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

Past deals in Defence

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.

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.

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.

Boecore

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

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.

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.

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.
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