Member Spotlight: ZEA
For this deep dive, we spoke to Jason Edwards, Managing Partner of ZEA.
Tell us about your firm. What makes it different?
ZEA is a mission-driven venture capital firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of commercial innovation and national security. What sets ZEA apart is its targeted focus on dual-use technologies, those with both defense and commercial applications, and its ability to bridge the often insurmountable gap between the Department of Defense and the private sector. The firm leverages deep relationships within the DoD, Intelligence Community, and allied agencies to provide operational support, navigate procurement complexities, and align startups with real-world mission needs. ZEA provides strategic mentorship rooted in defense experience, helping founders tailor products to national security challenges while scaling in broader markets.
What defines your portfolio?
ZEA’s portfolio is built around high-impact, dual-use technologies that solve critical challenges in both the defense and commercial sectors. The fund targets companies that are strategically aligned with evolving defense priorities, while also demonstrating strong commercial viability. ZEA deploys capital with a hands-on approach, facilitating government contracts, guiding product market fit, and actively scaling startups through various stages. The portfolio is structured to balance influence and risk while maintaining exposure to rapid innovation in sectors such as AI, space, autonomous systems, and defense-related R&D, all with the goal of achieving strong, diversified financial returns.
Tell us about the current VC landscape in your geography/region.
The venture capital landscape in the U.S., particularly in defense and dual-use technologies, is undergoing a significant transformation. Global defense spending surpassed $2.3 trillion in 2024, with the United States accounting for approximately 37% of that total. This surge reflects increasing geopolitical tensions and a renewed focus on national security-driven innovation. The U.S. Department of Defense requested around $145 billion for research, development, test, and evaluation in FY2024, part of a broader $210 billion in federal R&D funding. These investments are accelerating the momentum behind dual-use technologies and fueling robust M&A activity and strategic exits in the defense tech space, signaling a growing opportunity for venture capital to play a transformative role.
What are the benefits of being an NVCA member?
ZEA benefits from NVCA membership through advocacy, industry insights, and access to a network of like minded investors. NVCA provides valuable resources on policy changes, compliance, and market trends, particularly important for firms like ours that are navigating regulated sectors like defense. For ZEA, the ability to connect with other venture capitalists, share best practices, and stay ahead of legislative shifts affecting dual-use technologies would be strategically beneficial. The NVCA also helps firms amplify their voices in Washington, aligning well with ZEA’s mission to influence policy at the intersection of innovation and national security.
What’s ahead for your firm?
Looking ahead, ZEA aims to scale its investment model by continuing to support breakthrough dual-use technologies and deepen its influence within the defense innovation ecosystem. With ZEA Fund I targeting $30 million in capital commitments, the firm is poised to expand its impact by unlocking new procurement channels and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies across both government and commercial sectors. ZEA’s long term vision includes shaping defense programs, reducing barriers to entry for startups, and driving the next wave of innovation that enhances national security while delivering superior returns to investors.
