Join industry executives and decision-makers for a discussion on emerging and disruptive technology in the defence sector. This is the first panel of its kind hosted by Oxford’s Saïd Business School, bringing together the experts that are shaping the future of security and military modernization in the age of AI. This event is for anyone with an interest in venture capital, entrepreneurship, international governance, deep tech, security/defence studies, and innovation.
Kindly register (for free) in advance of the event using the below url. Panel starts promptly at 7pm with a post-event reception at 8pm.
Speaker Bios:
Philip Lockwood – Head of Innovation Unit at NATO
Phil oversaw the establishment of DIANA—NATO’s new deep tech innovation agency—and
the EUR 1 billion NATO Innovation Fund. Philip also leads the team responsible for NATO’s
strategies around emerging and disruptive technologies, including the Alliance’s AI Strategy
and Autonomy Implementation Plan. Before NATO, he was a tech lawyer with a large
international law firm. Philip previously served in special operations with both the Canadian
Armed Forces and the US Army.
Michael Jackson – Deep Tech/Dual Use VC & Top LinkedIn Voice (200k+ followers)
Michael is a successfully exited deeptech entrepreneur turned investor with nearly 20 years
spent in venture capital on both sides of the Atlantic. Named by the Telegraph as one of the
most influential tech investors in Europe, he started his venture career at Morgenthaler in
Silicon Valley before moving onto Advent in London. He’s invested in hundreds of tech
companies and more than 40 funds, and has had several $1B+ exits. He currently sits on the
boards and ICs of several deeptech focused VC firms, and advises the Dutch government on
deeptech policy.
Amelia Gould – Managing Director of Helsing UK/Europe (Somerville College Alum)
Amelia began her career as an Engineering Officer in the Royal Navy, serving for 11 years
before becoming an Enterprise Architect for digital transformation. She moved to BAE
Systems where she undertook a range of Engineering roles as well as Chief of Staff to the
CEO, and finally led the Maritime Combat Systems business. Amelia is now Managing
Director of Helsing UK, where she is leading the Maritime Domain as well as building the
UK business in Europe’s first Defence tech unicorn. Amelia is a WISE Woman in Industry
Award winner (2017), a Chartered Engineer and a non-Executive Director on the Maritime
UK Solent Board.
Dr. Rich Drake – Director of Anduril UK/Europe
Drake brings to Anduril 16 years of experience in defence systems technology. In his
previous role at Babcock International as Chief Executive of Mission Systems and Group
Chief Technology Officer, Drake was responsible for driving innovation and technology
across the Group, managing more than 1,500 staff and reporting directly to the Group CEO.
Founded in 2017, Anduril now employs almost 2,200 people globally — more than 40 in the
UK — and is valued at over £6.9 billion. Anduril continues to make a significant impact in
Europe and was recently awarded a £17 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence
Strategic Command to employ counter intrusion and counter UAS capabilities.
