E82: America’s Future with Palmer Luckey

This week on Upstream, we revisit a 2023 conversation between Jacob Helberg, Delian Asparouhov, Christian Garrett and Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR where they discuss the intersection of Silicon Valley and U.S. defense technology. They tackle the challenges of defense tech innovation, the influence of Chinese technology, and the necessity for strategic tech independence. They also covered bio-engineered defense systems, AI-powered military applications, and space militarization, emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy and meritocratic practices in technology.

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/

—

SPONSORS:

🎙️Dealcraft | Insights from Great Negotiators

Explore the art of high-stakes negotiations through fascinating stories and practical insights from world-renowned dealmakers and diplomats in Dealcraft: Insights from Great Negotiators, hosted by Harvard Business School professor Jim Sebenius.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NdYGg0SgCwgBNMk7EHnB6 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dealcraft-insights-from-great-negotiators/id1723095052 

💡 Level up your portfolio with access to pre-IPO companies via the Fundrise Innovation Fund. Access a $125M+ fund of cutting edge tech companies including AI frontrunners, now available to individual investors. Start your journey at Fundrise.com/upstream.

Elevate your investment game with Altea by Alts.co. Discover vetted deals in unconventional asset classes, network with captivating individuals, and indulge in exclusive travel experiences. Ready to invest in pro sports teams or film financing? Apply now at www.alts.co/upstream and redefine your investment journey.

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

—

LINKS:

The Hill & Valley Forum 2024: https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/ 

Anduril Industries: https://www.anduril.com/ 

—

FOLLOW ON X/TWITTER: 

@PalmerLuckey

@jacobhelberg

@zebulgar

@CGarrett_15

@turpentinemedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(02:20) Shifting dynamics between the government and Silicon Valley since Palmer started Anduril Industries

(06:40) Biggest factors contributing to new demand for defense technology

(08:05) Evolving reaction of tech investors and talent to defense technology

(13:16) Working with the U.S. Department of Defense

(19:00) Sponsors: Dealcraft | Fundrise

(20:12) Exporting strategic technology to China: patents, AI, sensor fusion

(23:32) How can more tech companies compete for DoD contracts?

(26:01) Lobbying

(27:32) Building Anduril Industries on first principles

(31:06) Banning Chinese hardware and software (like TikTok)

(39:51) Sponsors: Alts | Squad

(43:04) Can the US pull off a second Cold War victory with China?

(47:24) Immigration reform and supply chain disruption

(56:37) Palmer’s picks for the most impactful strategic technology on the horizon

(01:09:35) Wrap