About Black Marlin Defense
Maritime technology is complicated.
The acquisition environment is complicated.
The market is complicated.
Black Marlin Defense exists at the intersection of all three complications. We advise defense innovators, maritime technology companies, and the investors and partners trying to make sense of it all.
Defense & Federal
From Prototype to Program of Record.
The most critical and most wasted dollars in defense are the ones that never make it from prototype to program of record. Black Marlin Defense works with government clients at the intersection of maritime RDT&E, defense innovation, and technology transition. Whether you are standing up a prototype demonstration, evaluating an OTA candidate, or trying to move a promising technology through a SYSCOM transition office, we understand the acquisition environment, the stakeholders, and the operational requirements that determine what actually gets fielded.
Industry & Operators
Your Technology Is Ready. Your Market Is Not.
Maritime technology companies at the growth stage face a specific problem. The technology works, but the path to market is unclear. Who are the real buyers? How do you build a pipeline into defense and government without losing commercial momentum? How do you find people who understand both worlds? Black Marlin Defense serves as a C-suite level advisor to maritime technology firms, helping with go to market strategy, business development, key hires, and access to the networks that matter in the maritime ecosystem.
Capital & Advisors
You Need Someone Who Knows What You Are Looking At.
Maritime technology is a specialized sector. The buyers are unusual, the acquisition cycles are long, and the difference between a company that transitions to a program of record and one that stalls in prototype purgatory is rarely about the technology itself. Black Marlin Defense supports investors and strategic advisors with independent sector expertise, whether that means a deep dive on a portfolio company, an introduction to the right operator or program office, or ongoing advisory to a CEO who needs a guide inside the defense maritime ecosystem.
External Support We Commonly Supply
Maritime RDT&E Advisory
Align emerging maritime capabilities with operational priorities, test objectives, and long-term mission needs.
Prototype Demonstrations
Plan and support demonstrations that validate operational relevance, reduce transition risk, and build stakeholder confidence.
OTA & Transition Support
Help teams navigate rapid acquisition pathways, transition planning, and the movement from prototype toward sustained adoption.
Operational Capability Alignment
Assess whether a technology solves a real operational problem and remains aligned with end-user realities.
Go-To-Market Strategy
Help maritime technology companies clarify market entry, buyer behavior, and realistic paths to commercial or defense adoption.
Defense & Government Positioning
Position companies for the defense environment by aligning capability, mission need, acquisition realities, and stakeholder priorities.
Operational & Market Diligence
Support investors by assessing whether maritime technologies align with realistic demand, adoption pathways, and market conditions.
Transition Potential Assessment
Evaluate whether emerging capabilities have credible pathways toward operational adoption, government integration, or long-term scale.
Talk to Us
Our team has helped advance maritime autonomy platforms into Programs of Record, supported accelerated procurement pathways, positioned firms within strategic IDIQ vehicles, and enabled operational demonstrations across defense and dual-use environments.
Whether you are a founder, investor, or government partner, Black Marlin Defense provides the strategic guidance and industry expertise to help move maritime innovation forward.
Black Marlin Defense
2300 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 700
Arlington, VA 22201
info@blackmarlindefense.com
About The Founder
Michael Clarke
Founder & Managing Partner
BMD Advisory LLC | A Division of Black Marlin Defense LLC
Black Marlin Defense was founded by Michael Clarke, a maritime strategist, defense consultant, and Naval officer, with more than 15 years of experience across military service, defense contracting, commercial maritime technology, and venture-backed autonomy. Michael holds an Executive MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class. He also holds an MS in International Relations from Troy University and a BS in Logistics from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Before founding Black Marlin Defense, Michael supported maritime rapid prototyping, systems engineering, and Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation efforts for senior defense innovation organizations. He later served as Vice President of National Strategy at Ocean Aero, a venture-backed maritime autonomous systems company, where he led strategic engagement with Department of Defense stakeholders and helped build a $163 million sales pipeline for the company’s next-generation unmanned maritime platform.
Michael continues to serve in leadership roles within the Navy Reserve and the broader maritime ecosystem, including service with the Navy League’s National Capital Council and as President of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy DC Alumni Chapter.