Investing in Security: Edvinas Kerza on Cyber Wars, Spy Tech & Startups | Innovantage Podcast #34

Episode notes

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max dives into the intersection of defense, security, and innovation with Edvinas Kerza – Managing Partner at Scalewolf and former Vice Minister of Defense of Lithuania. Edvinas brings decades of experience in cybersecurity, defense planning, and strategic innovation to the conversation, offering a rare insider perspective on how military needs drive technological breakthroughs. Together, they explore why defense startups matter, how Lithuania is building a hub for dual-use technologies, and what lessons Europe can learn from global leaders like Israel and the U.S. Edvinas shares stories from his time shaping Lithuania’s defense strategy, insights on hybrid warfare, and why venture capital is critical for scaling military tech. What you’ll learn: ️ Why most modern innovations from the internet to AI have military roots. ️ The rise of dual-use technologies and why they’re shaping the future. ️ How Lithuania is attracting global talent and building a defense innovation ecosystem. ️ The unique challenges of funding defense startups and mitigating security risks. ️ Why reputation and compliance are non-negotiable in military tech.