Canada’s $35 Billion Arctic Push, the New Cost of War, and Building Sovereign Capability with Glenn Cowan of ONE9

Episode notes

In this episode of Tank Talks , host Matt Cohen sits down with Glenn Cowan, a former Canadian Special Forces squadron commander, world-record skydiver, and founder of ONE9 Investments, one of Canada’s most focused venture firms in defence, national security, and dual-use tech. He has experienced both sides of the mission, from the field to the boardroom, and brings a perspective you do not hear often when it comes to building serious, sovereign technology in 2026. Glenn opens up about his unexpected shift from military operations into venture capital and what he is seeing firsthand as Canada’s defence landscape rapidly evolves. He breaks down major moves like the federal government’s $35 billion Arctic defence infrastructure push and BDC’s expanded $6 billion defence platform, translating what those headlines actually mean for founders, investors, and the country’s long-term capability. The conversation also digs into bigger questions, including how Canada balances sovereignty with working alongside allies, why the Arctic is becoming strategically critical, and how venture capital is stepping in as a real force in national security.

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