‹ Podcasts

He Dropped Out of MIT at 19 to Build America's Drone Arsenal. It's Working | StrictlyVC LA 2026

TechCrunch Equity · TechCrunch

20 June 2026 · Fundraising & VC

Watch on YouTube ↗

Ethan Thornton started Mach Industries at 16, dropped out of MIT, and is now running six simultaneous defense programs: jet engines, cruise missiles, a surface-to-air missile system, and a new 40-foot VTOL strike aircraft just contracted by the U.S. Navy.

At StrictlyVC Los Angeles 2026, TechCrunch

More from TechCrunch Equity

More on fundraising & vc

eChai Partner Brands The partnership →