Out | The Pair Program Ep86 On today’s episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Sheetal Patel, former CIA Assistant Director for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, and Bruce Frost, Vice President of Intelligence at Rhombus Power, to discuss how AI is reshaping modern intelligence. With decades of experience across government and industry, they break down what it really takes to modernize analysis, move faster in high-stakes environments, and build trust in emerging technologies. What we cover in this episode: About Sheetal Patel: Sheetal is a former CIA senior executive with 28 years of service across national security and intelligence. She served as Assistant Director for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, where she built and led a new team focused on emerging technologies. She also previously held the role of Assistant Director for CIA for Counterintelligence. About Bruce Frost: Bruce joined Rhombus Power in September 2022, where he serves as Vice President of Intelligence. Prior to joining Rhombus Power, Bruce was a senior executive at CIA where he held a variety of leadership roles including Associate Deputy Director of CIA for Operations. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:53:45

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Feeding the Beam: Powering Directed Energy & Counter-UAS | The Pair Program Ep85

1/6/2026
Feeding the Beam: Powering Directed Energy & Counter-UAS | The Pair Program Ep85 In today’s episode, we’re joined by Adam Warmoth, Founder & CEO of Chariot Defense, and Michael LaFramboise, CEO & Co-Founder of Aurelius Systems, for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked constraints in modern warfare: power. Together, they explore how energy, autonomy, and cost collide at the tactical edge, and why rethinking power systems is critical for counter-UAS, directed energy weapons, and future defense stacks. The conversation blends real-world demos, lessons from commercial tech, and candid insights on what it actually takes to deploy hardware that works beyond day one. We dive into: About Adam Warmoth: Adam is Founder & CEO of Chariot Defense, building edge-deployable power systems for modern battlefields. Former engineering leader at Anduril Industries, with experience spanning counter-UAS, robotics, AI, and sensor fusion. Previously worked on advanced electric power systems at Archer Aviation, Uber Elevate, and Kitty Hawk. Stanford-trained engineer focused on bringing commercial-grade power tech into defense. About Michael LaFramboise: Michael is CEO & Co-Founder of Aurelius Systems, developing autonomous laser platforms to defeat drones at radically lower cost. Brings a rare mix of experience across automotive manufacturing, high-power laser systems, and defense sales. His team’s flagship system, Archimedes, combines AI, sensors, and directed energy to neutralize drones in seconds—turning electricity into ammunition. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:58:36

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How We Hatched with Luigi Lenguito

12/23/2025
NEW TITLE | The Pair Program EpXX Join us as our hosts, Tim and Mike, talk to ....... In this episode, ........... They discuss: And much more!

Duration:00:47:38

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From Open Source to Open Skies: Why Sapphire Ventures Backed Defense Unicorns | The Pair Program Ep84

12/16/2025
From Open Source to Open Skies: Why Sapphire Ventures Backed Defense Unicorns | The Pair Program Ep84 In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Rob Slaughter, CEO of Defense Unicorns, and Jai Das, President, Partner, and Co-Founder at Sapphire Ventures, for a deep dive into what it takes to modernize defense software—and why a leading enterprise VC made its first-ever bet in defense tech. The conversation explores how open source is reshaping national security, what scalable government software really requires, and why contrarian investment decisions often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Key topics include: About Rob Slaughter: Rob made a name for himself in the defense tech community leading a variety of software development teams within the Department of the Air Force and Department of Defense, including as director of the DOD’s DevSecOps platform team, Platform One. Now, since leaving the military, he’s CEO of Defense Unicorns, a company that delivers that same secure software development for mission-focused organizations. About Jai Das: Jai is President, Partner, and Co-Founder at Sapphire Ventures, investing in growth-stage startups building category-defining enterprise technology. With 15+ years of experience, he has backed companies like Glean, Cohesity, ThoughtSpot, CircleCI, and Defense Unicorns, with 15+ IPOs and 20+ acquisitions across his portfolio. He is a recognized voice in AI and enterprise tech, frequently featured in top media and speaking at major industry conferences. His focus areas include AI/ML, data, security, DevOps, open source, and crypto. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:15:50

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Securing the Supply Web: From the Global Network to the Tactical Edge | The Pair Program Ep83

