Join us for a fireside chat with Matt Byington, investor at General Catalyst, moderated by Will Gossin, adjunct assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Chicago Booth, as we explore the rapidly evolving world of defense technology and national security innovation.

Byington is an investor on the Global Resilience team at General Catalyst, where he backs mission-critical startups building for a safer, stronger future. His portfolio includes companies such as Anduril, Helsing, Saronic, Re:Build Manufacturing, Onebrief, Nominal, Chariot Defense, Electio, and Lila Sciences.

Prior to joining General Catalyst, Matt was part of the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development Squadron, where he served as a Lt. Commander, leading a multi-disciplinary 20-person team focused on evaluating and adopting emerging technology for special operations. Matt also served as the second-in-command at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tactical Development Squadron.

In this conversation, we’ll dive into:

• The current state of defense tech and where startups are making the biggest impact
• How government and commercial interests are converging in national security
• What the future holds for innovation in global resilience and critical infrastructure

Whether you’re interested in dual-use technology, venture investing, or public-private partnerships, this event will offer valuable insight into one of the most consequential areas of tech innovation.