.jpg)
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, geopolitics, and economic shifts, we at Innovation Endeavors are always on the lookout for leaders who can guide our vision into the future. Today, we are thrilled to announce a new addition to our team, someone who has charted new paths of leveraging technology to bolster American progress — Josh Berglund, our newest Venture Partner.
As we stand at the crossroads of history, the world is witnessing unparalleled geopolitical tensions. With the Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating US-China tensions, we’re led to a renewed “Space Race” where nations vying for the forefront in cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors are just the tip of the iceberg.
Concurrently, the urge for nations, especially the US and several European countries, to be self-reliant is more prominent than ever. The pressing need to develop infrastructures that promote self-sufficiency, especially in crucial areas like energy, manufacturing, and supply chain, is paramount. This pivot towards independence has been the catalyst for government-led investments, evident in initiatives like the IRA bill and the Chips Act. As a result, a growing number of startups are looking to partner with the Department of Defense alongside other enterprise customers.
In such a transformative era, who better to navigate these waters than Josh Berglund? Josh spent seven years as a non-commissioned officer in Army special operations, with deployments to combat zones in Syria, Iraq, South America, and Eastern Europe. His role in the military included bridging connections between In-Q-Tel, DIU, DARPA, various national labs, and the combat development directorate of his unit. Before donning the uniform, he thrived in the business realm, both as an entrepreneur and an investor, playing pivotal roles in the creation and success of some of the most recognized companies in the last two decades.
Josh’s multifaceted expertise spanning government, technology, and finance makes him an invaluable ally for companies setting their sights on government and defense sector contracts. At Innovation Endeavors, we’re not just about backing companies; we aim to drive generational change and impact global policies with the transformative solutions we support. Josh’s leadership and the trust he has garnered over the years will undoubtedly be an incredible asset to our growing team.
One of the aspects that strengthens our synergy with Josh is our shared experiences beyond the business world. Both of us have served in the Special Forces — Josh with the U.S. Army and I with the Israeli Defense Forces. This shared history instills in us an intrinsic understanding of the gravity behind the missions of our companies. Serving in these elite units has not only honed our sense of duty and purpose but also ingrained in us the ethos of navigating through seemingly insurmountable challenges. It further informs how we approach the challenges faced in the business realm, bringing a unique perspective that blends military strategy with entrepreneurial tenacity.
Startups, in many ways, mirror the relentless, ever-changing terrains of Special Forces missions. CEOs face a gauntlet of challenges, navigating unpredictable landscapes, making tough decisions on the fly, and continually adapting to reach their objectives. Our combined experiences have cemented our commitment to guiding and supporting these CEOs, leveraging our shared backgrounds to help them build truly meaningful and impactful companies.
Josh will be the linchpin in our team as he mentors our portfolio companies, shapes our investment strategies in government and defense, and expands our network in these sectors, setting a new trajectory for our firm. He’s ready to strengthen partnerships with companies that share our ambition of bolstering American resilience and crafting a future that’s not just technologically advanced but also safe and sustainable.
As we begin this exciting journey with Josh, we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to him. Together, we’ll make significant progress in a world rife with challenges and opportunities. Welcome aboard, Josh!