12/9/2025
Securing the Supply Web: From the Global Network to the Tactical Edge | The Pair Program Ep83 In Episode 83, Tim Winkler and Sean Leahy talk with Peter Goldsborough, Co-Founder and CTO of Rune Technologies, and Evan Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Altana, about how AI and modern data systems are reshaping defense logistics. They explore the disconnect between global supply networks and frontline sustainment, the realities of operating in disconnected environments, and why visibility and trust are now core to readiness. A concise look at the technologies and decisions that keep missions moving. What we cover in this episode: About Evan Smith: Evan Smith is the Co-Founder and CEO of Altana, the world’s Product Network, an AI-powered network connecting global businesses, suppliers, logistics providers, and governments. He has founded and led companies across supply chain, clean tech, and data, and holds a degree in Economics from Yale University. About Peter Goldsborough: Peter Goldsborough is the Co-Founder and CTO of Rune Technologies. Before launching Rune, he served as a core developer on Facebook’s PyTorch team, worked on real-time data systems, and helped build Anduril’s machine learning platform while leading software engineering across key defense programs. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:02:25

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Runtime Confidence Meets Real-World Adoption: How AI Is Transforming Traditional Industries | The Pair Program Ep82

12/2/2025
Runtime Confidence Meets Real-World Adoption: How AI Is Transforming Traditional Industries | The Pair Program Ep82 In this episode, Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Kevin McGrath, Co-Founder and CEO of Meibel, and Rob Murray, Founder and CEO of SpecBooks, to unpack what it actually takes to move AI from impressive prototypes to dependable, production-ready systems. They dig into the challenges of unstructured data, the real meaning of runtime confidence, and why human-in-the-loop workflows lead to higher accuracy, not job displacement. Through the Meibel–SpecBooks case study, the group breaks down the results, the pitfalls, and the surprising upside of scaling AI in fast-moving, real-world environments. Here’s What We Get Into: About Kevin McGrath: Kevin brings over 25 years of experience across startups and enterprise technology, with deep expertise in infrastructure, cloud optimization, and developer platforms. Before founding Meibel, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Spot by NetApp, following his earlier role as CTO where he led engineering and product during a period of rapid growth in cloud automation. Throughout his career, he has held senior technical leadership roles focused on building scalable systems and high-performing teams. About Rob Murray: Rob Murray is the Founder and CEO of SpecBooks, a platform he has led since launching the company in 2011. He brings more than 14 years of experience building digital tools for the construction and design industry. Rob holds a degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of Florida and previously gained entrepreneurial experience as a part owner of Ezell’s Restaurant in Alabama. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:52:06

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Supply Chain at Escape Velocity: How InnoFlight and Verigon Are Scaling Secure Space System for the SDA Era | The Pair Program Ep81

11/25/2025
Supply Chain at Escape Velocity: How InnoFlight and Verigon Are Scaling Secure Space System for the SDA Era | The Pair Program Ep81 In this episode, Tim Winkler and co-host Mike Gruen sit down with Jeffrey Janicik of Innoflight and Greg Davis of Verigon to explore what it really takes to scale secure space systems fast—and without sacrificing quality. They dive into the rise of small-sat architectures, the push for higher-volume production, and why cybersecurity must be designed into hardware from day one. Through the Innoflight–Verigon partnership, they unpack how trust, communication, and rigorous testing enable teams to deliver mission-critical electronics that are ready for orbit. What you’ll hear in this episode: About Jeffrey Janicik: Mr. Jeffrey Janicik is the Founder of Innoflight, specializing in secure, high-performance space electronics. With decades of service in the Air Force, he helped pioneer unmanned X-vehicles and contributed to establishing the U.S. Space Force. He founded Innoflight after leading NASA’s first internet-based satellite mission and continues to drive innovation in small satellites, cyber, and space networking. About Greg Davis: Greg Davis has 30+ years in electronic contract manufacturing across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. As VP at Verigon, he has led major growth, expanded manufacturing capacity, and broadened the company’s customer base into top-tier defense and space programs. He previously held roles at Unisys, Litton, ITT Cannon, Sanmina-SCI, and NeoTech. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:00:34

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Building Space Together: Inside the U.S. Space Force’s Push for Commercial Collaboration | The Pair Program Ep80

