Are federal integrators where technology goes to die? Allegis' Bob Ackerman thinks so

Enlarge Photo

Bob Ackerman is the founder and managing director of Allegis Capital in Palo Alto, California.

Jill R. Aitoro

Senior Staff Reporter- Washington Business Journal

Email  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

Cybersecurity is a key area of investment for Allegis Capital. But if a promising startup says it's going to target federal government, Managing Director Bob Ackerman shows them the door as fast as possible.

It's a reality I've reported on before and spurs a lot of D.C.'s most promising startups to pack their bags for Silicon Valley: Regardless of the billions of dollars the government claims to filter to technology, venture capital firms have no patience for the federal contracting morass.

And in the case of cybersecurity in particular, it's a shame, Ackerman told me. Proximity to Fort Meade in Maryland makes the D.C. metro area a natural reservoir of cyber talent, but the supply of what he described as relevant capital remains critically low. So young entrepreneurs consult for a while, then leave when it comes time to get their big idea off the ground.

Consider Kevin Mandia. He was focused on consulting when he was at the helm of Mandiant and made a name for himself talking about Chinese hackers targeting U.S. systems, Ackerman said. But then Mandiant got bought by FireEye Inc. in Silicon Valley, Mandia moved out west when he was appointed chief operating officer, and Mandiant has gradually been merged with other acquired companies to offer a product that targets primarily commercial customers.

"Maryland has tried to draw more investment, but they capitalize the venture firms that are already here," said Ackerman, who launched Allegis in 1996 and is in town this week speaking at a cybersecurity finance forum. "That will never be successful. They need to identify firms that bring the missing elements for these entrepreneurs. And none of them are here."

Jill R. Aitoro covers federal contracting.