Empower the Future.
Strategic Investments in Innovation and Security
Strider Capital is a national security focused, public market investment firm. We concentrate in the Cybersecurity, Defense Robotics, Domestic Safety, Life Sciences, and Space verticals.
Read: Strider’s Philosophy
Quick access to our verticals below.
Philosophy
We invest in technologies that enhance and protect human life. Our expertise allows us to choose companies that not only advance scientific and technological breakthroughs, but also protect our freedoms.
Across our five focus areas, major catalysts are inciting impactful change.
- Drones are becoming a foundational component to modern warfare. Asymmetric cyberattacks are increasing.
- The ability to manipulate our bodies multiple "omes" is creating great benefits and risks.
- Geopolitical risks are increasing, making it crucial for the United States to reshore manufacturing and strengthen the defense of its supply chain.
- New domestic threat vectors are requiring enhanced weapons screening and detection.
- Space has become a vital domain for national security, requiring strategic action.
Strategic Overview
Cybersecurity
Overview
Cyber attacks against the private and public sectors are
increasing and the federal government has underinvested in
cybersecurity.
Strider’s cyber investments cover the full fabric of
cybersecurity. They protect software code, secure data, manage
customer and employee identities, and control vulnerability.
Coverage
- Code
- Data
- Identity
- Vunerability
Defense Robotics
Overview
The combat drone era is here. A product suite of networked
ground, surveillance, and lethal drones addresses this new
reality. A unified defense fabric must rapidly be built to
protect against new threats.
Our portfolio of small, innovative defense companies is
building the market leading products that will supply our
future Department of Defense.
Coverage
- Anti-Drone
- Directed Energy
- Intelligence, Surveillance Reconnaissance
- Offensive Drone
- Target Drone
Domestic Safety
Overview
Domestic safety is becoming an increasing priority for
America, due to new, emerging challenges. As the United States
faces evolving threats, innovative approaches to policing and
protection are more essential than ever.
Asymmetric threats and hostile actors now pose unprecedented
risks to our national security, demanding fresh strategies to
keep our communities safe.
Coverage
- Policing
- Manufacturing
- Threat Detection
- Home Security
Life Sciences
Overview
Population density, increased global travel, and the ease of
multiomic editability have increased the risk of infectious
disease spread. Our companies are building the infectious
disease supply chain to address both natural and unnatural
threats to population health.
Our investments are building cutting-edge biological threat
detection diagnostics and are the leading manufacturers of
early warning systems.
Coverage
- Multiomics
- Infectious Disease
- Biological Warfare
Space
Overview
The global race for space technology dominance has
intensified, creating an urgent need for expanded
capabilities. Significant investments are crucial to
maintaining U.S. leadership in space.
Space assets are increasingly vulnerable to a range of
threats. As robotics and AI continue to advance, ensuring
reliable, redundant satellite connectivity will be vital for
conducting multi-domain operations and safeguarding our space
infrastructure.
Coverage
- Launch
- Satellite
- Ground and Air
- Data
Team
Michael LaValle
Founder & Chief Investment Officer
Prior to founding Strider Capital in December 2020, Mike was a Managing Director at American Capital Management. He co-managed the firm’s largest portfolio ($1 billion+), was a partner on the institutional account investment team, and sole-managed the strategy that is now Strider Capital.
Previously, Mike was the founder of venture-funded Gojee, Inc. which was acquired by publicly traded XO Group. Prior to Gojee, he was an analyst with the Technology Investment Banking team and in Equity Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley.
Before Morgan Stanley, Mike served as an infantry platoon leader in the Kunar Valley of Afghanistan, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. He has also spent extensive time embedded with robotics teams on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War.
Mike graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) where he was captain of the fencing team. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger Schools and is an Eagle Scout.
Chris Knittle
Investment Associate
Prior to joining Strider Capital, Chris was an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs. He advised corporate and institutional clients in the Global Industrials Group on M&A, equity offerings, debt offerings, and other financial processes ranging from $500M to $50B in transaction size.