11/18/2025
Building Space Together: Inside the U.S. Space Force’s Push for Commercial Collaboration | The Pair Program Ep80 In this episode of The Pair Program, host Tim Winkler is joined by Holly Bertrand, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of ExoAnalytic Solutions; Dan Ceperley, Chief Operating Officer and Founder of LeoLabs; and Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo, Director of the Commercial Space Office at Space Systems Command. Together, they unpack how the U.S. Space Force is partnering with leading commercial innovators to build a more resilient and responsive space architecture. From rapidly evolving threats to breakthrough sensing and radar technologies, this conversation reveals how government and industry can move faster, collaborate smarter, and rethink acquisition to stay ahead in orbit. What we cover in this episode: About Holly Bertrand: Holly is the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of ExoAnalytic Solutions, leading internal operations, financial strategy, and overall corporate execution. She helped establish the company’s core infrastructure and oversees Contracts, Facilities, Finance & Accounting, Security, and Program Management. Holly holds a B.S. and M.S. in Physics from Brigham Young University. About Dan Ceperley: Dan is the Chief Operating Officer and a Founder of LeoLabs, leading engineering teams behind the company’s global radar network and real-time orbital intelligence platform. He previously worked at SRI International supporting DARPA and Air Force Space Command programs, and holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley. About Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo: Tim is Director of the Commercial Space Office (COMSO) at Space Systems Command, where he leads the integration of commercial capabilities across U.S. Space Force missions. His background includes overseeing SDA’s Missile Tracking Layer, pLEO prototyping, and earlier roles in SATCOM operations and NRO analytic programs. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:09:49

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AI at the Tactical Edge: Scaling Secure, Warfighter-Centric Tech in Denied Environments | The Pair Program Ep79

11/11/2025
AI at the Tactical Edge: Scaling Secure, Warfighter-Centric Tech in Denied Environments | The Pair Program Ep79 In this episode, host Tim Winkler sits down with Tyler Saltsman (Founder & CEO, EdgeRunner AI), Colton Malkerson (Co-Founder & COO, EdgeRunner AI), and TJ Rowe (Chief Revenue Officer, Second Front Systems)for a deep dive into how secure, on-device AI is transforming decision-making at the tactical edge. Together, they explore the rise of air-gapped, domain-specific AI and what it takes to scale dual-use technology across defense and enterprise markets. We dive into: About Colton Malkerson: Colton is Co-Founder & COO at EdgeRunner AI, a Series A dual-use defense technology company building domain-specific, air-gapped, on-device AI. He previously led Enterprise Sales at Stability AI and held roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and on Capitol Hill for Speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner. He earned his MBA from Stanford University and his BA from Georgetown University. About Tyler Saltsman: Tyler is the Founder & CEO of EdgeRunner AI, developing AI agents for defense applications that operate entirely offline and secure. His career spans leadership roles at Stability AI, AWS, and the U.S. Army, where he led logistics operations as a platoon leader. He’s passionate about building resilient, mission-ready AI systems for the modern battlefield. About TJ Rowe: TJ is the Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front Systems, a company reimagining how commercial software is securely deployed across national security environments. Before this role, he led growth and sales initiatives that expanded Second Front’s partnerships across defense and enterprise sectors. A former U.S. Army officer, TJ served with elite units including the 75th Ranger Regiment and later worked in strategy at JLL Technologies. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:41:22

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Sea Change: How Autonomy and Acquisition Will Shape the Future Fleet | The Pair Program Ep78

11/4/2025
Sea Change: How Autonomy and Acquisition Will Shape the Future Fleet | The Pair Program Ep78 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and guest co-host Sean Leahy dive into the intersection of autonomy, AI, and defense acquisition with Austin Gray, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Bluewater Autonomy, and Alex Campbell, former Chief of Staff at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Together, they explore how startups, private capital, and the Pentagon’s acquisition system collide in the race to modernize maritime operations. What you’ll hear in this episode: About Austin Gray: Austin is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Water Autonomy, a VC-backed company building autonomous ships. Austin started his career in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer, worked in a drone factory in Ukraine, and holds degrees from Davidson, Harvard, and MIT. About Alex Campbell: Alex is an engineer at Applied Intuition and former Chief of Staff at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). At DIU, he led efforts to accelerate commercial technology into Navy and Marine Corps programs, including initiatives focused on autonomy and maritime innovation. A former U.S. Navy officer, Alex has extensive experience in defense acquisition and emerging tech integration. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:10:02

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The Future of Autonomous Electronic Warfare in Multi-Domain Operations | The Pair Program Ep77

