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Harpoon Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The firm was established by Larsen Jensen, a two-time Olympic medalist and former Navy SEAL, with a mission to support technology companies that are essential for national security and economic prosperity. Harpoon Ventures focuses on dual-use defense technology, leveraging a team of former military operators and acquisition experts to bridge the gap between startups and government buyers.
As of 2023, Harpoon Ventures manages over $380 million in assets across multiple funds, including their latest fund, which closed at $125 million. The firm has built a portfolio of over 50 companies, emphasizing foundational technologies that are critical for American national security. Their offices are located in key U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Denver, allowing them to maintain close ties with government entities.
Harpoon Ventures invests across several sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense, frontier technologies, and energy. Their investment strategy emphasizes foundational technologies that are vital for national security and economic prosperity. The firm targets early-stage companies, investing at pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages. They particularly focus on dual-use defense technology, which has applications in both commercial and military contexts.
The firm seeks to support companies that can navigate government procurement processes and secure U.S. government contracts. Harpoon Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate strong leadership capabilities and a clear vision for their technology's impact on national security. Their deal structure often includes co-investments, and they provide strategic guidance to help startups scale effectively.
Harpoon Ventures has a diverse portfolio of over 50 companies, focusing on technologies that enhance national security. Notable portfolio companies include:
Larsen Jensen: Founder & General Partner. Former US Navy SEAL with six years of service in Afghanistan. Two-time Olympic swimming medalist (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing) and Kauffman Fellow.
Jeff Torrance: Managing Partner. Former private equity fund manager overseeing operations, finance, and deal structuring.
Riley Loftus: Investor based in San Diego, known for leading deals in MatX, Aalo Atomics, and Firestorm Labs.
Jeremy Stein: Investor with expertise in technology investments.
Andrew Couillard: Investor focused on early-stage technology companies.
Jake Windle: Investor with a background in technology and defense.
Clint Brown: Investor with experience in venture capital.
Mat Vogels: Investor & Special Projects, involved in strategic initiatives.
Tiffany Lesko: Executive Assistant providing administrative support.
Matias Zorrilla: Investor with a focus on technology startups.
To pitch Harpoon Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website at harpoon.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the technology addresses national security needs. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Harpoon Ventures runs the Black Flag Accelerator, which focuses on defense technology startups. The program offers direct investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per company and aims to connect founders with government funding programs and partnerships, including collaborations with Palantir.
In January 2026, Harpoon Ventures announced a significant investment in Astranis, which signed a nine-figure contract with MB Group for dedicated satellite communications. Additionally, they invested $7.1 million in MATERIAL for 3D printed batteries and $5.3 million in EraDrive for satellite autonomy software-hardware in late 2025.
Harpoon Ventures continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on companies that align with national security interests and contribute to the 'Freedom Stack.' Their recent activities underscore their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance U.S. defense capabilities.
What are Harpoon Ventures' investment criteria?
Harpoon Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies that focus on foundational technologies critical to national security. They look for startups in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and defense, particularly those that can navigate government procurement processes.
How can I apply or pitch to Harpoon Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Harpoon Ventures website at harpoon.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information on how the technology aligns with national security interests.
What makes Harpoon Ventures different from other VCs?
Harpoon Ventures is unique due to its focus on dual-use defense technology and its team of former military operators who provide strategic guidance and operational support. They have a strong network within the U.S. government, which helps startups secure funding opportunities.
What is the geographic scope of Harpoon Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on technologies that enhance national security.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Harpoon Ventures invests at various stages, with check sizes typically ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for early-stage companies, depending on the specific needs and potential of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Harpoon Ventures have?
Harpoon Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, helping them navigate government procurement processes, and connecting them with potential customers and partners in the defense sector.
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