Investing at the Frontier: AI, Sustainability and Resilience with GV, IQT and Drive Capital

September 30, 2025

Dentons’ Global Venture Technology Group convened leaders from GV (Google Ventures), IQT (In-Q-Tel), and Drive Capital for a forward-looking discussion on how frontier technologies – from AI to energy and defense innovation – are reshaping the investment landscape. The conversation explored where capital is flowing, how geopolitical and market shifts are influencing strategy, and what it takes to build resilient companies in a rapidly changing environment.

Key Takeaways

1. AI is driving a new wave of innovation.
   Artificial intelligence continues to dominate investor attention, accelerating productivity across industries and fueling demand for the infrastructure that powers it.
2. National security is a catalyst for frontier tech.
   Defense and dual-use technologies are advancing quickly, with AI, robotics, and cybersecurity creating new intersections between government and private capital.
3. Energy and sustainability are the next big test.
   As AI increases global power demand, opportunities are emerging in clean energy and grid resilience – though investors remain mindful of cost and scalability.
4. Capital discipline is shaping the market.
   With fundraising and liquidity still constrained, both investors and founders are prioritizing efficiency, focus, and long-term value creation.
5. Strong leadership matters most.
   Today’s successful founders pair vision with realism – building durable teams, staying mission-driven, and adapting quickly to change.