Behind the Bastards It Could Happen Here Weekly 224
Mar 21, 2026
Shanley, a VC InfoDocs researcher who maps venture capital networks, and Dana Elkurd, a political scientist specializing in Palestinian politics, join the conversation. They tackle venture capital's role in shaping tech power, crypto and the network state. They also cover Gaza: ceasefire violations, debates over armed tactics, disarmament and political legitimacy. Short, sharp, and provocative takes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
PMSCs Became Full Service Maritime Militaries
- PMSCs evolved from ex-military contractors seeking work and now offer intelligence, crisis response, hostage negotiation, and armed protection packages to shipping firms.
- Their services blur lines between private security and military roles at sea.
Venture Capital As A Coordinating Cartel
- Venture capital functions as a central coordinator and cartel, converting opaque global capital into startups that form integrated industrial and military ecosystems.
- VC firms orchestrate thousands of startups to build infrastructure across defense, finance, biotech, and mining.
Andreessen Horowitz Centralized VC Power
- Andreessen Horowitz is a dominant VC power, raising a huge share of total VC dollars and shaping tech and defense agendas.
- In 2025 a single firm raised over 18% of all venture capital, accelerating concentration.