The Pair Program

Hosted by hatch I.T.

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150

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Pair Program is a podcast from hatch I.T. that brings you inside candid, unfiltered conversations with the innovators building mission-driven technology. Hosted by Tim Winkler, Founder & CEO of hatch I.T., the show pairs two guests per episode from across startups, venture capital, government, and industry to explore how ideas turn into products, how partnerships actually form, and how talent powers innovation in high-stakes environments. The show features a rotating co-host format designed to match the conversation to the mission: • Mike Gruen joins Tim for episodes centered on commercial product startups, product strategy, engineering leadership, and scaling modern software companies. • Sean Leahy joins Tim for episodes focused on defense, national security, and critical infrastructure. Across defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing, space, and emerging tech, The Pair Program is built around one simple idea: Two perspectives. One mission. Rather than surface-level takes, each episode digs into real decisions, real tradeoffs, and real stories behind scaling technology in complex environments, from dual-use startups and venture investment to government adoption and talent strategy. Whether you are a founder, operator, investor, or technologist working on problems that matter, The Pair Program gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the future. New episodes drop regularly. Follow along wherever you listen to podcasts and on LinkedIn for clips, insights, and updates. 🚀 Sign-Up for our weekly Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/ 🤖 Check Out our community: http://myhatchpad.com/ Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hatchpad1444

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 20261 hr 12 min

From Snapshots to Systems: Why 3D Earth Awareness Is Becoming Critical Infrastructure | The Pair Program Ep97

From Snapshots to Systems: Why 3D Earth Awareness Is Becoming Critical Infrastructure | The Pair Program Ep97In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Andrew Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Array Labs, and David Gauthier, Chief Strategy Officer at GXO, for a conversation on the future of Earth observation and what happens when the world can be mapped in near real time. From distributed radar satellite networks to AI-powered geospatial intelligence, they explore how 3D awareness is changing the way governments, businesses, and operators understand the physical world. They also discuss the shift from legacy space systems to resilient satellite architectures and why persistent, high-resolution data could become critical infrastructure in the years ahead.Key topics include:Why 3D Earth observation is the next evolution of geospatial intelligenceHow satellite swarms can outperform traditional space systemsThe growing role of commercial space technology in national securityWhat becomes possible when real-time physical world data is always availableAbout Andrew Peterson: Andrew is the Co-founder and CEO of Array Labs, where he is building a new approach to satellite-based Earth observation using distributed radar systems. His background spans radio-frequency sensing, laser defense systems, and the Vera Rubin Astronomical Observatory. He is focused on applying information from large-scale sensing programs to help us better understand the planet.About David Gauthier: David is currently a consultant at GXO, Inc., integrating new commercial space capabilities with U.S. national security missions. He has nearly 30 years of experience leading operations and strategy across the Intelligence Community, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Commercial Operations at NGA. He is also a Fellow at the National Security Institute and a Senior Associate at CSIS.This episode is supported by Defense UnicornsDefense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech.Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.comExploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

June 2, 20261 hr 5 min

From Sidewalks to Scale: What It Actually Takes to Build Real-World Robotics | The Pair Program Ep96

From Sidewalks to Scale: What It Actually Takes to Build Real-World Robotics | The Pair Program Ep96What does it take to turn autonomous robotics from a demo into real-world infrastructure? In this episode of The Pair Program, Paige Craig, Managing Partner at Outlander VC, and Zach Rash, Co-founder & CEO at Coco, discuss scaling autonomous delivery, building operational moats through real-world data, navigating regulation and reliability, and what separates successful robotics companies from the rest. They also explore the future of physical AI and the founder traits behind category-defining businesses.What we cover in this episode:Why real-world deployment matters more than perfect demosBuilding operational moats in robotics and physical AIThe economics and challenges of last-mile deliveryHow autonomous systems learn from real-world dataReliability as the key to scaling logistics networksThe future impact of autonomy across industriesFounder-market fit and what investors look for in exceptional foundersAbout Paige Craig: Paige is the Managing Partner of Outlander VC, where he invests in founders building category-defining companies. A former Marine Corps officer and entrepreneur, he successfully scaled a national security company before transitioning into venture capital, backing companies such as Lyft, SpaceX, and AngelList early in their growth.About Zach Rash: Zach is the CEO and co-founder of Coco, an autonomous delivery company focused on transforming last-mile logistics. Since launching the company, he has helped expand autonomous delivery services across multiple cities while advancing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for urban transportation.This episode is supported by Defense UnicornsDefense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech.Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.comExploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

