Enlightenment Capital

Enlightenment Capital, established in 2012 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a private investment firm specializing in the Aerospace, Defense, Government & Technology sector. The firm offers creative capital solutions, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and minority equity, to support and grow businesses within this field. With a team that has extensive experience and deep ties to the industry, Enlightenment Capital partners with top-tier management teams and equity sponsors to build quality companies that lead their respective fields. The firm's investment strategy is driven by its understanding of the sector's advances, policies, and dynamics, enabling it to provide informed and tailored capital solutions to businesses delivering mission-critical products and services.

Pierre Chao

Co-Founder

Bryan Day

Vice President

Jeffrey Guffey

CFO

Robert Harper

Principal

Garrett Kelley

Vice President

Evan McMullin

Principal

Michael Roualet

Vice President

27 past transactions

Forterra

Series B in 2024
Forterra is a technology company specializing in autonomous systems for ground-based movement, with a focus on enhancing safety, security, and operational effectiveness in various high-stakes environments. As a pioneer in driverless technology, Forterra develops advanced robotics and artificial intelligence software that enables autonomous navigation for both defense and civilian applications. Its solutions are particularly geared towards the U.S. Department of Defense, where they facilitate asymmetric warfare and enhance mission-critical operations. Forterra's technology incorporates capabilities such as path planning, adversarial autonomy, and collaborative behaviors, supporting a wide range of functionalities including convoy automation, vehicle navigation, and manned-unmanned teaming. The company's innovations aim to optimize operations across defense, commercial, and municipal sectors, contributing to greater efficiency and safety in challenging conditions.

Cryptic Vector

Private Equity Round in 2024
Cryptic Vector is a manufacturer of specialized cyber products and hardware tailored for the defense sector. The company focuses on understanding the unique needs of its customers to ensure mission success. Cryptic Vector offers a range of services including vulnerability research, implant development, mission application automation, and the integration of exploitation frameworks. Its product lineup features covert communication systems, chaos engineering solutions, space payloads, and electronic warfare capabilities. By providing these advanced tools and services, Cryptic Vector aids its clients in overcoming complex challenges within the intelligence community and the Department of Defense.

Summit Technology Group

Private Equity Round in 2024
Summit Technology Consulting Group, LLC is a technology service provider based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in IT consultation, analysis, and staff augmentation, offering a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes. Under its brand Summit Professional, it provides consultancy, design, and implementation services, while Summit Cloud focuses on business performance tracking and hosted cloud solutions. Additionally, Summit Recruit offers strategic recruitment resources to enhance talent acquisition. The company also delivers services such as cybersecurity management, remote and onsite support, cloud integration, disaster recovery, and network management. By simplifying the technology landscape, Summit Technology Consulting Group aims to help clients navigate the complexities of IT, ultimately enabling them to achieve their business objectives and improve customer engagement.

OROS

Series B in 2024
OROS is a material technology company specializing in innovative thermal solutions for outerwear. The company has developed and integrated patented Aerogel-based Solarcore technology, which allows for efficient delayering of apparel. This technology, originally derived from NASA's insulation used in space suits and Mars Rovers, has been adapted by OROS to create outerwear that is thinner, warmer, and more flexible. By infusing Aerogel into their products, OROS aims to redefine the possibilities of outdoor clothing, enhancing performance while maintaining comfort.

Ridgeline International

Private Equity Round in 2023
Technology, Digital Signature Management

Red Alpha

Private Equity Round in 2023
Red Alpha is a technology firm specializing in software development services for both defense and commercial sectors. It offers a range of services, including software architecture and development, prototyping and integration, data presentation and visualization, cloud development, and data science.

Inovex Information Systems

Private Equity Round in 2022
iNovex is a Small Business led by a group of entrepreneurs with innovative Information Technology (IT) consulting, engineering, development, and integration expertise in the public and private sectors. Our work supporting the Federal Government, Intelligence Community and Commercial Organizations extends over two decades providing reliable, high quality consulting and solutions.

Agile Defense

Acquisition in 2022
Agile Defense is an information technology company based in Reston, specializing in digital transformation services for the Department of Defense and other federal customers. The company provides a range of services, including enterprise information technology, cloud migration, IT service management, cybersecurity assessments, and risk management. By offering these services, Agile Defense assists clients in developing, maintaining, and modernizing essential IT systems and digital applications to support their operational missions.

Laxton

Private Equity Round in 2022
Laxton is a manufacturer of biometric systems that specializes in providing end-to-end solutions for elections, citizen identity, border security, and law enforcement. The company develops proprietary hardware and software systems designed for registering and verifying citizens, which include biometric registration kits, rugged biometric tablets, integrated desktops and laptops, self-service enrollment kiosks, and electronic voting terminals. With a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions, Laxton's products are engineered to function effectively in challenging environments, ensuring seamless implementation for various applications such as voter registration and border control. Over the years, Laxton has established a skilled team of experts dedicated to building, implementing, and servicing nationwide identity systems, solidifying its reputation as a trusted provider in the identity solutions sector.

