Protect and serve

Alakai Defense Systems founder and former U.S. Army Special Forces commander Ed Dottery led with a simple question at a recent venture capital funding conference.

“Who here would want to touch bombs?” he asked. When no one raised their hand, he said “Exactly. You're my customer.”

Largo-based Alakai creates laser sensor systems that can detect explosive devices, chemical warfare agents and other hazardous materials from long distances. The company's mission is straightforward: “We were soldiers. Our children are soldiers. We protect soldiers.”