Long Gray Line Venture Studio

Building the Next Generation of Defense Technology Leaders

We help West Point graduates build dual-use defense technology companies—creating sustainable pathways for alumni to continue serving national security through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Our Mission

Support national security by helping West Point graduates build dual-use defense technology companies—creating sustainable pathways for alumni to continue serving through innovation and entrepreneurship.

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Transform Problems into Solutions

Convert validated military challenges into scalable commercial technologies

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Strengthen National Security

Build companies that enhance both defense capabilities and the alumni network

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Develop Leaders

Create the next generation of national security technology leaders

How It Works

We don't just fund companies—we build them from the ground up

1

Source Problems

Identify critical defense challenges from DoD research centers and operational units

2

Recruit Founders

Match West Point alumni with domain expertise to validated problem areas

3

Build Infrastructure

Provide legal, operational, financial, and technical support to accelerate development

4

Graduate to Growth

Launch investment-ready ventures that secure Series A funding and scale

Focus Areas

Dual-use defense technologies addressing critical national security challenges

AI at the Tactical Edge
Autonomous Systems
Secure Communications
Advanced Manufacturing
ISR at Scale
Resilient Infrastructure

Leadership

Michael J. Lyons

Michael J. Lyons

Founder & Managing Director | USMA '83

Michael J. Lyons (USMA '83) is Founder and Managing Director of Long Gray Line Venture Studio. He previously served as a Major Gift Officer at West Point Association of Graduates, where he spent two years developing the venture studio model. Mike's vision is to create sustainable pathways for West Point graduates to continue serving national security through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Partnership

Establishing partnership with West Point Innovation Center to leverage Academy research, alumni networks, and operational expertise in building defense technology companies.

Get Involved

Join us in building the future of defense innovation

Ready to Connect?

Whether you're a West Point graduate with a vision, an investor interested in defense technology, or a partner organization, we'd love to hear from you.