Previously, Chris served as a U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) officer. He led an SF team forward deployed in Germany and postured for crisis response operations in Europe and abroad, leading key deployments to Latvia, Serbia, and other parts of Eastern Europe while working closely with numerous U.S. Embassy teams and NATO partners. Prior, Chris also served as an airborne infantry officer and deployed to Iraq where he was the Chief of Staff of a 100-soldier infantry company.
Chris holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy (West Point) and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s SF Qualification Course, Reconnaissance Course, Ranger and Airborne Schools.
Brent Bogart
Chief Operating Officer
Prior to joining Strider Capital, Brent was the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Tradewind Technologies, a cybersecurity training company that prepared members of the Special Operations and Intelligence communities to protect their personal, government, and company devices when deployed in hostile environments. Previous to his 13 years with Tradewind, Brent was a senior Client Services Manager at SNL Financial (now S&P Capital Markets), where he managed over 900 client relationships.
Brent began his professional career with the Naval Special Warfare Command as an officer in the U.S. Navy SEALs. While on active duty, he served with Navy SEAL Team Two, Special Boat Unit 20, and SEAL Team 10.
Brent received his B.S. in Engineering Science and MBA from the University of Florida, where he participated in Navy ROTC. He is also a Major and regional commander in the Florida State Guard - Special Mission Unit. The FSG SMU’s primary tasks are public safety operations, multi-domain reconnaissance, interdiction, and search and rescue.
Isabella DeSendi
Director of Operations & Compliance
Prior to Strider Capital, Isabella was a Lead Portfolio Administrator at American Capital Management where her primary responsibilities covered the maintenance, support, performance, and reporting needs for several portfolio managers, totaling over $1 billion in assets under management.
In addition to her portfolio responsibilities, she was the onboarding lead for new client relationships and also the firm’s main trade support and settlement specialist. In this role, she worked as the liaison between brokers, custodians, and in-house traders.
Isabella graduated from the University of Florida and earned her M.F.A from Columbia University. She is currently enrolled in the International Security Graduate Certificate Program at the Harvard Extension School.
Innovate. Secure. Protect:
The Future of Cyber Defense
Coverage
- Code
- Data
- Identity
- Vulnerability
Cyber-security
Overview
Asymmetric cyber attacks are increasing against the private and public sectors and the federal government has underinvested in cybersecurity.
Strider’s cyber investments cover the full fabric of threat reduction. They protect software code, secure data, manage customer and employee identities, and control vulnerability.
Focus & Approach
Focus
Strider’s companies provide best-of-breed solutions that secure the world's leading technologies, companies, and governments.
Approach
We divide the cybersecurity market into four main components and invest in each component’s emerging market leaders.
Our vulnerability management, detection, and response companies serve as security headquarters, identifying, neutralizing, and taking down threats.
Our identity management investments help by tracking internal employees and external customers. Our data management investments oversee valuable digital assets within the organization, while our code management investment ensures the integrity of the software supply chain.
Coverage
Code
Strider Capital invests in technologies that safeguard the integrity of software code. Our portfolio includes advanced encryption methods, secure coding practices, and automated vulnerability scanning tools that enable software to remain robust and resilient against malicious attacks.
Data
We support innovations that protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches. Our investments focus on encryption technologies, secure data storage solutions, and real-time monitoring systems. They ensure data integrity data integrity and confidentiality in transit, storage, and creation.
Identity
Our portfolio solutions deliver advanced identity protection technologies that safeguard personal and organizational identities. They include multi-factor authentication and AI-driven identity management systems, providing robust defense against identity theft and fraud.
Vulnerability
We focus on technologies that identify and address security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Our investments include automated vulnerability assessment tools, continuous monitoring platforms, and AI-driven threat detection systems that deliver proactive protection against emerging cyber threats.
Robotic Precision:
Revolutionizing Modern Defense
Coverage
- Anti-Drone
- Directed Energy
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance
- Offensive Drone
- Target Drone
Defense Robotics
Overview
The global defense drone era is here.
The product suite of the future is a networked ground, surveillance, and lethal drone ecosystem. A unified defense fabric must rapidly be built to protect against new threats.
