Ep.48 Unlocking Dual Use Innovation: How Louisiana’s Entrepreneurs Are Spurring Economic Growth

Louisiana’s Dual-Use Innovation Is Heating Up—And You Need To Know About It!In this special episode, host Stuart Gilly is joined by Grant Rogers and Jacob Mahaffey to explore the fascinating world of dual use technologies and the vital role they’re playing in Louisiana’s entrepreneurial landscape.1/ Meet the changemakers: Grant Rogers & Jacob Mahaffey. With backgrounds in Army, medtech, and venture capital, they’re on a mission to fund the businesses that make Louisiana tick.2/ What’s “dual-use”? Picture the iconic Higgins Boat—once a staple of WWII, now a symbol for tech with BOTH military and civilian impact. Grant Rogers explains: It’s tech that serves Main Street AND protects the country.3/ The best example? M&Ms. Yes, really. Soldiers used them for quick energy; civilians just snack. Dual-use is everywhere—you’d be shocked what fits!4/ Drones, aircraft engines, medical devices… If it helps a warfighter AND a family in Monroe, it’s dual-use. These industries get multi-billion dollar contracts and also supercharge local economies. 💸5/ Brave Harvest, Nova Spark—these local startups got seed funding, scaled up, and now employ dozens. “It’s more than just jobs—they’re buying homes, eating out, pouring money back into Louisiana,” says Jacob Mahaffey.6/ Grant Rogers and Jacob Mahaffey run Grind Ventures, a VC fund and accelerator. “We want to be the connective tissue, not just a check-writer. Entrepreneurship is about transformation,” they tell Stuart Gilly.7/ The accelerator = spring training. Only post-revenue startups with proven tech go through. Rigorous coaching, real contracts, and buyers—not just pitches. De-risking for investors, scaling for founders.8/ 80 companies, 5 years, 3x-5x returns. That’s the Grind Ventures vision. “Put your money in Louisiana innovation, not just the stock market,” urges Jacob Mahaffey.9/ The challenge? Funding deserts. Most rural towns have talent but lack access. Grind Ventures wants to see the next “Walmart” grow out of your hometown, not just big cities.10/ Louisiana’s time is NOW. Billions in DoD, national security contracts, and major NSF grants are flowing in. “We’re only limited by our collaboration and access to capital,” says Grant Rogers.11/ Investors! LPs, landowners, business leaders—you’re crucial. A minimum $25K unlocks your seat at the table (and serious upside). Join the next round and help fund Louisiana’s future.12/ The message: Louisiana is underestimated. But it’s the backbone of America’s innovation when it comes to defense, ag, and energy tech. Stop saying “we’re 10 years behind”—the breakout is happening!—Share the blueprint for Louisiana’s next-gen innovation! #DualUse #LouisianaTech #VentureCapital #EconomicImpact