Fuse Accelerator

Great Cohort, Great team, Great Event!!!

Demo Day was a moment worth celebrating. The Fuse Fall 2025 cohort stepped onto the stage and showed why we believe so deeply in dual-use founders. These teams aren’t just building companies, they’re building solutions that will change the world. Their work reflects months of learning, refining, and pushing forward alongside a community that cares about the future of innovation that matters both at home and around the globe. Thank you to everyone who joined us: mentors, instructors, partners, and community supporters. Some of you have been with these founders since day one, and others were meeting them for the first time. Bringing you all together in one room created a powerful sense of momentum and belief in what’s possible. We kicked off the night with a fireside chat featuring Drew Trojanowski and Stefan Kraus. Their insights grounded the conversation in reality and possibility, reminding us why this work matters, and why founders need spaces like this to grow, test, and build with purpose. What’s especially exciting is the shift happening across the national security ecosystem. The DoW and the primes that support them are looking beyond traditional walls to find the best technology on the planet, the kind of tech being built by the teams in this room. They’re searching for solutions that drive impact, strengthen our world, and solve real problems. And this cohort is stepping up to meet that moment. We’re grateful for the partnership with Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC) and Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona as we continue creating space for founders to connect, collaborate, and move their work forward. Progress accelerates when we build together. This cohort has pushed hard, asked the right questions, and shown what happens when talented founders are surrounded by people who want them to succeed. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and inspired by what they’re building. Over the next few weeks, we’ll spotlight some of our favorite moments. But one thing is clear: these companies are just getting started. Here’s a look back at the night. And stay close, because the next chapter is only getting more exciting. 🔥 BLACK FUR INDUSTRIES, LLC | DROPZONE ROBOTICS | Gigantor Technologies Inc. | Hoplynk | Kana Systems | LiveLink Aerospace Ltd | Nobel Works | re:3D Inc #DualUseInnovation #LightTheFuse

Today, we pause with gratitude to honor the veterans who have served and those who continue to serve. Many in our community have carried that experience forward. Their leadership, dedication, and sense of mission continue to inspire us and strengthen our shared future. Thank you for your service and for the example you set every day. 🇺🇸

That’s a wrap! From set-up to a fireside chat to founders on stage delivering the vision they’ve been shaping all season, Demo Day has been an incredible showcase of dual-use innovation at work. The room was packed with defense representatives, venture investors, and industry partners who believe in what’s possible when dual-use founders have the support and access they need to grow. The presentations may be done, but conversations are still happening… new connections are forming and the energy in the room is still going strong. It’s a powerful reminder of this ecosystem and the future it’s shaping. We’re 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙨𝙚 and excited for what’s ahead. 🔥 BLACK FUR INDUSTRIES, LLC | DROPZONE ROBOTICS | Gigantor Technologies Inc. | Hoplynk | Kana Systems | LiveLink Aerospace Ltd | Nobel Works | re:3D Inc Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC) | Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona

This week, innovation takes center stage! Demo Day is the capstone event for our Fall 2025 cohort, showcasing exceptional dual-use startups developing technologies with both commercial and defense applications, from AI and modular hardware to advanced communications. Over the last 10 weeks, these founders have been working closely with the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona and the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), connecting community leaders, business owners, federal sponsors, industry leaders, and investors in one collaborative ecosystem. We’re kicking things off with a Fireside Chat featuring two key voices shaping the defense innovation landscape: Drew Trojanowski, CEO of Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), and Stefan Kraus, Founder of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace and multi-exit founder. The evening will offer an inside look at how innovation in the Southwest is driving real mission impact and global competitiveness, bringing together DoD representatives, venture investors, and industry partners focused on scaling technologies that strengthen both economic and national security. This is the moment to see how months of collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on work have transformed bold ideas into real impact. 📅 Wednesday, November 5, 2025  📍 On Jackson | 245 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ  ⏰ 5-10 PM 🔗 RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gd5UGq6B

