Wildcat Equity Partners, a Miami-based family investment firm, today announced the launch of Wildcat Defense, a new business focused on acquiring, investing in and operating strategically important companies across the U.S. defense industrial base.

Wildcat Defense will deploy long-term family capital across four priority sectors: shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime infrastructure; advanced manufacturing for defense and aerospace; critical materials and strategic supply chains; and defense technology, including intelligence and advanced analytical capabilities.

Glenn Vogel, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer with 30 years of military, operational and defense investment experience has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. In addition to this appointment, Wildcat Defense has also appointed Bradley Geary as Chief Workforce Officer. This position is dedicated to promoting workforce development and culture across all of Wildcat’s investments and is a core pillar of Wildcat’s commitment to American Stewardship.

Commenting on the appointments, Eric Nicolaides, Group Chairman and CEO of Wildcat Equity Partners, said:

“The United States cannot rebuild its defense industrial base without rebuilding the companies and workforce that underpin it. That requires more than capital. It requires American ownership with the operational expertise and willingness to invest for decades, not just until the next exit.

We are thrilled to have Glenn leading this charge for us. He brings a rare combination of military leadership, government contracting experience and hands-on investment expertise.

In addition, he has dedicated much of his post-government career to helping his fellow veterans transition into successful careers in the private sector. At Wildcat we believe it is our duty to support those who have served and Glenn and the team he has now assembled for Wildcat Defense exemplifies this.”

Glenn Vogel, CEO of Wildcat Defense, said: “America has no shortage of innovative companies. What many businesses lack is access to patient capital and ownership that understands the demands of the defense market. Across our industrial base, there are excellent companies with the potential to expand production, develop new capabilities and play a much greater role in national security. We will bring capital and operational experience together to help them grow. Our ambition is to build a portfolio of enduring American businesses that strengthen domestic manufacturing, secure critical supply chains and deliver the capabilities our armed forces and allies need. We are investing not simply in individual companies, but in the long-term strength of America’s defense industrial base.”

The launch follows Wildcat’s significant move into U.S. shipbuilding. In September 2026, Wildcat Infrastructure, part of Wildcat Equity Partners, submitted a non-binding proposal to Australian-listed Austal Limited to acquire its U.S. operations, Austal USA, at an enterprise valuation of US$1.25–1.35 billion. Austal USA operates a major shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, building vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, and supports the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs. The proposal remains non-binding and subject to due diligence and further agreement.

Wildcat Defense will not be constrained by fixed investment periods or predetermined exit timelines. It will acquire controlling or significant ownership positions in strategically important businesses, providing capital and operational expertise to expand production, invest in innovation and support government customers over the long term.

The launch comes as Washington accelerates efforts to rebuild domestic defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. In April 2025, the White House issued an executive order to restore America’s maritime dominance, highlighting that the United States builds less than 1% of the world’s commercial ships, compared with approximately half produced by China.

The AUKUS security partnership between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia is also driving demand for secure manufacturing capacity, advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. Its submarine program requires significant expansion of U.S. shipbuilding and maintenance capacity, while deeper industrial cooperation reinforces the importance of trusted ownership and long-term investment.

Notes to Editors

About Wildcat Equity Partners

Wildcat Equity Partners is a privately held family investment firm headquartered in Miami, Florida. The firm invests long-term family capital in strategically important industries, with a focus on life sciences, infrastructure, and defense and technology. Its investment approach combines patient capital, active ownership and operational expertise to build enduring businesses. For more information, please visit wildcat.llc

About Wildcat Defense

Wildcat Defense is a U.S.-based investment and operating business focused on strengthening the American and allied defense industrial base. Backed by long-term family capital, the company acquires, invests in and operates businesses across shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, critical materials and defense technology. Wildcat Defense is part of Wildcat Equity Partners.

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