StartupSD 1st Mondays Networking & Startup Event

Overview

Join us for a night of networking and startup community building at StartupSD 1st Mondays - Defense & Dual-Use Edition!

Build Once, Sell Twice: The Dual-Use Startup Advantage

You're earlier than you think. That's exactly the point.

Most early-stage founders don't realize their technology is already dual-use. With $49B in private defense tech investment in 2025 and $1B in annual non-dilutive SBIR grants for startups, the founders winning in this space aren’t choosing between government and commercial, they recognized what they had and positioned it for both markets at once. That's the dual-use advantage. And in San Diego, you're better positioned than most.

No city is better wired for this moment. San Diego has $61B in defense economic output, more cleared talent and military relationships than almost any startup ecosystem in the country, yet less than 1% of California's venture capital flows to local defense startups. The infrastructure is already built. The capital hasn't caught up. That gap is yours to close.

This panel is built for early-stage founders who want to leave knowing three things: whether their technology qualifies as dual-use, how to approach the government as a first customer without wrecking their cap table, and what defense investors are actually looking for.

The dual-use playbook exists. Come get it.

What's 1st Mondays?

Startup San Diego 1st Mondays is San Diego's premier quarterly startup networking and industry event featuring regional innovation ecosystem leaders, resources, and community hubs.

With over 250-300 participants ranging from founders, entrepreneurs, and talent to investors, service providers, and ecosystem supporters, Startup San Diego curates an impact-driven evening of in-demand programming, expo opportunities, and networking.

Whether you're new to San Diego or seasoned in the local startup scene, this event is for you. Stay tuned on social media to get updates on the event. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.

Complimentary light bites and refreshments will be available. Please purchase your tickets ahead of time through Eventbrite - this will be a sold out event. See you soon!

- Startup San Diego

#1stMondays

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