SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2026 — Shield Capital (“SHIELD”), an early-stage venture firm investing at the intersection of commercial and national security technology, has promoted David Rothzeid to Partner, Portfolio Operations. A member of the team since the firm’s founding in 2021, Rothzeid will lead SHIELD’s work to help scale its portfolio companies and open new markets.
“I’ve worked with David for 10 years, first at the Defense Innovation Unit, and for the last five he’s been integral to building SHIELD,” said Raj Shah, Founder and Managing Partner. “He has been in the room for our founders’ hardest moments, from board meetings to contract negotiations.”
“As our portfolio grows past 50 companies, we are building a portfolio operations team to provide our companies deep support to accelerate their growth, and there is no one better suited to lead this effort than David,” noted Philip Bilden, Founder and Managing Partner.
Rothzeid brings world-class expertise in defense acquisitions, program management and national security, with a practitioner's understanding of how emerging technologies move from prototype to enduring program. At SHIELD, he built the firm’s space portfolio alongside SHIELD Partner John Serafini, serves on the boards of several portfolio companies, and has led initiatives supporting policy reform for early-stage technology companies. Before joining SHIELD, he served as an acquisition officer in the U.S. Air Force and at the Defense Innovation Unit.
“National security underpins SHIELD’s investment thesis and core competencies,” said Rothzeid. “But our founders are building enduring companies, and enduring companies need both government and commercial customers. Portfolio Operations will help our portfolio companies hire exceptional people, win customers, tell their stories, and prepare for the capital markets, while continuing to open doors for the mission few investors can.”
SHIELD announces five additional promotions across its investment and operations teams. The firm’s dedicated and accomplished team is the core superpower to deliver value to its investors and founders.
Maggie Gray, Principal
Lisa Hill, Director of Global Platform and Partnerships
Matt Kaplan, Vice President
Jacqueline Neugue, Director of Investor Relations & Capital Formation
Lexi Paulson, Chief of Staff
These promotions strengthen SHIELD’s ability to support its growing portfolio and connect founders with opportunities across commercial, government, and allied markets.
About Shield Capital
Shield Capital is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies building technologies that matter in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cybersecurity and space. SHIELD’s team of veteran founders, investors and national security leaders is mission-focused on supporting entrepreneurs addressing the opportunities and challenges at the convergence of commercial technology and national security. Founded in 2021, SHIELD manages more than $500 million in assets and has invested in more than 70 companies. Mission Matters at SHIELD.
Learn more at www.shieldcap.com.
Media Contact: media@shieldcap.com