May 19, 20261 hr 10 min

Designing the Impossible: AI, Quantum Mechanics, and the Future of Materials | The Pair Program Ep95

Designing the Impossible: AI, Quantum Mechanics, and the Future of Materials | The Pair Program Ep95In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Joseph Krause, Co-Founder and CEO of Radical AI, and Nathan Doctor, Founder and Managing Partner of Infinite Capital, for a conversation on the future of AI-driven scientific discovery and the rise of physical AI. From autonomous labs and materials science to robotics, semiconductors, and frontier tech investing, the discussion explores how breakthroughs in the physical world could define the next era of innovation.What the conversation explores:Why the traditional scientific process is too slow for modern innovationHow self-driving labs could transform materials discoveryThe importance of failed experiments and “messy data” in AI systemsWhy materials science may unlock the next major technological breakthroughsThe growing intersection of AI, robotics, hardware, and the physical worldHow founders and investors think about long-term, world-changing innovationAbout Joseph Krause:Joseph is the co-founder and CEO of Radical AI, a company building autonomous research systems to accelerate breakthroughs in materials science. His background includes military research, semiconductor innovation, and deep tech investing through roles at Army DEVCOM and AlleyCorp. Joseph is focused on using AI to reshape how scientific and industrial innovation happens at scale.About Nathan Doctor:Nathan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Infinite Capital, focused on investing in emerging technologies across AI, aerospace, autonomy, and decentralized systems. Before Infinite, he founded Codewars and Qualified, platforms centered on developer education and technical assessment.This episode is supported by Defense UnicornsDefense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech.Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.comExploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

May 5, 20261 hr 10 min

From Services to Software: How Dual-Use AI Companies Actually Scale Inside Government | The Pair Program Ep94

From Services to Software: How Dual-Use AI Companies Actually Scale Inside Government | The Pair Program Ep94In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Darren Kimura, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AI Squared, and Abir Ray, CEO of Expression, for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale AI in complex, high-stakes environments. From the “last mile” problem in AI adoption to the realities of deploying technology in government systems, this conversation explores where innovation meets execution, and what breaks along the way.Inside the episode:Why embedding AI into real workflows is harder than building the modelsThe “last mile” problem and what it takes to operationalize AIHow cognitive overload impacts decision-making in AI-driven environmentsThe shift from services to scalable software platformsWhy human-in-the-loop systems are still criticalWhat breaks when moving from pilot to production, and how to fix itAbout Darren Kimura: Darren is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and venture investor with 30+ years of experience across AI, enterprise software, cybersecurity, and energy. He currently leads AI Squared, focused on secure enterprise and federal AI deployment.About Abir Ray: Abir is the CEO of Expression, a defense technology firm specializing in AI/ML systems, cloud-native platforms, and cybersecurity. He also teaches at Cornell and is an expert in spectrum operations and trustworthy AI.This episode is supported by Defense UnicornsDefense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech.Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.comExploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

April 21, 202658 min

From Chip to Constellation: Building a New Global Network in Space | The Pair Program Ep93

