Webinar
The Race to Criticality
Join Alumni Ventures’ Drew Wandzilak and Mason Hale for an introduction to the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund, our fund focused on backing exceptional companies building the future of critical American technology and infrastructure.
In this session, Drew and Mason will provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund’s investment strategy and how the fund identifies opportunities in sectors vital to national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership. They’ll discuss what makes strategic technology—including cybersecurity, defense tech, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and critical infrastructure—a compelling investment category in today’s geopolitical landscape.
The conversation will cover how the fund evaluates promising startups across strategic tech sectors, highlight portfolio companies addressing critical challenges, and explore why these investments represent both strong financial opportunities and strategic importance for America’s technological future. You’ll gain insight into the fund’s investment approach, market dynamics, and what separates companies positioned to become category leaders in strategic technology.
Whether you’re a current investor or exploring opportunities in venture capital, this webinar offers valuable perspective on one of the most important investment themes of our time. Reserve your seat today to learn how the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund backs leading companies building America’s technological edge.
Want to access our U.S. Strategic Tech Syndicate startup deals to see, evaluate, and optionally invest? No cost, no commitment.
Why Attend?
- HomeLearn about the U.S. Strategic Tech Fund's investment strategy in critical technology sectors
- HomeUnderstand how the fund evaluates and selects startups addressing national security and infrastructure challenges
- HomeDiscover why strategic technology represents a compelling investment opportunity in today's environment
Alumni Ventures is America’s largest venture capital firm for individual investors.
About your presenters
Drew has worked in high-growth industries as both an investor and operator, focusing on how people and technology interact within organizations. As a long-time investor with Alumni Ventures, he has worked across multiple funds and internal initiatives. He has worked on National and State level political campaigns, focusing on Small Business and Entrepreneurial policy. Drew holds a BS from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy, specializing in Learning & Organizational Development. He also served as an Ambassador for Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and was recognized in Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25.
Before joining Chestnut Street Ventures, Mason attended Waseda Business School in Tokyo, Japan where he earned an MSc in Finance and wrote a master’s thesis linking founders’ attributes and strategic partnerships to firm performance in new ventures. While attending Waseda Business School, Mason was selected as a G51 Venture Scholar and participated in the Global Venture Catalyst where he served as a graduate startup advisor. Mason also holds a BA in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin.