MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 23: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Maritime AI Pioneers with John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter

Join host Rod Loges with guests John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter as they share their journey from Navy service to co-founding Spear AI, a maritime artificial intelligence company focused on national defense applications.

In this episode:

• John's path from Naval Academy to commanding USS New Hampshire and pioneering AI initiatives through Project Harbinger
• Michael's experience as a Navy intelligence analyst supporting SEAL Team Two and working with the Defense Intelligence Agency
• Their collaboration on Project Maven and the transition from military to civilian entrepreneurship
• Building Spear AI from a February 2020 startup through multiple pivots to a 50-person company
• Recent seed funding to support company growth and expansion
• Leadership lessons: adapting military command principles to civilian business environments

Key takeaways:

• Military leadership skills translate to civilian business but require adaptation to different personalities and situations
• Building diverse teams that combine military operational expertise with technical specialists creates the best solutions
• Customer focus drives all other metrics - solve real problems first, revenue follows
• Don't fear strategic pivots - they're reconnaissance by force in business
• Relationships before issues - establish meaningful connections before tackling problems
• Bootstrap when possible, then raise capital from aligned investors who become teammates
• Every detail matters for founders - you can't be a big picture person without understanding implementation

Guests:

• John McGunnigle, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Spear AI - Former Navy Captain with 30 years of service, commanded USS New Hampshire, Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcgunnigle-b0951610/
• Michael Hunter, Co-Founder & CEO, Spear AI - Former Navy intelligence analyst, VMI graduate, former Amazon Web Services Technical Program Manager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehunter45/
• Spear AI: https://spear.ai/ 

Company Focus: Spear AI develops AI-enabled software and hardware for maritime environments, including data management platforms, edge AI solutions, maritime sensors, and simulation capabilities. They serve the US Department of Defense and Navy while expanding into commercial applications.

Looking ahead: John and Michael are focused on scalable product development, strategic market expansion, and upcoming capability demonstrations including Scarlet Dragon with the 18th Airborne Corps.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/