Patrick Byrne

About Patrick Byrne

My life changed when I was asked to serve as a Program Manager for Air Force One. As PM, I reminded every new employee, “You’re not just working on the President’s Aircraft, you’re building the iconic symbol of democracy and freedom abroad.” Today, that freedom is under threat. America’s adversaries are moving faster than ever, while the warfighters who protect us operate with outdated tools and technology that pales in comparison to the phone in your pocket.I’ve never worn a uniform, but I’ve made it my mission to move the best technology downrange and into the hands of those who keep us safe. Because one day, my kids might have to wear a uniform and today, someone’s kids already do. Over 20 years in Aerospace and Defense, I’ve led product, program, and GTM efforts across every layer of the defense innovation stack. I gravitate to Product because it demands the rare blend of strategic thinking, technical fluency, and tactical execution. From a seat at the table of Defense Primes to the ground floor of defense tech startups, I’ve managed more than 55 products and driven over $2.1 billion in revenue. I’ve deployed technology in some of the most complex, high-stakes environments on Earth.Now I help other leaders do the same.As a NATO DIANA Defense Expert and a DIU Defense Technology Acceleration Mentor, I’ve seen what it really takes to cross the Valley of Death. Great dual-use products (and great companies) are built when leaders set a clear vision, align teams toward that success, and empower them to bring their full talents and experience to the mission. But building great products isn’t enough. Winning in defense means navigating the Byzantine labyrinth of defense acquisition; a path that too often feels reserved for those with Pentagon pedigree or membership to the Beltway boys’ club. That’s where Warfighter Ready comes in.At Warfighter Ready, we give founders a proven playbook for turning prototypes into Programs of Record. We unlock operator access, enable field testing, find champions, and leverage acquisition vehicles to help our clients build, scale, and deliver capability for the warfighter. We’re building from the Pacific Northwest because it’s home to the richest untapped defense-tech ecosystem in the country. With its deep tech talent, early-stage capital, and proximity to some of the Department’s most critical military facilities, the PNW is poised to become the Silicon Valley of dual-use innovation - I’m here to make that happen.Let’s get your tech where it belongs: downrange into the hands of the warfighter.

Experience

1. Advisor

   Texavie

   Jan 2024 — Present

   I advise Texavie’s leadership team on product development and go-to-market strategy for its dual-use smart textile platform, NEAT SolarTex, a flexible solar fabric that converts ambient light into renewable energy.My focus includes:* Identifying Department of Defense and commercial applications to shape dual-use positioning* Advising on product development priorities aligned with dual-use military operational and outdoor recreational use cases* Defining early dual-use customer segments and developing targeted messaging across federal and outdoor markets* Coaching the founding team on BD tactics that build government trust while preserving startup agilityThis advisory role deepened my exposure to the dual-use ecosystem beyond software while reinforcing a key insight: innovative technology alone isn’t enough. Without the right strategy, roadmap, resources, and execution discipline, mission-changing products may never reach the field.

Education

• Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2017 — 2019

• University of Washington

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Mechanical Engineering

  2004 — 2008

• Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

  Master of Science - MS, Business Analytics

  2017 — 2019

• Stevens Institute of Technology

  Masters Certificate, Project Management

  2011 — 2012