Ethan Thornton, CEO of Mach, shared insights on his company's journey from high school projects to securing a U.S. military contract during an interview at the StrictlyVC 2025 event. He emphasized Mach's focus on developing cross-functional factories to enhance defense capabilities and compete with China. Thornton's early work in weapon systems has shaped the company's vision, positioning it as a significant player in the defense tech sector. The conversation highlighted the evolving landscape of defense technology and Mach's strategic plans for future growth.