In an era of rapid technological change and evolving threats, SOAA’s mission of keeping America safe extends far beyond the battlefield, as exemplified in a recent SOAA rescue operation in Gaza. Today’s national security landscape demands not only highly trained operators but also innovative technologies that can anticipate and counter emerging dangers. From the depths of the ocean to the expanse of space, the tools that protect our nation must be resilient, agile, and reliable.
For the men and women of SOAA–veterans who have served in America’s most challenging operational environments–national security is not an abstract concept. It is a lived commitment. Yet even the most capable operators rely on systems, platforms, and networks developed and maintained by innovators who understand the stakes. It is in this space, where experience meets innovation, that partnerships with forward-thinking organizations become critical.
One such partner is Leonid Capital Partners, a private investment firm dedicated to backing companies that strengthen the nation’s security and resilience. As highlighted in a recent Defense Tech Signals article, Leonid takes a deliberate approach: identifying defense innovators whose work might otherwise be overlooked, providing flexible capital, and supporting the commercialization of advanced technologies that enhance military capability. For our partners at Leonid, investing in national security is not simply a financial exercise–it is a mission-driven commitment to supporting technologies that protect lives and uphold American interests at home and abroad.
SOAA and Leonid share a common goal: keeping America safe. This alignment is more than philosophical. Both organizations recognize that enduring security depends on the ability to anticipate threats, maintain operational flexibility, and ensure that critical systems are dependable under pressure.
- For SOAA, the focus is on the human element–veterans, operators, and their communities.
- For Leonid, the emphasis is on the technological edge–supporting companies that provide the tools that operators need to be successful.
Together, we form a complementary alliance, linking the expertise of those who have served with the innovation of those shaping the next generation of defense capability.
Leonid’s investment philosophy illustrates this synergy. Rather than following conventional venture trends, Leonid identifies companies that deliver tangible security outcomes. Its portfolio exemplifies the ways in which innovation and operational insight intersect to keep America safe. Three companies, in particular, demonstrate how SOAA and Leonid’s shared mission takes shape in practice:
BlackStar Orbital’s autonomous spacecraft extend the life of critical satellites, boosting military agility and resilience in space.
EMPEQ uses AI and computer vision to verify equipment authenticity and detect defects, safeguarding the defense supply chain.
LeVanta Tech’s “float-and-fly” drones enhance maritime awareness and operational readiness, giving the Navy rapid, flexible tools to secure sea lanes and coastal regions.
By identifying and nurturing such innovators, Leonid ensures that service members are equipped with advanced capabilities while reinforcing the strategic edge of U.S. defense. Together, these companies reinforce readiness, reliability, and America’s security and they exemplify how Leonid Capital supports technologies that align with SOAA’s vision: operational excellence, resilience, and the protection of America’s citizens and interests.
The partnership between SOAA and Leonid Capital is emblematic of a broader truth: national security is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across sectors. Veterans and policymakers bring insight and experience; private-sector innovators bring the technological ingenuity to meet evolving threats. By working together, they create a force multiplier–combining operational knowledge, capital, and technological advancement to maintain a secure nation.
As threats continue to evolve, the importance of public–private alignment becomes ever clearer. SOAA and Leonid are proof that when experienced operators and visionary investors share a mission, the outcome strengthens America’s security in ways that are both tangible and lasting.
To learn more about SOAA’s recent work and Leonid Capital’s mission to support national security innovators, we encourage readers to explore SOAA’s recent Washington Post feature and visit Leonid Capital’s website.
In a world of complex and unpredictable challenges, keeping America safe is not the responsibility of any single group. It is a commitment shared by those who serve, those who innovate, and those who understand that readiness, resilience, and ingenuity are the cornerstones of national defense.
