Black Mountain Strategies

Black Mountain Strategies is a company defense innovation and federal business development firm that helps startups and small businesses engage the Department of War and U.S. government. We connect emerging technologies with mission needs, guiding clients through R&D funding, market entry, and compliance across NIST, CMMC, and DFARS standards.

Founded by Charles Hatley and Brandon M. Mendez-Lynch, the firm merges national security expertise with private-sector agility to accelerate dual-use innovation across all technologies. Backed by strong federal and venture partnerships, we drive technology transition, funding access, and mission adoption across the defense and federal landscape.