This week, we’re taking a look at a new approach to gun business investing.
Kareem Shaya and Chuck R. from Open Source Defense have launched a new venture capital firm focused on the gun industry. They joined the show to explain why they decided to take the traditionally tech-focused approach and apply it to self-defense companies.
The pair, who’ve worked at major tech companies and startups over the years, said they noticed a lack of interest in firearms firms over the years. They argued the sector is underdeveloped and ripe for new technological advancements.
That’s why they believe there are real opportunities for investment despite the relatively small size of the gun industry and the headwinds gun businesses are currently facing going into 2025. They admitted they aren’t positive if what they’re doing will succeed, especially given the investment multiples they occasionally need to hit for the venture model to work. But they’ve already started to put their money where their mouth is with a few early investments.
You can listen to the show on your favorite podcasting app or by clicking here. Video of the episodes is available on our YouTube channel. An auto-generated transcript is here. Reload Members get access on Sunday, as always. Everyone else can listen on Monday.
Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court’s decision to reject Minnesota’s appeal of an Eighth Circuit decision striking down its age limit for carry permits, effectively clearing the way for young adults to carry guns in the state. We also talk about a new bill signed into law in Iowa this week that accomplishes the same thing for that state’s residents. We then cover a new Fox poll showing more people disapprove of President Trump’s handling of gun policy than approve in his first 100 days back in office. Finally, we wrap up with an update on my upcoming trip down to Atlanta to cover the NRA’s annual meeting.
2 Responses
As a 2A advocate, conservative American and small – Amoeba size – investor, this podcast was extremely enlightening. Your knowledge and ability to ask the right in-depth questions makes me very happy that I am one of your subscribers who makes us smarter. I enjoy hanging out with people who are smarter than me. As a licensed Ham Radio operator I hang around and listen intently to those folks who are better than me. Again, thank you, Stephen for being one of those folks I cherish.
That’s very kind of you to say! I’m always hoping these interviews unlock some interesting new information for everyone. What OSD is doing seems unique to me, which I find intriguing. Of course, I also want to pull at threads and ask all the relevant questions, while trying to give the guests space to answer and ensuring I understand what they’re saying.
I’m glad that translated well in this interview. Your feedback gives me energy to keep going, too!