A company creation platform built for defense and security
Fairwater Labs builds and launches new dual-use companies that address emerging, high-priority needs for American warfighters and first responders. Our portfolio companies are built to satisfy and exceed the needs of defense and security end-users, and all also have a well-defined approach to large commercial market opportunities; all are shaped by domain expertise and built for scale.
We build from first principles, in close coordination with the people who understand the mission best.
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Why dual-use?
Some emergent problems are too fast-moving to leave to legacy contractors and too industry specific for commercial-first thinking. We focus on dual-use models because they work for the operator, in the marketplace, and for the long term.
By solving defense and security needs first, our portfolio companies establish product clarity, early traction, and differentiated positioning more efficiently than competitors. Commercial applications and market opportunities follow naturally, not hypothetically.
2021
Fairwater Labs was founded
Launched our 1st company
2022
Launched our 2nd company
2024
Launched 3rd and 4th companies
1st exit with 10x return
Signed SOFWERX deal
2025
Launched companies 5, 6, and 7
Deepened government relationships
Expanded investor network
How we work
We move ideas through three defined phases: Prospect, Hatch, and Launch. This framework allows us to rapidly evaluate concepts, place the right teams, and incorporate businesses primed for success.
Prospect
Idea identification
- We track the market, we talk to SMEs, we leverage our network
- We create the ideas and evaluate the opportunities
Validate the opportunity
- Conduct market assessments, analyze competitive landscape, track emerging trends, and identify critical DoD demand signals
- Speak with subject matter experts and prospective customers inside and outside the defense industry
- We call this system The Wringer - a proprietary and repeatable process designed to reduce risk, clarify direction, and accelerate decision-making at every stage
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Hatch
Test and shape the business concept, and validate demand
- Recruit and assess prospective founding teams
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team to further define the business, product, and go-to-market strategy
- Run extensive end-user discovery and begin early prototyping
Launch
Build the company
- Incorporate the venture, secure initial funding, and stand up operational infrastructure
- Execute early go-to-market and prepare for first contracts
Our proprietary evaluation process: The Wringer
Over 100 concepts have moved through The Wringer. Most are cut. The best become companies.
Wringer 0
We quickly eliminate anything that lacks clear defense/security relevance or ability to scale commercially
Wringer 1
We leverage technical diligence, SME input, and structured testing to evaluate concept fit
Wringer 2
We synthesize everything learned and make a go/no-go decision
What every company receives
Every company launched through Fairwater Labs gets access to a set of foundational capabilities designed to increase its chances of success:
Prototyping
Hands-on technical support to accelerate product development and early validation
Go-to-Market
Strategic and tactical advisory support: building first sales motions, shaping messaging, refining commercial strategy
Recruiting & Partnerships
Founding team support, talent pipelines, and access to mission-aligned partners
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Hatch Operations
Company formation, legal infrastructure, budget scaffolding, and strategic onboarding
Portfolio Support
Post-launch resourcing, DoD navigation, warm intros, and ongoing growth guidance
We are building in a moment of profound change
- Geopolitical instability is increasing
- The Indo-Pacific is today’s clear theater of focus
- Technological acceleration is reshaping defense procurement timelines and expectations
- Information integrity and supply chain resilience are under threat
- Traditional acquisition models are adapting, but still slow
- LE, EMS, and other first responders require new technologies in today's dynamic security environment
We believe the future belongs to those who can build credible new ventures inside this environment - and do it quickly.
Field Notes
Thought pieces about how we approach company creation, evaluate defense problems, and support early-stage teams building in high-impact spaces.
