Paul Kwan: VCs are overlooking biodefense
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: General Catalyst
Not enough people — venture capitalists included — are paying attention to biological threats and their countermeasures, Paul Kwan, a managing director at General Catalyst, told Axios in an interview.
Why he matters: Kwan leads the investment firm's global resilience team focused on defense, energy and industry.
- Companies he's worked with include software-and-drone maker Helsing and information warfare specialist Vannevar Labs.
Q: When you hear "future of defense," what comes to mind?
A: The urgent need to modernize America's defense and industrial base to face a military, economic and technological superpower the likes of which we haven't seen since the British Empire.
Q: When will wars be waged solely by robots?
A: It's going to be longer than we expect on the robot dogs, robot drones fighting each other. What I'm much more worried about is AI fighting AI, which may not be as clear-cut. Who's fighting who?
Q: What region of the world should we be watching? Why?
A: Everyone talks about Asia and Taiwan. I think what you want to be watching is possible conflict — stress — around Southeast Asia.
Q: What's your secret to a successful overnight flight?
A: Find a really nice gym and buy a day pass. It's the best way to get a free shower. That is a critical hack.
- I'm not going to tell you the one I go to, because then you'll grab my day pass, right?
Q: What time do you wake up? What's the morning routine look like?
A: 6:45am, and it's not that exciting, because I'm dealing with dogs and teenagers.
Q: What are you currently reading, or what's a book you'd recommend?
A: This is an awesome read. I feel really good about recommending this to everyone.
- "By All Means Available." Mike Vickers. CIA. An insane book about military strategy in the modern era.