PM Consulting Group

Private Equity Round in 2022
PM Consulting Group provides mission-critical services tailored to your acquisition, operations, program and financial management needs.

Boecore

Acquisition in 2022
Boecore is a defense & space company that operates missile defense and cyber systems.

Robotic Research

Series A in 2021
Robotic Research, LLC, is a small engineering firm founded by Alberto Lacaze and Karl Murphy in 2002. Both worked together in the Intelligent Systems Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD) when they decided to make the move (across the street as it turned out) to pursue focused interest in unmanned vehicles.

OROS

Series A in 2021
OROS is a material technology company specializing in innovative thermal solutions for outerwear. The company has developed and integrated patented Aerogel-based Solarcore technology, which allows for efficient delayering of apparel. This technology, originally derived from NASA's insulation used in space suits and Mars Rovers, has been adapted by OROS to create outerwear that is thinner, warmer, and more flexible. By infusing Aerogel into their products, OROS aims to redefine the possibilities of outdoor clothing, enhancing performance while maintaining comfort.

Fenix Group

Private Equity Round in 2021
Fenix Group is a systems integration company with a mission to increase operational capability while reducing risk, burden, and cost to the warfighter. Our primary focus is on edge networks and integrated systems, what we refer to as a Battlefield of Things sensor ecosystem.

Expression Networks

Private Equity Round in 2019
Expression Networks, LLC is a Washington, D.C.-based company established in 1997, specializing in integrated information technology, data analytics, software engineering, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions for the national security community in the United States. The company provides a range of services including spectrum engineering, machine learning, systems engineering, information assurance, enterprise architecture, and software development. By offering customized solutions, Expression Networks aims to meet the unique IT needs of federal government clients, ensuring they are equipped to address contemporary challenges effectively.

Trowbridge & Trowbridge

Acquisition in 2019
Trowbridge & Trowbridge, LLC is an information technology company that specializes in providing IT and telecom solutions. With a focus on delivering cutting-edge technology services, the company helps businesses optimize their operations and enhance their communication infrastructure. Through their expertise in IT solutions, Trowbridge & Trowbridge assists clients in improving efficiency, increasing productivity, and achieving their technological goals.

System High

Private Equity Round in 2019
System High Corporation specializes in providing protection solutions for information and assets essential to national security. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, with an additional office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the company focuses on integrating security solutions for sensitive and mission-critical programs. Its offerings include proactive protection, special access program support, cybersecurity, and tailored training services. Serving both the U.S. defense and intelligence communities as well as commercial clients, System High has established a reputation for effectively addressing complex security challenges and delivering innovative solutions. The company is recognized as a leading provider and integrator of security engineering services, dedicated to preserving critical technologies and enhancing information protection systems.

Emagine IT

Private Equity Round in 2018
Emagine IT, Inc. is a provider of information technology and management consulting services, primarily focusing on large federal infrastructures and government agencies. Founded in 2002 and based in Fairfax, Virginia, with additional offices in Alexandria, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina, the company specializes in network security, cybersecurity, project management, systems engineering, software development, and consulting services. Emagine IT also offers cloud services, technical program management, and data analysis, ensuring that clients receive cost-effective solutions tailored to their evolving business needs. With a dedicated team committed to delivering trusted solutions, Emagine IT plays a vital role in supporting its clients in navigating the complexities of modern technology and government contracts.

Alauda

Venture Round in 2018
Alauda, based in Beijing, China, specializes in providing cloud services that enable enterprise IT departments to drive continuous innovation through digital transformation. Its primary product is an Enterprise Container Platform, which delivers cloud-native capabilities and DevOps best practices. This platform helps businesses modernize application architecture, enhance developer productivity, and achieve operational excellence across various industries such as financial services, manufacturing, aviation, energy, and automotive. Alauda serves organizations undergoing digital transformation by offering strategic services tailored to their needs.

ByteCubed

Private Equity Round in 2018
ByteCubed LLC is a consulting firm based in Arlington, Virginia, established in 2010, that specializes in information technology services for federal and commercial clients. The company offers a range of solutions, including security, enterprise cloud services, big data analytics, decision support, financial project management, and strategy consulting. ByteCubed employs data science and analytics to manage and organize data sets and utilizes open-source tools for enhanced efficiency. Additionally, the firm leverages innovative technologies such as Microsoft’s HoloLens for mixed reality applications and Agile methodologies to facilitate idea execution. ByteCubed collaborates with prominent partners, including Booz Allen, McKinsey & Company, and the Department of Defense, to deliver tailored solutions that address the evolving challenges faced by its clients.

