Sean Conley

Sean is a Fellow at Harpoon Ventures, where he supports investment sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio operations across early-stage dual-use and defense technology companies. He works closely with founders developing technologies that strengthen U.S. national security and has contributed to investment research, portfolio support, and government engagement initiatives.

Prior to Harpoon, Sean served as a Naval Officer, deploying multiple times throughout the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. Operating alongside allies and partners while leveraging emerging technologies gave him a firsthand appreciation for the critical role innovation plays in national security.

Sean earned a BS in Finance, cum laude, from the University of Rhode Island, where he was a Division I scholarship athlete, managed the university's student investment fund, and completed the CFA Level I examination. Sean worked as an oyster farmer and shucker throughout college and later in high-end residential carpentry before accepting a commission in the United States Navy. He was drawn to a career that combined analytical decision-making with hands-on problem-solving.

Sean is currently pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. Outside of Harpoon, he enjoys endurance training, reading, and spending time with his wife and one-year-old daughter. He is particularly interested in the intersection of venture capital, emerging technology, and geopolitical competition. He believes entrepreneurs and private capital will play a defining role in shaping the future strategic advantage of the United States and its allies.