Corporate
The Team
Professionals with proven track records in finance, technology, and government relations, the team brings the credibility, analytical rigor, and network access required to navigate the complexities of the defense sector—where execution, compliance, and timing are paramount.
A seasoned financial executive and global strategist, Richard Craven brings deep expertise in secure-communications technologies, infrastructure finance, and sovereign-risk management.
Mr. Craven founded and led one of the UK’s largest retail investment distribution platforms, managing over £11.2 billion in assets with annual inflows exceeding £4 billion.
While overseeing the North American operations of a defense-related company acting on behalf of a foreign Ministry of Defense, he executed major U.S. defense system procurement and co-development agreements with top-tier OEMs.
Mike Arnold is a public company executive, trial attorney, and regulatory strategist with extensive experience in federal compliance, media engagement, and corporate leadership.
As founder and former CEO of Silo Wellness, he led the company’s transition into Born Defense, combining legal acumen with strategic communications expertise.
As an attorney, he has advised clients on ITAR, ECRA, and EAR matters and has been featured in major media for his legal work and public advocacy.
Mike’s background in law, governance, and investor relations informs his leadership of Born Defense’s communications and corporate strategy.
A Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience, Winfield Ding has led finance, audit, and governance functions across Canadian and U.S. public companies.
He serves as a partner at Principle Capital Partners, advising on financial structuring and investment strategy in the defense, mining, and technology sectors.
Winfield’s expertise in reverse takeovers, cross-border transactions, and corporate reporting underpins Born Defense’s disciplined fiscal management and capital strategy.
Mr. Ding holds an MBA from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has extensive international business experience across Asia and North America.
Phil Lancaster is an international security and defense professional with deep experience in law enforcement, diplomatic protection, and defense technology leadership.
A former British police officer and diplomatic service veteran, he later led strategic growth initiatives at Patriot One Technologies, a leading counterterrorism and threat detection firm.
Phil brings extensive experience in NATO and Eastern European defense procurement, along with a global network of security and defense contacts.
His leadership strengthens Born Defense’s ability to execute complex cross-border defense and technology initiatives.
Carl Hermansen is a marketing and capital markets executive specializing in financial media, investor relations, and brand strategy.
As Senior Business Development and Agency Services Manager at Investing News Network, he has led campaigns for hundreds of public and private companies across mining, technology, and healthcare sectors. Carl also advises Aegis Medical Innovations and Nusa Nickel Corp.
His leadership in investor communications and market positioning supports Born Defense’s growth strategy and brand visibility within the defense investment sector.
Andrew Paterson brings over two decades of experience in banking, corporate finance, and investment strategy, beginning his career at the Bank of England before holding senior roles in major international financial institutions.
He has also served as an advisor in the mid-market private equity sector, specializing in co-investments and capital structuring.
Andrew’s expertise in risk management and transaction design supports Born Defense’s disciplined approach to investment selection and portfolio performance.
Chris Ott is an international attorney with extensive expertise in defense law, global compliance, and international diplomacy.
A former U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Justice official, he has advised governments and multinational corporations on ITAR, OFAC, and CFIUS matters.
Chris maintains offices across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East and holds active U.S. government security clearance. His direct connections within global defense and intelligence communities enhance Born Defense’s legal oversight and international transaction capabilities.
Colonel David Pedersen (Ret.) served over 32 years in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in diplomacy, strategy, and operational command.
A decorated F-16 pilot and former U.S. Air Attaché to Germany, he held senior roles at NATO and the U.S. Air Force’s largest operations group.
His extensive experience in export controls, training programs, and international defense relations provides Born Defense with critical insight into global compliance, logistics, and allied military coordination.
Gregory Biniowsky is a Canadian-trained lawyer and strategic advisor with over 30 years of experience in Latin America.
A fluent Spanish speaker, he has worked with leading international law firms, the Canadian Embassy in Cuba, and the United Nations Development Program. Gregory holds degrees from the University of British Columbia, Carleton University, and the Sorbonne.
He currently manages a law firm in British Columbia focused on humanitarian and refugee law and has served as an independent director of the issuer since 2021.
Michael Hartman is a serial disruptive inventor and entrepreneur recognized for his pioneering work in respiratory drug delivery.
As the first employee at Pearl Therapeutics, he invented their AeroSphere inhaler platform enabling their $1.5B exit & holds over 100 international patents. At Novartis, his work earned Global Innovation of the Year in 2013.
With deep expertise in novel product solutions, IP management and business modeling, Michael provides Born Defense with guidance on business & product opportunities.
Dr. Joseph Bielitzki, MS, DVM, is a veteran research scientist and former Chief Veterinary Officer for NASA, where he led life sciences and biomedical research programs.
He later served as a program manager at DARPA, overseeing major initiatives in regenerative medicine, wound care, and advanced biotechnology. Following government service, he contributed to innovations in nanotechnology, laser surgery, and nutrition.
His cross-disciplinary expertise enhances Born Defense’s oversight of advanced scientific and dual-use technologies.
An Associate Professor of Political Science and senior policy architect within Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, he led the National Security Policy Group, shaping modernization initiatives and co-developing national cybersecurity strategy in partnership with the U.S. National Defense University.
Armed with a PhD in Political Science and advanced degrees from USC Gould School of Law, Yerevan State University and University of Warsaw, Dr. Galoyan brings a rare blend of scholarly rigor and real-world operational insight.
Pierre Vannineuse is an accomplished financier and founder of Alpha Blue Ocean (ABO), a leading European alternative investment firm specializing in PIPE and structured financing. Since 2017, he has executed over 500 transactions, deploying more than $2 billion across 15 countries.
Pierre’s expertise in hybrid capital structures and strategic deal-making strengthens Born Defense’s investment capabilities and access to international funding.
He holds advanced finance degrees from NEOMA Business School and is fluent in English, French, and German.
Key Strategic Advisors
CHRISTOPHER OTT
Strategic legal advisor, renowned for expertise in defense and security law, global regulatory compliance, and high-level international diplomacy
JOSEPH BIELITZKI
Former Chief Veterinary Officer for NASA, program manager at DARPA
COL. DAVE PEDERSEN (RET.)
32 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in international diplomacy, national security policy, and strategic military operations
DR. ERIC PATTERSON
PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara, President of the Religious Freedom Institute and scholar-at-large and former dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia
BRANDON COLWELL
Founder and CEO at Nusa Nickel Corp., specializes in critical materials
SEAN TUFFORD
Investor Relations Expert, Seasoned corporate officer and relationship builder with a global network in finance and capital markets
