Defense-tech founders with prior military service raised a combined $14 billion in the second quarter of 2026, outpacing the broader venture market for the fourth consecutive period. Series A rounds for veteran-led firms now average 38% larger than non-veteran peers, according to data shared with VVM.

Investors cite operational pedigree, security clearances, and tight government relationships as repeatable advantages — particularly in autonomy, edge AI, and sustainment logistics.

"Pattern recognition from operational deployments translates directly to product roadmaps," said one general partner at a Tier-1 fund. "These founders know the customer because they were the customer."