Brandon Karpf
Cybersecurity • National Security • Business Strategy
Bridging the space between national security and boardroom outcomes.
As a strategic systems architect and technology entrepreneur, I operate where national security, advanced technology, and capital markets converge—drawing on years leading cyber operations at NSA and building venture-backed platforms for Fortune 100 executives.
$30B+
Enterprise value under protection
200k+
Annual broadcast impressions
50+
Strategic briefings, reports, and keynotes delivered annually
Where strategy, operations, and capital meet.
I operate across three lanes that continually reinforce one another. Each lane sharpens my perspective on the others—ensuring I can help mission owners, investors, and engineers act decisively.
National Security Leadership
Forged cyber operations doctrine inside NSA and U.S. Cyber Command while leading joint missions at sea and in classified environments.
- Former mission manager driving global computer network operations for NSA and U.S. Cyber Command
- Naval Academy professor shaping the next generation of officers
- Trusted advisor to allied defense, intelligence, and space agencies
Enterprise & Venture Operator | Technology Entrepreneur & Venture Capital Partner
Scale cybersecurity businesses and coach founders on turning dual-use and nascent tech into durable revenue and mission outcomes.
- Global executive at NTT steering critical-infrastructure security strategy
- Operating partner at Fulcrum VC and co-founder/CTO at Hedy Cyber, an AI security startup
- Board-level advisor to growth-stage CEOs, product leaders, and investors
Media & Thought Leadership
Built platforms that translate classified insights into action for Fortune 500 boards, policymakers, and the public.
- Executive Editor and host across CyberWire Daily & T-Minus Space Daily
- Regular testimony and commentary on AI, cyber, and space resilience
- Creator of executive forums that unite CISOs, commanders, and founders
Credentials & Recognitions
Formal training and certifications give me the language of policy, engineering, and board governance. They also underpin the clearances and trust required to operate at the highest levels.
- • Executive MBA, Georgetown University
- • MS Technology & Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- • BS Robotics & Control Engineering, United States Naval Academy
- • CISSP, PMP, and DoD-recognized cyber warfare qualifications
- • Deep expertise in U.S.-Japan strategic partnerships
What I’m focused on now
- → Leading NTT’s global cyber strategy programs for critical industries
- → Partnering with Fulcrum VC founders to harden dual-use technology
- → Designing Naval Academy curricula that blend AI, cyber, and space operations
Beyond the briefings
I call Annapolis home with my wife, Abi, and our German Shepherd, Mango. When I’m not decoding threat intelligence or advising founders, you’ll find me on the Chesapeake Bay or behind the stove experimenting with new cooking techniques. The same curiosity that drives my career fuels the rest of my life.
Fast facts
- Based in Annapolis, Maryland
- Naval Academy rowing alum and lifelong sailor
- Obsessed with building high-trust teams and perfecting pizza dough