Tanveer Kathawalla

Founder & Managing Partner

2024 - Current

Acquiring and Scaling Companies Critical to American Security and Prosperity Operator-led independent sponsor partnering with mission-aligned capital to acquire and grow lower-middle-market and venture-backed businesses in high-impact sectors. We target founder-led and corporate carve-out opportunities at key inflection points—where our operational expertise unlocks transformational value. We specialize in national interest industries such as defense, aerospace, and government services, where complexity and disruption create outsized opportunity. We focus on companies with $3M–$15M in revenue, a path to profitability (or up to $5M EBITDA), and proven solutions adopted by government or enterprise customers. Our edge is unlocking growth in overlooked situations—whether a leadership transition, stalled growth, or structural complexity where we can bring hands-on operating and investment experience to scale market leading platforms. We also invest in high-potential companies aligned with national priorities, co-investing alongside leading venture and growth equity firms—including Founders Fund, a16z, and Bain Capital. Select investments include Anduril, Hazel (YC W24), Legacy (YC W19), and ChiroHD (Buy & Build).

Investor

2023

Re-inventing the defense industry

Visiting Fellow

2021

Global Head of M&A/ Corporate Development

2022 - 2024

Promoted to lead a global defense-focused roll-up strategy, overseeing Corporate Development and M&A teams. Successfully executed multiple acquisitions, including distressed and special situation deals.

Vice President, General Manager Americas

2021 - 2023

Founded and led the spin-out of an AI/ML business unit, driving strategy, growth, and full P&L ownership across U.S. federal, Fortune 500, and state & local markets. Appointed to the DHS advisory board and served on the global executive team

Strategic Advisor

2020 - 2021

Led the team to the first set of revenue-generating contracts in the US and supported the Global CEO and management team with strategic finance guidance during two rounds of growth funding. Led executive recruiting that resulted in the first US leadership hire.

COO & CFO

2019 - 2019

Elevated by the board to a dual role as COO and CFO, while also serving as Board Secretary.

CFO, Investor & Board Observer

2016 - 2019

Venture Capital backed (MIT Engine, Shasta Ventures, Flybridge) a Small Satellite company that commercialized the first optical communication telecommunication service. Founding executive team.

Venture Partner

2016 - 2019

Venture Capitalist

2016 - 2016

Grateful to have learned from an incredible group of founders, investors, and colleagues about early and growth stage venture capital.

Strategy Consultant

2013 - 2015

Grateful to start my career where I got to work with clients across the commercial and public sectors, from go-to-market entry to manpower strategy with the Department of Defense.