10/28/2025
The Future of Autonomous Electronic Warfare in Multi-Domain Operations | The Pair Program Ep77 In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen are joined by Nathan Mintz, Co-founder & CEO of CX2, and Dr. William “Dollar” Young, Jr., Former U.S. Air Force Colonel & Spectrum Warfare Expert, for a deep dive into the future of electronic warfare. Together, they unpack how autonomy, distributed systems, and AI are reshaping the electromagnetic battlespace. In this episode: About Nathan Mintz: Nathan Mintz is a serial entrepreneur in sensors and electronic warfare and was founding CEO of three deep tech start ups: Epirus (EMP to kill drones), Spartan Radar (automotive radar) and now CX2. He has over 20 years experience in aerospace & defense and started his career at Raytheon and Boeing as a Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer. He has 9 US Patents in various electronics technologies. About Dr. William “Dollar” Young, Jr.: retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and founder of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing. He created the STPA-Sec and FMA-C cybersecurity frameworks used across the DoD. A PhD graduate from MIT, he’s now an Associate Research Professor at Syracuse University. In 2023, he received the Association of Old Crows Gold Medal, the top global award in Electronic Warfare. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:52:28

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Securing the Industrial Frontier with Frenos | The Pair Program Ep76

10/21/2025
Securing the Industrial Frontier with Frenos | The Pair Program Ep76 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen chat with Harry Thomas, CTO of Frenos, and Colin Murphy, Chief Hacking Officer at Frenos, two cybersecurity experts redefining how we protect critical infrastructure. They unpack what it takes to defend operational technology (OT) environments that keep power grids, water systems, and manufacturing lines running safely. We dive into: About Harry Thomas: Harry is an expert offensive penetration tester specializing in industrial and healthcare cybersecurity, with over a decade of experience. As CTO of Frenos, he leads innovation in protecting critical infrastructures. He has taught “Hacking PLCs” at DefCon and BSIDES Orlando, spoken at BSIDES NH, and been featured on the Secure Insights Podcast. Previously, he directed Product R&D at Dragos and led AI/ML-driven UBA development at AWS. About Colin Murphy: Colin is a technology innovator and security practitioner with a passion for building and breaking systems to drive meaningful change. As a former CIO and ethical hacker, he focuses on offensive security and digital strategy to stay ahead in an evolving threat landscape. His mission: help organizations simulate and stop cyberattacks before they happen. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:45:47

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Generals in the Startup Trenches: Leading Defense Tech from Frontlines to Frontiers | The Pair Program Ep75

10/14/2025
Generals in the Startup Trenches: Leading Defense Tech from Frontlines to Frontiers | The Pair Program Ep75 In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with two retired Army generals turned tech executives, LTG Eric Wesley, CEO of Parasanti Inc, and LTG Ross Coffman, President of Forward Edge AI. They discuss how military leadership translates into startup success, what it takes to build culture from scratch, and how dual-use innovation can strengthen both national defense and commercial sectors. Key Topics Covered: About LTG Eric Wesley (USA, Ret): Eric is the CEO of Parasanti Inc, an edge compute company serving the Department of Defense. He previously served as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command and led the development of the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations concept. About LTG Ross Coffman (USA, Ret): Ross is the President of Forward Edge AI and a Board Member of The Federal Savings Bank. He served over 35 years in the U.S. Army, culminating as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command, and now advises multiple companies on innovation and leadership. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:59:47

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Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74

10/7/2025
Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen explore how startups and strategic investors are strengthening America’s innovation infrastructure. Nicholas Myers of Phoenix Tailings and Dr. Yan Zheng of In-Q-Tel discuss the urgency of building resilient supply chains and re-imagining manufacturing for a new era of national security. They dive into: About Nicholas Myers: Nicholas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings. Before co-founding the company, he held executive roles at a genomics firm and an EV charging startup. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Saint Michael’s College and an MBA from Northeastern University. About Dr. Yan Zheng: Dr. Yan is Chief of Staff at In-Q-Tel, where he aligns leadership priorities and oversees strategic investments in microelectronics, semiconductors, and quantum tech. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:52:04

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How We Hatched: Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer

9/30/2025
How We Hatched: Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer In this How We Hatched episode, we sit down with Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer, to explore how values-aligned AI can shape a future where technology drives human flourishing. Drawing from his career at NASA and his leadership at Gloo, Nick shares insights on building open, transparent AI systems and the importance of grounding innovation in shared human values. From defining human flourishing to reimagining the role of hackathons, Nick offers a forward-looking perspective on how technologists can build with purpose. Inside This Episode: About Nick Skytland: Nick is Director of Gloo Developer, leading initiatives to shape open, values-aligned AI that supports human flourishing. Before joining Gloo, he spent over two decades at NASA as Chief Technologist, advancing early-stage technologies and building some of the largest open innovation communities in history. He is also co-author of What Comes Next? Shaping the Future in an Ever-Changing World. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:38:00

