Drew Busbee
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced entrepreneurial leader with a background in global operations, venture-backed startups, and growth strategy. Well-versed in federal go-to-market strategy, strategic partnerships and supporting founders through early stage growth opportunities. Supported the deployment of over 500 million of investment into Dual-Use tech companies.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director-i2a
Disruptive Technology Index
Los Angeles, California
09.2023 - Current
- Developed i2a "Innovate to Accelerate" Curriculum, growing portfolio from 0 to 50 startups backed with 86 million government funding.
- Supported strategic partnerships with California Go-Biz, LA EDC, and greater Los Angeles Venture community.
Deputy Director: Innovative Programs ETMO
United States Space Force
Los Angeles, CA
12.2022 - Current
- Led manpower and hiring efforts for the Space Force's first dedicated professional military education program. Resourced and built the first portions to support 500 student officers.
- Developed first of its kind venture capital and private equity immersion program embedding Space Force Officers in venture funds representing 300 million in AUM.
- Automated application and interview process for 1000 inter service transfers, civilian hiring and college scholarship applicants reducing feedback loop by 3 months.
- Coordinated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives for Space Force recruitment efforts overseeing 1100 applications and interviews.
AFWERX Fellow: Strategic Engagements
United States Space Force
Los Angeles, CA
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Technical Project lead for four “Orbital Prime” companies, managed $500K in seed stage investment, insured 100% milestone on time delivery.
- Led due diligence on 40 government contract proposals, ensured requirements met for largest department of Air Force small business solicitation to date.
- Developed and negotiated three cooperative research and development agreements with space focused venture capital firms adding 70 million in funding opportunities for Space Force portfolio companies.
Deputy Director Business Innovation
United States Space Force
Los Angeles, CA
11.2020 - 11.2022
- Founded “Acquisitions and Tactics” program redeveloping the training, education, and on-boarding process for engineers and program managers at acquisition headquarters.
- Created Digital Exec Series implemented scrum methodologies and agile tool adoption through 3000-member acquisition command.
- Provided coaching and mentorship to 30 Space Force and Air Force "intrapreneur" through ideation and pitch to senior leaders for program funding.
- Launched Space Systems Command Ignition Podcast; first of its kind initiative to promote innovation and organizational culture change amongst 3000 Space Systems Command personnel.
Co-Founder: SSC Front Door
United States Space Air Force
Los Angeles, CA
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Founded Space Systems Command Front Door Initiative; supported pipeline of 700 startups conducting business development with Space Force acquisition authority.
- Authored curriculum and trained 30 Space Force personnel in business development, due-diligence, and customer discovery best practices.
- Introduced first digital portfolio management tool within the organization, aligning investment portfolio across 5 partner agencies.
Defense Ventures Fellow
Everactive
Los Angeles, CA
02.2021 - 03.2021
- Spearheaded strategy development related to financing company projects through government contract negotiation, and developing strategic commercial partnerships.
- Completed highly selective 8-week residency program with venture backed IOT company Everactive supporting operations and business development teams.
- Developed comprehensive go-to-market strategy identifying key milestones for growth with government customers leading to $1.25 million in contract awards.
Junior Director: Prototyping And Innovation
United States Air Force
Los Angeles, CA
09.2020 - 10.2020
- Supported C suite level leadership in the development of Space Force technology requirements and portfolio management.
- Led cross-collaborative team to author first strategic investment contract for government customer securing $17 million investment for growth stage startup.
Founding Team Member: SpaceWERX
United States Air Force
Los Angeles, CA
12.2018 - 12.2020
- Grew USSF Innovation and investment arm from $0 to 457 Million in non-dilutive funding.
- Founding member and program lead for three space pitch day events building a pipeline of 250 startups and deployed $100 million in non-dilutive capital for space startups
- Secured strategic partnership with venture accelerator studio "Techstars" to deploy 500K and deliver first space focused accelerator program in Los Angeles.
- Advised 40 space startups on how to develop "go-to-market" strategies with the federal government securing 30M in non-dilutive funding.
- Coached 50 dual-use startups to secure first government customer driving $47 million in contract awards.
- Program manager for first international pitch competition, secured strategic partnership with UK Ministry of Defense to invest $1 million across 10 multi-national startups.
Acquisition Manager: Advanced Systems
United Staes Air Force
Los Angeles, CA
10.2018 - 12.2018
- Sourced and secured 10 early-stage prototypes for on-orbit prototyping and capability demonstration.
- Oversaw and maintained accountability for launch schedule, new vendor onboarding, milestone delivery.
- Coordinated technical base line reviews, and manged cross-functional team to ensure on time program delivery.
Senior Operations Manager
United States Air Force
Cheyenne, WY
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Led scheduling operations for 60 missile officers to provide 24/7/365 coverage of strategic assets.
- Coordinated public outreach and strategic communication, represented organization to foreign governmental agencies, congressional staff and general public.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentorship to 22 missile crews, directed strategic maintenance actions and supported training and evaluation for crew upgrades.
Operations Manager
United States Air Force
Cheyenne, WY
11.2016 - 01.2018
- Supervised 60-person maintenance team supporting major maintenance at 150 nuclear capable facilities.
- Led 20-person operations team through the largest nuclear exercise, ensured revitalization of $3.3 billion weapon system.
- Mentored three junior managers to earn “highly qualified” ratings and promotion to supervisor status.
Junior Operations Manager
United States Air Force
Cheyenne, WY
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Responsible for operations, maintenance, and security of nuclear missile flight area; oversaw 10 nuclear capable facilities totaling $20 million in critical assets and insured compliance with presidential directives.
- Led launch control center facility update, developed new technical order and operations procedure reducing maintenance time by 20%.
- Coordinated multiple emergency functions successfully restoring operations of a 19.8 million weapon system and ensuring compliance with readiness requirements.
Education
Master’s Of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship
University of North Carolina
06-2024
Master’s Of Science - International Real Estate
Florida International University
12.2021
Bachelor’s of Science - Sport and Entertainment Management
University of South Carolina
05.2015
Skills
- Innovation leadership
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Program Management
- Global Partnerships
- Strategic Business Planning
- New Business Development
- Revenue Growth Strategy
- Marketing
- Acquisitions and Procurement
- TS-SCI Security Clearance
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Program Director-i2a
Disruptive Technology Index
09.2023 - Current
Deputy Director: Innovative Programs ETMO
United States Space Force
12.2022 - Current
AFWERX Fellow: Strategic Engagements
United States Space Force
06.2022 - 11.2022
Defense Ventures Fellow
Everactive
02.2021 - 03.2021
Deputy Director Business Innovation
United States Space Force
11.2020 - 11.2022
Junior Director: Prototyping And Innovation
United States Air Force
09.2020 - 10.2020
Co-Founder: SSC Front Door
United States Space Air Force
01.2020 - 11.2022
Founding Team Member: SpaceWERX
United States Air Force
12.2018 - 12.2020
Acquisition Manager: Advanced Systems
United Staes Air Force
10.2018 - 12.2018
Senior Operations Manager
United States Air Force
01.2018 - 10.2018
Operations Manager
United States Air Force
11.2016 - 01.2018
Junior Operations Manager
United States Air Force
06.2015 - 11.2016
Master’s Of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship
University of North Carolina
Master’s Of Science - International Real Estate
Florida International University
Bachelor’s of Science - Sport and Entertainment Management
University of South Carolina