Ellen M. Lord Joins Marlinspike Partners as Strategic Advisor

Apr 14, 2026
Marlinspike Partners has appointed former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord as Strategic Advisor. She will guide the firm's investments in aerospace, defense, and frontier technologies with an emphasis on AI and autonomy.

Former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord has joined Marlinspike Partners as a Strategic Advisor, announced in a press release. She will support the firm’s investment strategy in aerospace, defense, and frontier technologies, focusing on scaling industrial capabilities and advancing autonomy adoption within the defense sector.

Lord previously oversaw acquisition, logistics, and sustainment for the Department of Defense and served as CEO of Textron Systems. At Marlinspike, she will advise on investment diligence, portfolio support, and engagement with government stakeholders to help portfolio companies navigate procurement and adoption processes.

Founded in 2020, Marlinspike invests in dual-use technologies across aerospace, AI, autonomy, and cybersecurity. Its portfolio includes companies such as Anduril, Shield AI, and Elroy Air, with prior exits including Voyager Technologies and Kodiak Robotics.

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