Builder Bay is where defense tech builders find their crew.
A homebase for founders, engineers, and operators shaping the future of national security—and the hard tech that powers it. From autonomy and aerospace to energy and maritime, this is your community.
What We Believe
The right connections accelerate everything. We superconnect the defense tech ecosystem.
Speed to Market Wins
- •The right intro today beats the perfect pitch next month
- •Trusted connections cut months off procurement cycles
- •Faster technology deployment means stronger national security
The Ecosystem Effect
- •Founders meet their next customer, investor, or technical advisor
- •Investors discover breakthrough companies before the crowd
- •DoD stakeholders connect directly with innovators solving their problems
- •Engineers and operators find their next mission-driven role
When the ecosystem moves faster, everyone wins.
Better technology reaches the field sooner. National security gets stronger. Founders succeed faster.
Builder Bay is built differently.
We're not for everyone. We're for:
Early-stage defense tech and dual-use founders who are serious about execution.
Engineers, scientists, and end-users working on problems that matter.
Investors, operators, and partners who want proximity to frontier innovation.
This isn't coworking. It's community-powered innovation.
Join Builder Bay to:
Build alongside serious founders solving national security challenges
Meet DoD stakeholders, VCs, and industry leaders in curated settings
Accelerate with trusted feedback, honest intros, and real collaboration
Be part of a broader movement to rebuild American hard tech
What We Offer
Builder Bay membership is $100/month and includes:
Curated Community
We vet every member. Our goal is to keep the signal high and the energy focused. You'll find autonomy startups, AI/ML defense founders, blue tech pioneers, and dual-use VCs here.
Personalized Matchmaking
Monthly curated introductions to founders, funders, DoD contacts, and technical experts who can move your mission forward.
Member-Exclusive Events
Regular roundtables, strategy sessions, guest speakers, and demo days. Walk away with relationships and customers, not just ideas.
Perks Package
Access exclusive discounts on software, services, and tools that defense tech companies actually use. Save thousands annually.
Physical Workspace Discount
Need a place to work? Members get discounted access to premium workspace through our partner Downtown Works Mission Valley.
Talent Pool Access
Tap into our network of vetted engineers, operators, and specialists looking to join defense tech companies.
Community Calendar
Stay connected at national conferences and industry events. We coordinate member meetups and networking opportunities nationwide.
Strategic Events
Curated founder-funder dinners and founder-customer engagements designed to accelerate partnerships and close deals.
Community Spotlights
Get featured in our member spotlights and media opportunities. Amplify your story and build your brand within the defense tech ecosystem.
Cross-Community Access
Complimentary membership to other Rising Tide Partner Communities including Pixel Port (gaming tech), AgX (agtech), FinTech Foundry, and Health Hub.
And much more...
Ready to Build Together?
Join our curated community for just $100/month with a simple application and refundable deposit.