Our portfolio of small, innovative defense companies is building market-leading products that address this new reality.
Focus & Approach
Focus
Strider Capital’s deep experience and network in the defense industry give us a competitive advantage in selecting best-of-breed suppliers to the United States and its allies.
Approach
Military threats are evolving at the fastest pace in human history, and we are at the beginning of a defense-industrial transformation. To survive, the global defense industry will require significant increases and realignment of spending.
Our companies' products span a wide range of military markets, focusing on anti-drone, directed energy, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, offensive drones, target drones, and robotics.
Our investments are well positioned for a new wave of defense spending in advanced autonomous solutions.
Coverage
Anti-Drone
Strider Capital invests in cutting-edge anti-drone systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones. Our portfolio includes radar-based detection, radio frequency (RF) jamming, and autonomous interception technologies that provide robust protection against aerial threats. We also own the nation's top target drone manufacturer which enables real-world training scenarios for our armed forces.
Directed Energy
We support innovations in directed energy weapons that offer precise, scalable, and cost-effective defense solutions. Our investments focus on high-energy lasers and microwave systems capable of targeting and disabling threats with pinpoint accuracy, enhancing the capabilities of next generation defense forces.
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance
Front-line soldiers require directly controlled, portable assets to provide continuous real-time information on the battlefield. Attributable drones are in the early stages of widespread adoption and will become standard equipment for modern global militaries. Commanders must layer short, medium, and long-range unmanned air, ground, and water vehicles with space-based satellite intelligence to establish total domain awareness.
Offensive Drone
We invest in the development of offensive drone technologies that offer superior agility, precision, and firepower. Our portfolio includes autonomous and semi-autonomous kinetic drones with advanced targeting systems, payload delivery mechanisms, and AI-driven decision-making capabilities. These solutions ensure enhanced operational effectiveness in combat scenarios.
Target Drone
Defending against drone swarms and attacks is an urgent skill to
develop for both military and civil defense.
The training ecosystem for kinetic and electronic defeat of
unmanned robotic systems is in the early stages and must scale
rapidly.
Securing the Future:
Cutting-Edge Technologies for Domestic Safety
Coverage
- Home Security
- Policing
- Manufacturing
- Threat Detection
Domestic Safety
Overview
The United States must prepare for a new era of threat defense, domestic manufacturing, and more effective policing. Increased human capital costs, unstable global supply chains, and elevated crime rates require innovative approaches to life and property protection.
Asymmetric threats and hostile actors represent a new risk to domestic security.
Focus & Approach
Focus
Strider's companies provide innovative solutions that more efficiently and fairly manage our nation's defense against internal and external threats.
Approach
We are focused on technologies that reshore manufacturing, reduce violence, and protect human life. They achieve these goals with lower costs and higher efficiencies than legacy methods.
The United States faces a future with rising geopolitical instability and conflict. Our domestic safety fabric must evolve to meet this rapidly changing world and keep up with the fast-paced tactical evolution of those who wish us harm.
Three decades of offshoring industrial production has put our country at great risk. Automated manufacturing, executed at scale inside America, will be foundational to securing our supply chain.
Coverage
Home Security
We invest in the connected home devices and security market as artificial intelligence advancements drive growth and increase capabilities. Rising consumer demand for convenience and increased awareness of home security are positive trends supporting this business. The home security sector includes various products, such as lighting systems, surveillance cameras, smart locks, and integrated home automation platforms.
Manufacturing
Our portfolio technologies are essential to the domestic manufacturing industry. They enhance speed and quality while reducing costs. With investments in advanced robotics, automation, and secure supply chain solutions, Strider Capital helps protect manufacturing processes from disruptions, ultimately improving productivity and safety.
Policing
Strider Capital invests in advanced policing technologies that enhance efficiency and safety for law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our portfolio features solutions such as real-time data analytics and AI-driven crime prediction tools, enabling police forces to operate more effectively and transparently.