From Chip to Constellation: Building a New Global Network in Space | The Pair Program Ep93In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Jonathan Dyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Muon Space, and Alex Haro, Co-Founder & CEO of Hubble, to explore how space is evolving from exploration to infrastructure. From Bluetooth-powered satellites to scalable constellation manufacturing, this conversation dives into what it takes to build the next layer of global connectivity and why the future of space looks a lot more like software than rockets.What you’ll get from it:How Bluetooth is being used to connect devices directly to spaceWhy traditional satellite models couldn’t scale and what’s replacing themThe shift from bespoke spacecraft to repeatable, software-driven systemsReal-world applications across supply chain, agriculture, and defenseWhy space is becoming invisible infrastructure for everyday technologyAbout Jonathan Dyer: Jonathan is the Co-Founder & CEO of Muon Space, building mission-optimized satellite constellations for commercial and national security use. He has led development of industry-shaping products across aerospace and geospatial tech at Skybox Imaging, Google, and Lyft. His work focuses on scaling space infrastructure to make it more accessible, repeatable, and impactful.About Alex Haro: Alex Haro is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hubble, creating a satellite-powered Bluetooth network for global connectivity. He previously co-founded Life360, scaling it to over 90 million users and leading the company to IPO. Alex has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and holds multiple patents in location and PNT technologies.This episode is supported by Defense UnicornsDefense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech.Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.comExploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

April 7, 20261 hr 19 min

Mission Speed: How Commercial Innovation Is Reshaping Defense Acquisition | The Pair Program Ep92

Mission Speed: How Commercial Innovation Is Reshaping Defense Acquisition | The Pair Program Ep92In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Darian Harris, Founding GP of Connected Capital and co-founder of Fuse Accelerator, and Drew Trojanowski, President and CEO of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), to unpack what it really takes to move innovation at mission speed. From navigating defense acquisition to scaling dual-use startups, they share how founders and operators can bridge the gap between commercial traction and government adoption.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why “speed” in defense isn’t always about moving fasterThe real bottlenecks in DoD acquisition and innovation pipelinesHow dual-use startups can avoid the “valley of death”Building ecosystems that actually help technology reach the missionWhy partnerships matter more than ever in scaling innovationAbout Drew Trojanowski: Drew is President & CEO of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), where he leads mission-driven innovation across national security ecosystems. His background spans the White House, Capitol Hill, Arizona State University, and a decade in the U.S. Army as a scout/sniper.About Darian Harris: Darian is Founding GP of Connected Capital and co-founder of Fuse Accelerator. A seasoned entrepreneur, he focuses on helping scale-stage startups grow across commercial and government markets, supporting founders in turning traction into long-term impact.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

March 24, 20261 hr 9 min

Contested Logistics Reimagined: The Case for Dual-Use Air Systems | The Pair Program Ep91

Contested Logistics Reimagined: The Case for Dual-Use Air Systems | The Pair Program Ep91In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Arthur Dubois, CEO of Grid Aero, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leonard Kosinski, Chief Strategy Officer at Air Space Intelligence. From autonomous aircraft to AI-powered logistics, they break down how supply chains are being rethought for a world where speed, scale, and resilience are critical. The conversation dives into what’s broken today, and how founders and operators are building systems that can actually keep up.In this conversation, we get into:Why logistics is becoming the limiting factor in modern operationsHow contested logistics is changing the way systems are designedThe trade-offs between building advanced tech vs. building at scaleWhat autonomy actually looks like in aviation todayHow AI is helping teams make faster, better decisionsAbout Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leonard Kosinski: Leonard is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general and Chief Strategy Officer at Air Space Intelligence. Over a 30+ year career, he led global logistics and multinational operations, including his final role on the Joint Staff shaping logistics for the Department of Defense. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the National Defense University.About Arthur Dubois: Arthur is the CEO of Grid Aero and an aerospace engineer focused on autonomous aircraft and next-generation flight systems. He has led aircraft programs from concept through flight and helped scale teams at companies like Joby Aviation. He previously led engineering at Xwing, working on advanced autonomy systems.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

