Andrew Couillard

Andrew is an investor with Harpoon Ventures based in Palo Alto where he helps source, diligence, and support founders in the portfolio from companies in the pre-seed through growth stages, especially in dual-use defense technology. Andrew contributed to Harpoon’s incubation of a defense tech startup, assisting in growing the company from the formation to growth stage.

Prior to Harpoon, Andrew diffused bombs for the Navy. As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, he led teams of up to 32 personnel in Asia, Europe, and Africa focused on neutralizing underwater explosive hazards. He managed a $50M Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) portfolio, spearheaded AI/ML upgrades for UUVs to enhance operational effectiveness, and served on global working groups to shape international AI/ML standards in undersea warfare.

He is currently pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business and holds a BS in Industrial & Systems Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Southern California. As a former engineer, he developed optimization models for Northrop Grumman’s F-35 autoclave process, achieving significant cost and efficiency improvements.

Outside of Harpoon, Andrew is an endurance athlete, avid snowboarder, skydiver, and traveler. He speaks Mandarin and is a techno-optimist of AI and blockchain technology. Andrew is passionate about advancing innovation at the intersection of AI and defense to develop cutting-edge tools that give the U.S. and its allies a competitive advantage.