Laser Weapons, Defense Startups, Reshoring U.S. Manufacturing | Michael LaFramboise (Podcast #23)

Michael LaFramboise is the co-founder and CEO of Aurelius Systems, a defense technology startup building the next generation of autonomous counter-UAS. Their premier product, the Archimedes Laser Sentinel, combines high-powered directed energy with edge-deployed advanced control for unparalleled point-defense capabilities.TOPICS(0:00) Intro(1:06) Our First Laser Guest(2:29) BlueHalo’s Locust(4:29) US Navy Laser Weapons(5:51) Steve’s Sub Experiences(8:14) What’s Different About Defense(11:25) A New Defense YC?(17:14) Aurelius’ Laser, Explained(26:45) Demo Plans + Fundraising(32:58) Improving CROWS Weapon System(39:46) Aurelius Growth Plan(44:25) Importance of Lobbying(48:08) How Long EW Will Be Effective Against Drones (57:31) The Path to a $1T Laser Company(01:01:22) 7/11 Life After Defense Companies(01:10:41) Investor Relations Life(01:16:11) Founder Life = R&R (Raising and Recruiting)(01:17:54) Computer Vision and Equipment Challenges(01:24:30) Outro--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/