March 10, 202655 min

Building Tech For Tactical Decision Dominance | The Pair Program Ep90

Building Tech For Tactical Decision Dominance | The Pair Program Ep90In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Garrett Smith, Founder & CEO of Reveal Technology, and Les Craig, General Partner at Next Frontier Capital. Together, they explore how new technologies are reshaping the tactical edge and what it takes to build and fund defense startups that deliver real capability for operators in the field. From battlefield insight to venture investment strategy, the conversation highlights how founders and investors are working together to bring advanced tools into modern defense environments.Key topics include:How drone-based 3D mapping is improving situational awareness in real timeWhat it takes to build a defense startup that actually gets adopted by operatorsThe realities of scaling a venture-backed company in the defense ecosystemWhy capital efficiency and disciplined growth matter in defense techHow founders and investors evaluate opportunities in the evolving defense marketAbout Garrett Smith: Garrett is the Founder and CEO of Reveal Technology, a defense technology company building software that transforms drone video into real-time 3D maps for operational environments. A Marine Corps Force Recon veteran and active reservist, Garrett combines frontline experience with Silicon Valley innovation to develop tools designed to improve situational awareness for teams operating in complex terrain.About Les Craig: Les is a General Partner at Next Frontier Capital, where he focuses on early-stage technology investments. Prior to joining the firm, Les co-founded cybersecurity company RedOwl Analytics, later acquired by Forcepoint. His background also includes roles at the CIA, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and service as a U.S. Army officer supporting special operations missions.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

February 24, 20261 hr 18 min

Policy to Production: Fielding Faster, Governing Smarter | The Pair Program Ep89

Policy to Production: Fielding Faster, Governing Smarter | The Pair Program Ep89In this episode, we sit down with Michael Weigand, Founder & CEO at Aventra, and Joshua Stiefel, Vice President for Government Relations at Second Front, to explore what it really takes to move defense technology from idea to execution. The conversation centers on the practical challenges of building, scaling, and adopting new capabilities inside government systems, where speed, policy, and production all collide. From acquisition realities to the future of cyber warfare, this episode offers a grounded look at how innovation actually reaches the field.What you’ll hear in this episode:Transitioning defense tech from prototype to productionManufacturing readiness and scaling under real constraintsAcquisition pathways that enable faster adoptionThe role of policy in shaping innovation outcomesCyber warfare, force structure, and what comes nextAbout Michael Weigand: Michael is Founder & CEO at Aventra, focused on deploying next-generation defense technologies. He previously founded Shift5, scaling it into a venture-backed defense software company. He now supports emerging national security startups as an Entrepreneur in Residence.About Joshua Stiefel: Joshua is Vice President for Government Relations at Second Front, a public benefit software company serving national security missions. He previously worked on cyber and defense policy for the House Armed Services Committee. Josh also served in the executive branch and the U.S. Navy Reserve.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

February 9, 202652 min

Insurtech at Speed: Engineering the Future of Specialty Insurance | The Pair Program Ep88

Insurtech at Speed: Engineering the Future of Specialty Insurance | The Pair Program Ep88In today’s episode, we’re joined by Nathan Hall, Chief Technology Officer at Ledgebrook, and Mike Mansell, investor at American Family Ventures, for a deep dive into how modern technology is reshaping specialty insurance. The conversation explores how speed, automation, and broker-first design are redefining underwriting, where AI truly adds value, and why human judgment still matters in high-stakes, regulated industries. From infrastructure decisions to investor signals, this episode unpacks what it really takes to modernize insurance from the inside out.Here’s what we get into:Why legacy insurance workflows struggle to keep up with modern riskBuilding for speed without sacrificing trust or complianceHow AI augments underwriters instead of replacing themWhat investors look for in the next wave of insurtech platformsDesigning technology around real broker behavior, not ideal workflowsAbout Nathan Hall: Nathan is the CTO at Ledgebrook, where he leads platform architecture and engineering. With a background spanning SaaS, fintech, and healthcare, he specializes in scaling teams and building systems that prioritize speed, reliability, and real-world usability.About Mike Mansell: Mike is an investor at American Family Ventures, an early-stage insurtech VC firm. He works closely with founders building the future of insurance, bringing an operator-focused perspective on product-market fit, traction, and long-term defensibility.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

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