💡 Founder Series: How and When to Raise Capital Raising capital is one of the toughest — yet most important — parts of building a company. Join us for an honest conversation with founders who’ve successfully exited and investors funding the next generation of startups. 📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025 📍 101 N 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ – Floor 27 ⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM MST This panel will unpack what it really takes to prepare for outside investment and position your company for long-term success. We’ll explore how to recognize investor readiness, understand key milestones, and choose the right type of capital — from VC and angel investors to non-dilutive funding opportunities through agencies like the DoD, NIH, and BARDA. Discussion Topics: • Signals that your company is “investor ready” • Dilutive vs. non-dilutive funding strategies • Tailoring your fundraising from pre-seed through Series B • Building credibility with dual-use investors • Crafting compelling pitches that balance commercial and national security value Whether you’re just getting started or gearing up for your next round, this session will deliver practical advice, candid insights, and lessons learned from both sides of the table. 🔗 RSVP today to save your seat! https://lnkd.in/gSQ-efxP #FoundersSeries #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #DualUseTech #DefenseInnovation #ArizonaStartups #InvestorReadiness #Entrepreneurship

🚀 Fuse Accelerator Demo Day: Fall ’25 Cohort + Community Kickoff Party We’re closing out the Fuse Dual-Use Accelerator Fall ’25 Cohort with an evening dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and impact! Join us Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at On Jackson (245 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ) from 5:00–10:00 PM as this season’s startups showcase breakthrough technologies across AI/ML, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing — all built to advance both commercial and defense markets. Meet visionary founders, connect with industry and government leaders, and experience the next wave of dual-use innovation driving Arizona’s national security and tech ecosystem forward. ✨ Featuring startups from the Fall ’25 Cohort: 🔹 BLACK FUR INDUSTRIES, LLC 🔹 DROPZONE ROBOTICS 🔹 Gigantor Technologies Inc. 🔹 Hoplynk 🔹 Kana Systems 🔹 LiveLink Aerospace Ltd 🔹 Nobel Works 🔹 re:3D Inc Then stick around for the Community Kickoff Party, the official opening to Freeway’s Tech Talent Summit 2025 and Startup World Cup AZ — a night celebrating Arizona’s thriving innovation community. 🔗 RSVP now to save your spot: https://lnkd.in/gd5UGq6B #DualUseInnovation #DemoDay #DefenseTech #StartupEcosystem #ArizonaInnovation #FuseAccelerator #TechTalentSummit #StartupWorldCupAZ #PhoenixTech

🎉 Fuse Accelerator Demo Day: Fall ’25 Cohort is just TWO WEEKS AWAY! 🔗 RSVP now to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/gd5UGq6B Join us Wednesday, November 5th at 5pm to see the startups showcase their technologies across commercial and defense markets. 📅 Wednesday, November 5, 2025 📍 On Jackson | 245 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ ⏰ 5:00–10:00 PM Featuring the Fall ’25 Cohort: 🔹 BLACK FUR INDUSTRIES, LLC 🔹 DROPZONE ROBOTICS 🔹 Gigantor Technologies Inc. 🔹 Hoplynk 🔹 Kana Systems 🔹 LiveLink Aerospace Ltd 🔹 Nobel Works 🔹 re:3D Inc #DualUseInnovation #DemoDay #StartupEcosystem #DefenseTech #TechTalentSummit #ArizonaInnovation #FuseAccelerator #StartupWorldCupAZ #PhoenixTech

Fundraising is one of the most challenging and transformative parts of a founder’s journey, and having direct access to investors willing to share their perspective is truly invaluable. This week, our Fuse cohort had that opportunity during our VC Panel Day, featuring an exceptional lineup: • Aaron Favreau - Spark Angels & Venture Madness • James Dolan - RevTek Capital • Samantha Trojanowski - Connected Capital & the Department of Defense • Hosted by Darian Harris - Co-founder and Managing Partner at Fuse The discussion went far beyond pitching, exploring how investors think about deals, what drives their decisions, and when (and why) they choose to say “not a no, just not right now.” For our founders, this was a rare chance to ask candid questions, compare notes with peers, and gain insight that will guide their fundraising strategies long after the program. Most founders only get to sit across the table from investors, this was about sitting with them and learning together. A heartfelt thank you to our host sponsor, JP Morgan, and to every panelist and community member who made the conversation so impactful. The openness and wisdom shared will ripple forward through every pitch, negotiation, and partnership our founders take on next.