Dave HardenManaging Partner at Outpost VenturesSpeaker
Profile
David B. Harden is a veteran, entrepreneur, and investor recognized globally for his leadership in technology, innovation, and strategic investment. As Managing Partner of OutpostVentures and Partner at ScaleWolf, a dual-use technology venture fund and accelerator based in Vilnius, Lithuania, Dave specializes in identifying and scaling transformative companies in energy, artificial intelligence, and data center technologies—with a particular focus on dual-use solutions that drive both commercial success and national security impact.Under Dave’s founding leadership, The Outpost has helped companies secure more than $580 million in non-dilutive funding over the past five years. His strategic investment approach blends private capital acceleration with government innovation pathways, creating a launchpad for companies to grow from startup to large-scale market presence.
A sought-after international keynote speaker, Dave has delivered talks and strategic workshops on five continents, advising leaders in government, venture capital, and industry on how to leverage innovation for competitive advantage. His audiences have included NATO, United Nations delegations, and global technology summits.Dave’s dynamic presence extends to television as well—he is a featured judge on Amazon Prime’s “2 Minute Drill” and a Guest Titan on “Go Fund Yourself!”, where he evaluates, invests in, and mentors entrepreneurs from around the world. His on-screen persona reflects the same energy, insight, and decisiveness he brings to the boardroom.
Previously, Dave served as Chief Operating Officer and Founding Architect of AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s enterprise innovation program ranked #16 on Fast Company’s Best Places to Work for Innovators—ahead of Amazon and Salesforce. At the Pentagon, he served as Chief of Strategic Prioritization, overseeing a 30-year, multi-trillion-dollar strategic plan for the Air Force. He has also held P&L responsibility for an $80M, 1,500-person organization, served in combat as a decorated Air Force C-17 pilot with nearly 4,000 flight hours, and advised the President of the United States on policy to the United Nations and NATO.Dave holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MBA in Organizational Management from The George Washington University, and executive certificates in Design Thinking & Innovation (University of Virginia, Darden School of Business) and Strategy & Innovation (MIT).
When he’s not investing in the next breakthrough technology or speaking on global stages, Dave is working on his next book, sharing his passion for building resilient, high-impact ventures and meaningful connections that shape the future.