Alright, future billionaires, listen up! If you’ve ever thought about diving into the wild world of national security tech but didn’t know where to start, good news! Trae Stephens, the guy who went from working at the CIA to co-founding Anduril Industries (a.k.a. the Tesla of defense tech), has cracked the code. And guess what? You can too.
So, if you want to win BIG (like “private jet to Coachella” big) while helping to keep the world safe, let’s break it down.
Step 1: Understand That the Government Actually Wants Cool Tech
I know, I know. The phrase “government technology” probably makes you think of outdated computers and Internet Explorer 6. But here’s the thing: the U.S. government is desperate for innovation. We’re talking AI-powered defense systems, autonomous surveillance drones, and cybersecurity solutions that don’t involve an intern named Chad resetting passwords.
Trae Stephens figured this out early. He realized that national security isn’t just about tanks and fighter jets anymore, it’s about cutting-edge software, automation, and AI. And that’s where you come in.
Pro tip: If you can create something that makes national defense smarter, faster, and cheaper, Uncle Sam will throw stacks of cash at you like it’s a Vegas casino.
Step 2: Forget Silicon Valley’s Playbook
Silicon Valley loves disruption, until you mention working with the government. A lot of tech bros run for the hills the second “defense” enters the chat. But guess what? That’s YOUR opportunity!
Trae realized that while startups were busy making the 47th food delivery app, the national security sector was starving for real innovation. Instead of competing with 10,000 other people trying to reinvent TikTok, why not build the future of cyber defense or autonomous surveillance?
Pro tip: If you stop chasing “hot” trends and instead solve real-world problems, you’ll be way ahead of the game. Plus, nothing says “badass investor” like owning a stake in a company that builds AI-powered security drones.
Step 3: Make Friends With the Government (Without Becoming a Bureaucrat)
Okay, let’s get real. The government isn’t exactly known for moving fast. But Trae cracked the code: Instead of trying to change the system overnight, he learned how to work with it.
Anduril, his defense tech company, doesn’t wait around for slow-moving contracts. They build first, sell later. By developing new tech proactively and proving its value, they make it easy for the government to say, “Shut up and take my money!”
Pro tip: Instead of waiting for permission, start building. If you can show results before the paperwork even begins, you’ll be the investor that everyone wants to work with.
Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Shake Things Up
Trae isn’t just a businessman, he’s a rule-breaker. He saw that traditional defense contractors were slow, bureaucratic, and expensive. Instead of playing their game, he created a company that operates more like a startup: lean, agile, and obsessed with solving problems fast.
And here’s the kicker, this isn’t just about winning government contracts. The same technology used for defense can be applied to other industries, from private security to disaster relief. That means even more money-making opportunities.
Pro tip: Think outside the box. Just because something is “defense tech” doesn’t mean it has to stay in the military world forever.
Step 5: Invest in the Right People
National security tech isn’t a solo mission. You need brilliant engineers, ex-military strategists, and investors who actually get it. One of Trae’s best moves was surrounding himself with people who knew their stuff, whether that was intelligence experts, AI developers, or seasoned government negotiators.
Pro tip: If you’re investing, don’t just look at the idea, look at the team. A great team can turn a decent idea into a billion-dollar empire.
Final Thoughts: Your Move, Future Moguls
If Trae Stephens has taught us anything, it’s that national security tech is one of the biggest untapped opportunities out there. It’s not just about patriotism, it’s about profit. The U.S. spends hundreds of billions on defense every year. Why not grab a piece of that pie?
So, if you’re ready to make your mark, here’s the game plan:
Build (or invest in) tech that makes national security smarter.
Move fast, don’t wait for the government’s approval.
Shake up the old-school defense industry.
Surround yourself with smart, action-oriented people.
The future belongs to those who innovate. And who knows? Maybe in a few years, we’ll be reading about you as the next big national security tech mogul.
Now go make some money, and maybe save the world while you’re at it.