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Today's episode explores three ideas that caught my attention:
① Dual use is becoming harder for early-stage investors to ignore: Paul explains why more commercial technologies are finding credible pathways into defense and government markets, and why that can expand a startup’s opportunity rather than distract from it.
② AI may change the operating model for angel networks: Paul shares how AI is already improving first-pass diligence and why the real question is not whether AI can help, but what work should remain human.
③ Angel investing is still a people business: Even as AI improves workflows, Paul argues that the life of an angel network comes from the people and the deals. Community, trust, and collaboration still matter.

Paul has worked across banking, family office investing, venture capital, accelerators, and ecosystem building. In this conversation, he shares how Hampton Roads’ defense, aerospace, energy, and logistics strengths shape the region’s startup opportunities, how 757 Angels thinks about dual-use companies, and why Virginia’s angel ecosystem is more cooperative than competitive.

During our conversation, he shares:
• Why dual-use startups are showing up more often in angel deal flow.
• How AI can improve the diligence burden for angel network operators.
• Why angel networks cannot remove the human element.
• What investors should ask when a startup claims to be dual use.
• Why government contracting requires different diligence than commercial markets.
• How Hampton Roads’ naval and defense assets create startup opportunities.
• What makes a good angel investor.
• Why investors need to know whether they are return-first, ecosystem-first, or somewhere in between.
• How Virginia’s angel groups collaborate across regions.
• Why the Series A gap matters for emerging startup ecosystems.

Connect with Paul:
LinkedIn

Connect with Andrew:
Newsletter | X | LinkedIn | Book | Website

Stuff We Reference:
757 Collab
757 Angels
757 Defense Technology Accelerator
Angel Capital Association

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All opinions are personal and may not reflect the views of The Diligent Observer. Not investment advice.