Even mid-sprint to a secret flight, the Navy’s tech chief has a pitch for investors
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Navy CTO Justin Fanelli talks co-investing alongside VCs instead of funding early research himself, recent buys like a $562 million autonomous refueling deal, and the Navy's updated wish list — from AI to quantum — for where founders should be building next.
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Caption: 'The Navy is not playing catch-up, we are setting the pace,' Justin Fanelli declares, arms crossed and serious, as tech investors nod in agreement.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on techcrunch.com.
Editor's note
Justin Fanelli's insights into the Navy's tech investments highlight the growing role of private sector funding and the critical path for innovation across military and civilian sectors. His updated wish list for technology startups underscores the Navy's commitment to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development.
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Panel 1
A boardroom with tables cluttered with project documents. Justin Fanelli, the Navy’s CTO, is standing in front of a large screen projecting the Navy’s latest tech acquisitions. Alex (excitedly) Sam (dryly)
Justin Fanelli: Alright, boys and girls. Let's dive into our latest buys – a $562 million autonomous refueling deal. It's not about the money. It's about the technology it represents.
Alex: I bet they could have just bought a bunch of drones for that price!
Sam: Yes, Justin. They probably did. Or maybe they just hired a PR firm to talk about it.
Panel 2
Same boardroom, with Justin Fanelli pacing and pointing at the screen. Alex (innovative) Robin (chiming in with a grin)
Justin Fanelli: And we're looking to partner with investors. VCs are great. But what about the $500 million quantum computing deal we just landed?
Alex: Let's have a co-investment model where we put our money in with you guys and make sure we get a seat at the table!
Robin: And we can name our kids quantum. They'll be the next big thing, I'm sure.
Panel 3
Same boardroom, Justin Fanelli is now animatedly talking with a VC investor. Sam (analytically) Justin Fanelli (determined)
Justin Fanelli: We’re not just looking at quantum anymore. We’re looking at AI, machine learning, and even the future of space tech. Startups, if you don’t start building the future now, I guarantee you, someone else will.
Sam: Well, that’s a lot to bite off at once, isn’t it, Justin?
Justin Fanelli: It's the future of the Navy. And with the right investors, we can make our mark.
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