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Capital Region Catalysts: How Synergos is Powering Deep-Tech in the DMV and Backing a Nuclear Pioneer | The Pair Program Ep73

9/23/2025
Capital Region Catalysts: How Synergos is Powering Deep-Tech in the DMV and Backing a Nuclear Pioneer | The Pair Program Ep73 On this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner at Synergos, and Edward McGinnis, CEO of Curio, to explore how deep tech innovation is reshaping energy and resilience. From the DMV to global markets, they discuss what it takes to build solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: About Michelle Urben: Michelle Urben is Managing and General Partner at the Synergos Fund, investing in transformative companies addressing critical challenges in energy, food, and health. Based in Washington D.C., she brings decades of experience as a founder, investor, and advisor, while also serving on boards that champion innovation and community development. About Edward McGinnis: Ed McGinnis is CEO of Curio and a former senior U.S. government executive with 30+ years in nuclear energy, security, and policy. He previously led nuclear energy programs at the Department of Energy and the White House before taking on the challenge of reinventing nuclear innovation in the private sector. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:00:35

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Mission Critical: Building a Startup for America’s Next Fight | The Pair Program Ep72

9/16/2025
Mission Critical: Building a Startup for America’s Next Fight | The Pair Program Ep72 In this episode of The Pair Program, host Tim Winkler is joined by co-host Sean Leahy for a conversation with Andy Yakulis, CEO & Co-founder of Vector, and Larsen Jensen, Founder & General Partner at Harpoon Ventures and Co-Founder of Vector. Together, they dive into what it means to build mission-driven startups at the intersection of defense, technology, and national security. They dive into: About Andy Yakulis: Andy Yakulis is the CEO and Co-founder of Vector, a modern warfare-as-a-service company. With 18 years of experience as an Army Officer and Special Operations Commander, he brings deep expertise at the intersection of defense, technology, and innovation, building solutions that serve U.S. national security. About Larsen Jensen: Larsen Jensen is Founder & Managing General Partner at Harpoon Ventures, a $300M venture capital firm backing early-stage technology companies. He is also Co-Founder of defense-tech company Vector, focused on modern warfare-as-a-service solutions. A former U.S. Navy SEAL and two-time Olympic medalist, Larsen brings leadership, resilience, and mission-driven focus to his work with founders. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:01:07:05

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How We Hatched: Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AI

9/9/2025
How We Hatched: Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AI In this episode of How We Hatched, we sit down with Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AI, to explore her journey from chemistry to cutting-edge AI leadership. Jennifer shares lessons from Johns Hopkins APL, Accenture Federal Services, and now her mission-driven role at Empower AI. Key topics covered: About Jennifer Sample: Jennifer is CTO at Empower AI, leading technology vision, strategy, and execution for federal government customers. With 20+ years in AI, robotics, and advanced computing, she previously directed AI strategy at Accenture Federal Services and held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins APL, contributing to initiatives like Project Maven. She holds 10 patents, a B.S. from Penn State, a Ph.D. from UCLA, and an MBA from MIT.

Duration:00:34:10

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Orbit to Operations: Bridging Government and Industry in Defense Innovation | The Pair Program Ep71

9/2/2025
Orbit to Operations: Bridging Government and Industry in Defense Innovation | The Pair Program Ep71 On this week’s Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Topher Haddad, Co-founder/CEO of Albedo, and Arthur Grijalva, Director of SpaceWERX. They discuss how startups and the U.S. Space Force are working together to advance space innovation, touching on Albedo’s Clarity-1 satellite launch and the role of SpaceWERX’s STRATFI program in bridging commercial and defense priorities. Key topics covered: About Topher Haddad: Topher is the Co-founder/CEO of Albedo, a company pioneering very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites. Albedo’s first satellite, Clarity-1, demonstrates imagery resolution once reserved for aircraft or billion-dollar government systems. Previously, Topher was an engineer at Lockheed Martin working on national security space programs. About Arthur F. Grijalva: Arthur is the Director of SpaceWERX, where he leads strategy and innovation programs for the U.S. Space Force. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he has held leadership roles in program management and test/evaluation across space control, satellite systems, responsive space, and advanced technology initiatives. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

Duration:00:46:31