Ethan Thornton, CEO of Mach, shared insights on building his defense technology company at the StrictlyVC 2025 event. Since high school, he has developed various weapon systems, leading to a recent contract with the U.S. military. The company's strategic focus includes creating cross-functional factories and competing against China in the defense sector. Thornton's journey reflects a blend of youthful ambition and technological innovation, positioning Mach as a key player in the industry.