Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Emil Michael went from scaling Uber across 600 cities to rewiring the world's largest military.
In the midst of the Pentagon-Silicon Valley debate, the now U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering opens up about what a real partnership demands from both sides.
He also shares how he's built three new entry points for defense tech companies, and why America's military is called the "Department of War" again.
Guest: Emil Michael, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Connect with Emil Michael
X: https://x.com/emilmichael
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilmichael
Connect with Joubin
X: https://x.com/Joubinmir
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854
Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com
Follow on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/kpgrit
Follow on X:
https://x.com/KPGrit
Learn more about Kleiner Perkins: kleinerperkins.com
(00:00) Trailer
(00:42) Introduction
(01:49) The Uber years and media backlash
(06:12) Uber's positive impact and autonomous vehicle bet
(08:20) Priorities at the Department of War
(12:20) The Anthropic dispute and AI policy restrictions
(17:44) AI as the most disruptive technology
(21:27) Bridging Silicon Valley and government
(26:06) Military recruiting and the Department of War rebrand
(29:31) Breaking bureaucracy for defense tech startups
(34:02) Pace of change in government versus startups
(37:44) A day in the life
(39:18) What "grit" means to Emil
(40:05) Outro
Emil Michael went from scaling Uber across 600 cities to rewiring the world's largest military.
In the midst of the Pentagon-Silicon Valley debate, the now U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering opens up about what a real partnership demands from both sides.
He also shares how he's built three new entry points for defense tech companies, and why America's military is called the "Department of War" again.
Guest: Emil Michael, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Connect with Emil Michael
X: https://x.com/emilmichael
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilmichael
Connect with Joubin
X: https://x.com/Joubinmir
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854
Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com
Follow on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/kpgrit
Follow on X:
https://x.com/KPGrit
Learn more about Kleiner Perkins: kleinerperkins.com
(00:00) Trailer
(00:42) Introduction
(01:49) The Uber years and media backlash
(06:12) Uber's positive impact and autonomous vehicle bet
(08:20) Priorities at the Department of War
(12:20) The Anthropic dispute and AI policy restrictions
(17:44) AI as the most disruptive technology
(21:27) Bridging Silicon Valley and government
(26:06) Military recruiting and the Department of War rebrand
(29:31) Breaking bureaucracy for defense tech startups
(34:02) Pace of change in government versus startups
(37:44) A day in the life
(39:18) What "grit" means to Emil
(40:05) Outro
