Michael Brown Named Partner at Shield Capital

Michael Brown, former director of the Defense Innovation Unit and a 2022 Wash100 Awardee for leading Federal Tech Innovation, has been named partner at early-stage venture capital firm Shield Capital. Brown, who joined the firm as a venture partner in October 2022, drove innovation for the U.S. military and was responsible for expanding DIU’s national presence and increasing its engagement with the technology sector, Shield Capital said.

Brown was previously the CEO of Symantec, where he led the company’s shift from storage management to cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions business. As the former CEO of Quantum Corporation, he helped the company grow its revenues from $40 million to $6 billion.

Brown brings his knowledge of critical technologies and experience in national security to a company that invests in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Shield Capital Managing Partner Philip Bilden said Brown is considered an invaluable addition to the company given the alignment of his leadership experience and relationships with Shield’s portfolio companies.