Threat Detection
Our investments include cutting-edge threat detection technologies that identify and address risks before they escalate. Key solutions in our portfolio are AI-driven surveillance systems, advanced sensors, and real-time analytics platforms that offer early warnings of potential threats. These technologies enable proactive security measures, helping to prevent attacks.
Pioneering Health:
Advancing Life Sciences for a Better Tomorrow
Coverage
- Biological warfare
- Biosimulation
- Infectious Disease
- Multiomics
Life Sciences
Overview
The rise of the "omes" has ushered in a new era of multi-omic editability and innovation, presenting both significant opportunities and risks for society.
Strider's companies are at the forefront, developing advanced diagnostics for various health conditions and establishing a global supply chain for infectious disease management.
Focus & Approach
Focus
Strider focuses primarily on the diagnostics, services, and supply chain markets, which tend to be profitable and predictable.
Approach
Strider's companies are leading scientific advancements in cell therapy and disease management and increasing the pace of innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics.
This progress has delivered positive benefits for society and unlocked new methods of disease control and prevention.
Protecting our nation against natural and hostile biological threats is increasing in importance and will require higher levels of future investment.
Coverage
Biological Warfare
Strider Capital invests in biological warfare research and technologies that explore the complex interactions between microorganisms and human health. Our portfolio includes preventive and detection measures alongside warfare-based diagnostics and therapeutic inventions. These solutions improve health outcomes and help treat various diseases.
Biosimulation
Rising drug prices and lengthening approval cycles are increasing the need for technological advancements that make therapeutic and vaccine development faster and cheaper. Our biosimulation investments use computer simulations of biological processes to increase the speed of pharmaceutical innovation and bring critical treatments to market more efficiently and effectively.
Infectious Disease
We support innovations that address the global challenge of Infectious Diseases. Our investments focus on rapid diagnostics, vaccine development, and novel therapeutic approaches. Together, these technologies ensure effective prevention, detection, and treatment of infectious agents and safeguard public health.
Multiomics
Strider Capital invests in cutting-edge genomic technologies that decode and harness the power of the human genome. Our portfolio includes advancements in gene editing, sequencing technologies, and personalized medicine. They drive breakthroughs in genetic disorders and aid in the development of targeted therapies.
Beyond the Horizon:
Investing in the Future of Space
Coverage
- Data
- Ground and air
- Launch
- Satellite
Space
Overview
The space industry is a cornerstone of national security and strategic interests, intertwining commercial and defense objectives. As global space capabilities transition from niche to widespread, the importance of space-related assets grows significantly.
Our space sector encompasses a diverse array of technologies, including satellite launches, connectivity, exploration, and data analysis. This dynamic industry not only shapes geopolitical relations but also informs national defense strategies.
With projections estimating growth to $1.8 trillion by 2035, the space industry is poised to become an even more vital component of our economic future.
Focus & Approach
Focus
We are in the early stages of a global space race. To stay ahead in this competitive arena, both commercial enterprises and government agencies are investing in cutting-edge space technologies.
Approach
The economics and capabilities of space technologies have reached an inflection point.
Over the last decade, tremendous investment in the space sector has miniaturized satellites and reduced launch costs, leading to an explosion in digital and advanced data capabilities.
National security interests are providing the propellant to permanently cement this momentum and usher in a new era of efficiencies.
Coverage
Data
We invest in data technologies that leverage vast amounts of information gathered from space. Our portfolio includes advanced data analytics, AI-driven insights, and cloud-based storage. These solutions transform space data into actionable intelligence for a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring to defense.
Ground and Air
Strider Capital's portfolio solutions bridge ground-based infrastructure and aerial systems with space operations. Our technologies include advanced ground control stations, tracking and telemetry solutions, and high-altitude platforms, ensuring comprehensive support for space missions.
Launch
Our companies possess state-of-the-art launch technologies that enable reliable and cost-effective access to space. The portfolio includes advancements in reusable rockets, innovative propulsion systems, and streamlined launch operations that drive the future of space travel and exploration.
Satellite
We support innovations in satellite technology that enhance global communication, navigation, and earth observation. Our investments focus on low-earth orbit satellites and cutting-edge payload systems that ensure robust and versatile capabilities.