True Anomaly, Slingshot Aerospace, and more at Disrupt 2024

As government and defense sectors increasingly lean on commercial services, opportunities for startups in dual-use technology have never been more promising. Yet, for young, agile companies, the challenge of entering such a highly regulated and traditional landscape is significant. How can emerging businesses compete with established primes for contracts and attention? And how can investors support these endeavors effectively?  

Even Rogers, CEO and co-founder of True Anomaly; Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace; and Mel Stricklan, executive director at Space Workforce for Tomorrow will take the stage to discuss these questions and more at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024.   

These three industry trailblazers, each with a wealth of experience in defense, space, and technology, will take to the Space Stage to unveil the key to breaking into the dual-use market. They’ll share powerful strategies for navigating government procurement, building impactful relationships across public and private sectors, and fostering the kind of dynamic talent pool that drives true innovation. Learn how startups can harness diverse expertise to not only compete but also thrive when up against industry giants in this high-stakes arena. If you’re ready to disrupt, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Meet the speakers

Even Rogers, CEO and co-founder of True Anomaly

Even Rogers has a rich background in military space operations. Before co-founding True Anomaly, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, leading teams of space operators, scientists, and engineers to enhance the performance of military systems. Even has authored foundational texts that guide U.S. military space operations and contributed to the U.S. Space Force’s inaugural doctrine, “Spacepower.” With a deep understanding of space security and sustainability, Even will discuss how True Anomaly leverages domain expertise and product development excellence to deliver industry-leading solutions for space defense.

Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace

Tim Solms brings a unique perspective as both a veteran of the U.S. Army and an experienced executive in technology and defense. With more than 20 years of executive leadership, Tim has led the transformation of major defense and government divisions, including roles at Microsoft and VMware. At Slingshot Aerospace, he oversees the development of innovative satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and modeling tools that are critical to maintaining safety and operational efficiency in space. Solms will share his experience in aligning company strategy with the needs of government customers and his vision for how startups can effectively position themselves against larger competitors.

Melanie Stricklan, executive director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow

Melanie Stricklan has dedicated her career to advancing space technology and workforce development. As the co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, Melanie played a pivotal role in revolutionizing satellite tracking and space traffic coordination, ensuring safety for commercial, civil, and defense applications. With a 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force and a track record of leading spacecraft missions, Stricklan is a passionate advocate for workforce diversity and sustainability in space.

Don’t miss this discussion at Disrupt 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from industry leaders who have navigated and thrived in the dual-use space. Join us at Disrupt 2024 from October 28-30 in San Francisco to learn how to take your startup beyond the conventional and make your mark in government and defense markets. Secure your discounted tickets now and be part of the future of innovation.