Watching someone in their 20s disrupt the traditionally slow-moving defense industry isn’t something you see every day. But that’s exactly what Ethan Thornton, the CEO of Mach, is doing. From building weapons systems in high school to securing a U.S. military contract, Thornton is on a mission that blends innovation, strategy, and geopolitics—especially when it comes to competing with China.
I followed his conversation with Charles Rollet at the StrictlyVC 2025 event in San Francisco, and it’s safe to say this is one of the most exciting stories coming out of the tech-defense space.
From Hobbyist to CEO: How Mach Was Born
Ethan Thornton isn’t your typical startup founder. His journey started in high school—yes, you read that right—designing and building weapons systems. That passion carried through college, eventually leading to the birth of Mach, a company that's now working directly with the U.S. military.
At its core, Mach aims to revolutionize how modern weapons systems are designed, manufactured, and deployed. Unlike traditional contractors, Mach focuses on agility and cross-functional development—bringing Silicon Valley speed to a domain typically bogged down by red tape.
Competing with China Is at the Center of Mach’s Vision
Thornton made it clear that Mach’s ambition isn’t just to build defense tech—it’s to ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive edge against China. That goal resonates deeply across national security circles, especially as tech innovation becomes a decisive factor in global power dynamics.
One of Thornton’s standout goals? Building cross-functional factories that can adapt quickly, just like China’s rapid manufacturing ecosystem. It’s not just about making cool gear—it’s about matching, and eventually exceeding, the pace of geopolitical rivals.
Innovation Through Speed: What Sets Mach Apart
Traditional military suppliers take years—sometimes decades—to roll out new products. Thornton and Mach want to change that. They're modeling their process after modern startups: iterate fast, test quickly, and deploy even faster.
This rapid prototyping approach not only saves money, but it also means soldiers get the tech they need now, not in five years. That’s a game-changer for modern warfare, where threats evolve by the day.
Youth-Led Defense: A Trend to Watch
Seeing someone in their 20s lead a defense company might surprise some, but it shouldn’t. Today’s most forward-thinking solutions often come from digital natives who understand how to merge software, hardware, and systems design in ways legacy players can’t.
Thornton represents a new wave of founders who aren’t intimidated by bureaucracy or legacy systems—they’re rewriting the rules altogether.
Mach isn’t just another startup with defense aspirations—it’s one with results and serious backing. A U.S. military contract is no small feat, especially for a young company. What excites me most is how Mach is pushing boundaries in a space that desperately needs innovation.
Whether it’s cross-functional factories, rapid prototyping, or challenging China’s dominance, Mach is clearly playing the long game. And for anyone tracking the intersection of tech and defense, this is one company to watch very closely.
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