CyberCore Technologies

Private Equity Round in 2017
CyberCore Technologies LLC, founded in 2000 and based in Elkridge, Maryland, specializes in information communications and technology (ICT) services for government and commercial clients. The company offers a range of managed and professional services, including the procurement, integration, configuration, and deployment of ICT products and mission-critical systems. Its managed services encompass initial setup, capital acquisition, infrastructure management, troubleshooting, and incident resolution for various devices such as print equipment and network nodes. Additionally, CyberCore provides professional services in areas such as software engineering, IT service delivery, help desk support, vulnerability assessment, systems engineering, cyber defense, and secure supply chain management. The company is recognized for its long-term engagements with the Department of Defense, intelligence community, and commercial organizations, focusing on delivering effective technology solutions while mitigating cyber risks.

The Cadmus Group

Private Equity Round in 2017
The Cadmus Group, Inc. is a consultancy firm that offers a wide range of technical and strategic services both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in areas such as energy, environment, high-performance buildings, sustainability, public health, and international development. Its services include business resilience, energy consulting, program management, research and evaluation, regulatory support, scientific and risk analysis, strategic communications, and climate adaptation and resilience. Cadmus serves a diverse clientele, including government agencies, commercial enterprises, and non-governmental organizations, aiming to address critical challenges in environmental protection, energy efficiency, and public health. The company has multiple offices across various states and also operates in Germany.

1901 Group

Private Equity Round in 2017
1901 Group LLC is a provider of IT services that caters to both public and private sectors in the United States. Founded in 2009 and based in Reston, Virginia, the company specializes in IT-as-a-Service delivery, offering a range of services including infrastructure management, applications management, and security services. It manages and optimizes network and storage environments, physical and virtual servers, and databases, while also providing configuration management and situational awareness of enterprise IT infrastructure. Furthermore, 1901 Group designs, implements, and manages unified communication environments and cloud-based DevOps environments. The company is recognized for its commitment to quality, being ISO 9001:2008 certified and assessed at CMMI Level 3 for Development and Services. As a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., 1901 Group enables organizations to reduce IT maintenance costs and migrate applications to cloud-based environments effectively.

Telos

Venture Round in 2017
Telos Corporation provides advanced information technology solutions and services designed to secure cyberspace and enterprise operations. Based in Ashburn, Virginia, the company serves a diverse clientele, including military, intelligence, and civilian agencies, as well as commercial businesses. Telos offers a range of products, including Xacta for continuous assessment and authorization, Telos Ghost for anonymous online operations, and various enterprise cloud services that encompass engineering, security, and managed services. Additionally, Telos specializes in identity and access solutions, secure mobility, and the issuance of smart card-based credentials for authorized personnel. The company operates through two main segments: Security Solutions, which focuses on cybersecurity and cloud services, and Secure Networks, dedicated to enterprise security. By streamlining security processes and providing innovative solutions, Telos aims to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of communication and data management in today's complex security landscape.

Aurora Flight Sciences

Private Equity Round in 2016
Aurora Flight Sciences is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles for both commercial and military applications. Headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, the company operates production facilities in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Columbus, Mississippi, alongside a Research and Development Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Aurora focuses on advancing the future of flight through innovations in aircraft configurations, autonomous systems, propulsion technologies, and manufacturing processes. The company is particularly known for its high-altitude, long-endurance autonomous aircraft and develops advanced technologies in autonomy, propulsion, and composite materials tailored for government and commercial airline sectors.

The Diplomat Group

Private Equity Round in 2014
The Diplomat Group, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, specializes in providing tailored passenger and cargo aircraft charter services to private, commercial, and government sectors. The company offers a comprehensive range of point-to-point logistics solutions, including air, ocean, and overland transportation for diverse cargo types such as dangerous goods and oversized items. With a global presence that includes offices across North America, Europe, and Asia, The Diplomat Group effectively collaborates with a network of international partners to execute complex logistics and construction assignments in challenging environments. In addition to its charter services, the company provides aircraft leasing, aircraft engine repair and leasing, aviation consulting, engineering, and project management services, all aimed at ensuring the success of its clients' operations.

Pixia

Private Equity Round in 2014
Pixia Corp. is a software and solutions provider based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1999. Initially focused on commercial applications within the broadcast and media industry, the company shifted its emphasis following the events of September 11, 2001, recognizing the potential of its digital imagery technology for defense and military applications. Pixia specializes in developing data access software that enables real-time access to high-volume datasets, including wide area surveillance imagery, full motion video, and light detection and ranging data from various sensor platforms. This focus on enhancing access to massive digital imagery files has positioned Pixia as a key player in addressing the challenges associated with big data in critical sectors.
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