In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max dives into the intersection of defense, security, and innovation with Edvinas Kerza – Managing Partner at Scalewolf and former Vice Minister of Defense of Lithuania. Edvinas brings decades of experience in cybersecurity, defense planning, and strategic innovation to the conversation, offering a rare insider perspective on how military needs drive technological breakthroughs.
Together, they explore why defense startups matter, how Lithuania is building a hub for dual-use technologies, and what lessons Europe can learn from global leaders like Israel and the U.S. Edvinas shares stories from his time shaping Lithuania’s defense strategy, insights on hybrid warfare, and why venture capital is critical for scaling military tech.
What you’ll learn:
➡️ Why most modern innovations from the internet to AI have military roots. ➡️ The rise of dual-use technologies and why they’re shaping the future. ➡️ How Lithuania is attracting global talent and building a defense innovation ecosystem. ➡️ The unique challenges of funding defense startups and mitigating security risks. ➡️ Why reputation and compliance are non-negotiable in military tech. ➡️ How battlefield-tested solutions from Ukraine are redefining competition. ➡️ The role of AI, drones, and neural computing in next-gen defense. ➡️ Why Europe must rethink manufacturing and regain its competitive edge. ➡️ What it takes to pivot from politics to private equity in the defense sector.
If you’re curious about where defense meets entrepreneurship and how innovation can secure freedom, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Our Guest
Edvinas Kerza – https://www.linkedin.com/in/edvinaskerza/
ScaleWolf – https://www.scalewolf.vc/
Connect with Max (Host)
Max Golikov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/
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