Finding Genius Podcast

Scaling Technology Companies Across Defense & Commercial Markets Insights From Sara Blackmer

August 28, 2026ยท38 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Join us in this episode as Sara Blackmer, a seasoned technology executive and private equity leader, shares her perspective on building and scaling companies across defense and commercial markets. As Managing Member and Senior Partner at Solyco Capital and CEO of portfolio company FluidLogic, Sara brings a wide range of experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, business development, and technology investing. This conversation covers: How technology companies can succeed across defense and commercial markets. The challenges of scaling businesses built around emerging technologies. The importance of strong leadership and high-performing teams. How private equity can support innovation and long-term growth. Sara is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. She has served on advisory boards for organizations including NVIDIA, Intel, the University of Michigan, and the National Advanced Mobility Consortium. Want to learn more about technology investing, defense innovation, and executive leadership? Tune in now as Sara shares her insights on building and scaling companies in rapidly evolving markets. Connect with Sara: Solyco Capital FluidLogic LinkedIn ๐ŸŽง Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9Cย  ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Recommended Books from this Episode ๐Ÿ“– Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist โ€“ A practical guide to understanding venture capital, term sheets, negotiations, financing, and the deal-making process so entrepreneurs can navigate fundraising with greater confidence. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Get it here ๐Ÿ“˜ The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers โ€“ Straightforward lessons on the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring, managing teams, making difficult decisions, and navigating the challenges of building a company. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Check it out ๐Ÿ“™ Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't โ€“ A practical framework for helping businesses scale by focusing on people, strategy, execution, and cash, while creating systems that support sustainable growth. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore it here ๐Ÿ“• Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future โ€“ A thought-provoking guide to entrepreneurship and innovation focused on creating something genuinely new, building differentiated businesses, and shaping the future. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Discover it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

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