Decisive Point Ventures Research
Executive Summary
Decisive Point is a specialized venture capital firm focused exclusively on critical technologies for defense, national security, energy, and infrastructure. Based in Beacon, New York, the firm invests in dual-use deep-tech companies that address mission-critical challenges for government and defense applications. Founded in 2018, the firm has deployed two venture funds and provides portfolio companies with extensive government contracting expertise and access to federal R&D funding mechanisms.
Investment Thesis
Decisive Point invests in founders building mission-critical capabilities across AI, deep tech, software infrastructure, cybersecurity, robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. The firm's thesis centers on "Innovation Warfare"—amplifying founder impact through capital paired with deep expertise in:
- Government Market Access: Navigating federal procurement, regulatory compliance, and policy landscapes
- Public R&D Funding: Capturing non-dilutive SBIR/STTR and other government R&D grants
- Operational Support: Providing portfolio companies with government relations, contracting strategy, and program management expertise
The firm explicitly targets "audacious founders building mission-critical capabilities" that serve both commercial and government markets. Unlike traditional VC firms, Decisive Point's competitive advantage is rooted in understanding government buying behavior, acquisition authorities, and the specific technical challenges faced by defense and national security agencies.
Technology Focus Areas
Decisive Point concentrates on the following technology sectors:
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems: Unmanned ground, aerial, and maritime vehicles; autonomous perimeter security
- High Performance Computing: GPU infrastructure, edge computing, processing at scale
- Power Generation & Battery Technology: Next-generation power sources, distributed energy, microreactors
- Mobility & Logistics: Advanced rail systems, autonomous vehicles, supply chain optimization
- Artificial Intelligence: AI-powered decision-making, autonomy, defense applications
- Human Health & Disease Prevention: Biotech, health tech relevant to defense and population health
- Space Awareness & In-Orbit Services: Satellite operations, space autonomy, earth observation
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing: 3D printing for defense, materials science for extreme environments
Stage and Check Size
Decisive Point invests primarily at the Seed and Series A stages:
- Pre-Seed: $500K-$1M (occasional for exceptional teams)
- Seed: $1M-$3M (most common entry point)
- Series A: $3M-$10M+ (lead or co-lead investments)
- Follow-on: Significant follow-on reserves (50%+ of fund) for strong performers
Check size range: $500K - $1M minimum to $10M+ for Series A leads. The firm typically targets 15-20% ownership at Seed and Series A rounds.
Lead Tendency
Decisive Point leads rounds when the investment thesis aligns and the team demonstrates exceptional capability. The firm has co-led multiple Series A rounds and led numerous Seed investments. Their government expertise and network effects make them valuable lead investors as portfolio companies navigate federal contracting.
Recent Activity and Fund Status
Fund History:
- Fund I (2021): $10M initial close, focused on early government/defense tech investments
- Fund II: Currently deploying, with recent investments through April 2025
Recent Portfolio Investments (2024-2025):
- Scout AI: Seed round (2025) - autonomous ground systems with multi-payload platform
- Firehawk Aerospace: Series C $60M lead (2024) - 3D-printed hybrid rocket engines
- Multiple portfolio companies scaling post-Series A
Fund Status: Actively Deploying - Evidence of recent seed and Series A investments through Q2 2025 indicates Fund II remains in active deployment phase.
Portfolio Highlights
Decisive Point's portfolio includes 20+ portfolio companies spanning defense, energy, space, and advanced technology sectors:
Notable Companies:
- Radiant Nuclear (Spotlight): Micro-nuclear reactors for distributed power generation; former SpaceX engineers
- Asylon: American robotic perimeter security with AI-powered autonomous drones
- Firehawk Aerospace: 3D-printed hybrid rocket engines for aerospace and defense
- Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk): Market leader in drone UTM (unmanned traffic management) systems
- Scout Space: Vision-based autonomy for space operations with government heritage
- Scout AI: Autonomous ground vehicles for contested logistics and ISR missions
- EpiSci: AI solutions for autonomous teaming, cognitive electronic warfare
- Maybell Quantum: Quantum computing tools for government and enterprise
- LIFT Aircraft: Personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft
- Aurelius Systems: Directed energy laser systems for counter-UAS defense
- HavocAI: Maritime autonomy solutions with ultra-low-cost uncrewed surface vessels
- Enhanced Radar: AI systems for air traffic control and airspace management
Team
Decisive Point has assembled a deep team with government, defense, and entrepreneurial backgrounds. The investment team includes 3 General Partners, 2 Partners, 3 Principals, and 1 Operating Partner with expertise spanning defense contracting, government relations, and deep-tech operations.
Decision Process
Decisive Point operates as a partnership-based investment committee. Multiple General Partners and Principals review deals, with emphasis on technical feasibility, market fit, team quality, government access potential, and value-add alignment. Decision timeline is typically 4-8 weeks from initial meeting to commitment.
Geographic & Sector Focus
Geographic Presence:
- Headquarters: Beacon, New York (378C Main Street)
- Additional Offices: Washington D.C., Boston
- Investment Focus: Primarily US-based companies, with selective investments aligned with US national security interests
Sector Focus: Exclusively deep-tech addressing defense, national security, energy, and infrastructure challenges.
Founder and Investment Preferences
Decisive Point specifically seeks:
- Founders: Technical founders with government or defense background, or those who demonstrate deep understanding of government buying behavior
- Companies: Startups with dual-use technology (commercial + government applications) and clear paths to federal contracts
- Markets: Companies solving pressing national security, energy independence, or infrastructure resilience challenges
- Stage: Pre-product through Series A (market validation phase)
Anti-Thesis: Avoid pure consumer apps, ventures without government/defense relevance, companies without clear path to federal contracts.
Portfolio Services & Value-Add
A key differentiator is Decisive Point's Portfolio Services team providing:
Government Contracting Support:
- Rapid Acquisition Authorities: Other Transactions (OT), Commercial Solution Openings (CSO), Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA)
- Compliance & Documentation: NIST compliance, CMMC requirements, export control guidance
- Proposal Support: White papers, RFP response support, presentation strategy
- Contract Negotiation: Assistance with government terms, FAR clauses, IP arrangements
Government Relations:
- Congressional appropriations tracking and guidance
- Compliance with federal spending cycles
- Relationships with key congressional committees funding defense/energy innovation
Strategic Partnerships:
- Strong relationships with government R&D centers, National Laboratories, and accelerators
- Direct pipeline to DoD, DARPA, AFWERX, NSIN, and other innovation programs
- Access to SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive government R&D funding
Operational Expertise:
- Government customer discovery and problem validation
- Product-mission fit assessment
- Rapid deployment capability requirements
- Contracting strategy and business model optimization
Conclusion
Decisive Point represents a specialized, thesis-driven venture firm with exceptional depth in government and defense technology markets. The firm's competitive advantage stems from operational expertise in federal procurement, strategic partnerships with government innovation agencies, and a portfolio specifically constructed for government adoption. This positions Decisive Point as a premier investor for deep-tech founders pursuing dual-use applications with significant government market potential.