DARPA "Venture Horizons" Request for Information

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, "DARPA Venture Horizons," outlines DARPA's initiative to connect investors with non-adversarial capital to DARPA Program Managers and Research & Development performers. The goal is to amplify the impact of DARPA's development of breakthrough technologies.

This is an RFI (Request for Information) issued for information and new initiative planning purposes only. It does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government.

Not applicable, as this is an RFI and not a solicitation for proposals.

• To access and submit to this Request For Information, use the following link: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/c4894c2b85924e0696e98e5b01cd297f/view

• DARPA General Service Agreement (GSA) and Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA) team members may be ineligible to participate in this program.

• DARPA has a history of creating game-changing technologies across various fields, including AI, advanced materials, and biological technologies, overseen by six Technical Offices (MTO, STO, TTO, DSO, I2O, BTO).

• Venture Horizons aims to provide investors access to DARPA portfolio and subject matter experts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet designed as a response template for the DARPA Venture Horizons (for Commercial Strategy) RFI. It provides specific tabs for bidders to input their organizational and investment information.

• Tab A: RFI Response Cover Sheet: Collects basic organizational details, including CAGE Code, Response Title, and contact information for Technical, Administrative, and Security Points of Contact.
• Tab B: Questions: Contains a comprehensive list of questions categorized into:
  • Organization Information (categorization, headquarters, AUM, investment stage preference)
  • DARPA Interest (office preference, domain experience, track record with DoW/defense)
  • Investment Goals (non-adversarial capital, willingness to invest in defense tech, adversarial partner restrictions)
  • History & Domain Expertise (DARPA performer investments, scaling/commercializing DARPA tech, alignment with Technical Offices)
  • Commitment of Service (mentorship, attendance at events, team expertise, special skills)
  • Unique Capabilities (dual-use go-to-market strategy, scaling dual-use tech, security clearances, geographic focus, unique attributes)
  • Fund Information (fund size, duration, status, close date, LP details, portfolio companies funded by DARPA)
  • Track Record (exits in industrial/defense tech, first-time fund manager status)
  • Deal Flow (deal review, vetting, execution rates, leadership/syndication percentages)
  • Investor and I9 Information (willingness to provide investor lists and I-9 for personnel)

This spreadsheet is essential for any organization intending to respond to the DARPA Venture Horizons RFI. Bidders must complete all relevant sections accurately to provide the required information regarding their organization, investment strategy, capabilities, and track record. Failure to provide complete information may impact their response.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Commercial Strategy to identify potential investors for its DARPA Venture Horizons initiative. The goal is to connect top-tier investors with DARPA Program Managers, R&D performers, and other personnel to amplify the impact of DARPA's breakthrough technologies. DARPA seeks investors with a track record of commercializing technology who are interested in partnering to advance the agency's portfolio.

Respondents should address the following:

• Investment Goals: Investment entity capacity, track record, and willingness to self-certify that they do not use adversarial capital.

• History & Domain Expertise: Expertise in technology categories aligned with DARPA's six technical offices (Microsystems Technology, Strategic Technology, Tactical Technology, Biological Technologies, Defense Sciences, Information Innovation).

• Commitment of Service: Dedication to DARPA's national and economic security mission, providing advisory or mentoring support.

• Unique Capabilities: Any unique capabilities relevant to the RFI, such as current security clearances or specific sector preferences.

• Format: Responses should be succinct, in 12-point font, single-spaced, 8.5x11 inches, with 1-inch margins, in .docx format. Submissions are limited to 25 pages.

• Attachments: Include the completed Venture Horizons RFI Response Spreadsheet (.xlsx format).

• Content: Responses should include a cover sheet, answers to RFI focus areas, and an optional presentation of capabilities.

• Deadline: Responses will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern) on June 15, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email unclassified responses to DARPAVentureHorizons@darpa.mil.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.

• No government funding or reimbursement of expenses will be provided for participation.

• Any investment derived from Venture Horizons engagements must be made without the use of adversarial capital.

DARPA invites participation from all capable and qualified sources. However, certain DARPA General Service Agreement (GSA) and Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA) team members may be ineligible.