Partnership will help NightDragon portfolio companies grow by increasing access to Dual-Use innovation decision makers in government and industry
SAN FRANCISCO and AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NightDragon, a dedicated investment and advisory firm, today announced a new strategic partnership with Capital Factory, the most active investor in Texas and the “center of gravity” for dual-use innovation in the U.S. This collaboration supports NightDragon’s evolving strategy, which increasingly recognizes the critical role that defense and dual-use technologies play in addressing today’s most pressing national security challenges.
As global geopolitical dynamics grow complex and the need for robust defense capabilities becomes increasingly urgent, both firms recognize the critical importance of dual-use innovation in addressing emerging threats. This collaboration builds on their shared legacy of empowering founders and innovators who are shaping the future of global security, as well as a mutual mission to secure our world for tomorrow for the U.S. and its allies.
“Defense technology is no longer just a government imperative — it’s a strategic national asset, and it must be cultivated with the same urgency and innovation as commercial tech,” said Dave DeWalt, Founder and CEO of NightDragon. “By partnering with Capital Factory, we’re accelerating our ability to support the companies at the forefront of this effort, as well as grow our portfolio companies who focus in this sector.”
Together, the two firms provide a full-lifecycle support model of capital, expertise, and market access — designed to empower mission-driven cybersecurity and national security startups at every stage of their journey. From early-stage commercialization to growth-stage scale and exit, this partnership ensures founders have the backing they need to build and lead the next generation of national security leaders.
With its thousands of connections to entrepreneurs, investors, and defense‑innovation partners, Capital Factory enables NightDragon with deep insights into the dual‑use ecosystem, helping to surface emerging leaders and uncover opportunities earlier in the innovation cycle. As companies mature, NightDragon will apply growth capital and hands-on support through its NightScale platform — which helps founders expand their go-to-market, scale operations, and positions them for long-term success.
The partnership also enhances support for NightDragon’s existing portfolio companies by providing them access to Capital Factory’s extensive defense and national security network — including relationships with defense primes and national security accelerators like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), etc. This network will help accelerate portfolio companies’ paths to achieving programs of record and broader government adoption, domestically and internationally.
“At Capital Factory, we measure success by the number of introductions we make between entrepreneurs and the investors, customers, and talent they need to grow,” said Joshua Baer, Founder and CEO of Capital Factory. “NightDragon shares our passion and brings unmatched expertise in scaling mission-critical technologies. Together, we’re helping founders navigate challenges that are unique to working with the federal government and national security partners.”
The collaboration is rooted in an active and engaged ecosystem. The two firms have already jointly invested in companies like Saronic, a leading innovator in autonomous maritime systems, and have already co-hosted key industry events such as a dinner focused on “Defending the Next Horizon” at SXSW this year. Additionally, activations are planned for Fed Supernova in Austin, TX from August 19-21, 2025. Learn more at FedSupernova.com.
About NightDragon
NightDragon is an investment and advisory firm focused on growth and late-stage investments within the SecureTech industry, including cybersecurity, safety, security and privacy technologies. Its platform and vast industry network provide unparalleled threat insights, deal flow, market leverage and operating expertise to drive portfolio company growth and increase shareholder value. Founded by Dave DeWalt, the NightDragon team has more than 25 years of operational and market expertise leading technology companies such as Documentum, EMC, Siebel Systems (Oracle), McAfee, Mandiant, Avast and FireEye. Read more about NightDragon at www.nightdragon.com.
About Capital Factory
Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley. Thousands of entrepreneurs, programmers and designers gather day and night, in-person and online for meetups, classes and coworking. With boots on the ground in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and now Washington, DC, we meet the best entrepreneurs in the country and introduce them to investors, employees, mentors and customers. According to Pitchbook, Capital Factory has been the most active, early-stage investor in Texas since 2010.
Media Contacts:
Sarah Kuranda Vallone, NightDragon
[email protected]
Taylor Gensicki, Capital Factory
[email protected]
SOURCE NightDragon
