Mobilizing Private Capital on Aligning Private Investment with DoD Needs

Private capital is playing an increasingly visible role in the defense industrial base, but its impact depends less on the amount of money flowing in than on how effectively government demand shapes investment decisions. The central question for policymakers is not whether capital is available, but whether the system converts that capital into deployable capability. In this episode, host Dr. Arun Seraphin is joined by Sam Moyer, Research Fellow at NDIA’s Emerging Technologies Institute (ETI), to discuss ETI’s recent work on mobilizing private capital for defense. The conversation examines how different forms of private capital, including venture, private equity, and internal investment, interact with the Department of Defense acquisition system, and why investors ultimately respond to credible signals of future demand. Moyer outlines a framework for understanding what drives investment into the defense sector: demand signaling, catalytic capital tools, and the broader business environment. He explains how mechanisms such as acquisition roadmaps, long-term purchase commitments, and communication between government and industry can reduce uncertainty and lower the cost of capital. The discussion also addresses newer policy tools, including federal equity investments and loan programs, and the governance and oversight challenges they introduce. The episode highlights a key constraint on defense innovation: investment is already present, but its effectiveness depends on whether the system is legible and predictable to investors. Improving clarity and alignment, not simply increasing funding, will shape the next phase of growth in the defense industrial base.  Read ETI’s White Paper " Mobilizing Private Capital for Defense: Tactics and Recommendations": https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/-/media/ndia-eti/reports/mobilizing-capital-for-defense/mobilizingcapitalreport_2026_final.pdf.    For updates on our content, sign up for our weekly mailer: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up 2026 NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition September 8-10, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington DC Convention Center: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/  Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications on emerging technology, check out our website at: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/  #DefenseInnovation #PrivateCapital #Acquisition #NationalSecurity