Jon Dandrow, CEO of Radenso and Strikeman, joins the show to talk about building advanced radar detection systems, modular sensing hardware, and consumer-to-defense innovation.
From hacking traffic cameras in his college years to leading dual-use technology companies, Dandrow shares the unconventional path that brought him into the defense world. We dive into how modular, FPGA-powered platforms are reshaping signals intelligence and CUAS, the challenges of manufacturing in the U.S. versus China, and why full-stack engineering capability matters.
He also opens up about funding strategies, lessons learned from past startups, and the realities of operating at the intersection of consumer electronics and defense tech.
Episode #46.
Chapters
0:00 Trailer
1:20 Introductions
3:31 A DC Parking Ticket Saga and a Drug Dealer Car
8:13 Creative Fundraising for Defense Tech Startups
10:38 Radenso's FPGA-Powered Dual-Use Hardware Innovation
19:48 From Robot Bartenders to Defense Tech in Cincinnati
28:19 Acquiring a Company to Fund Hardware Development
32:25 Building In-House RF and Full-Stack Capabilities
35:01 Mr. Beast, Prison POS, and Entrepreneurial Musings
39:25 Entrepreneurship, Work-Life Balance, and The Art of War
42:09 Warfare, Signal Decoys, and the Flaws of the Patent System
46:28 Manufacturing Challenges, PCB Fabrication, and Panda Diplomacy
51:56 Tabletop Gaming, Championships, and Entrepreneurial Hobbies
57:43 Frank Slootman's Philosophy on Fierce Business Competition
01:00:14 Vibe Coding, SAS Companies, and Entrepreneurial Access
01:04:45 Accelerating Development and Ukraine Drone Intelligence
01:09:58 Market Dominance, FPGA Uniqueness, and Tech Competition
01:15:11 Early Bitcoin Ventures and Missed Opportunities
01:18:17 Unconventional IPO Strategy and Drone Industry Disputes
01:21:25 Local Hiring, Bengals Football, and Final Product Vision
Links
The Drone Ultimatum:
Follow Steve:
