Jesse Gipe

Jesse Gipe is the Early Stage Portfolio Director for the Defense Innovation Unit. Jesse is responsible for orchestrating programs designed to support DIU Tech Portfolio Priorities with companies Series A and below. Both programs are geared to fund and identify emerging capabilities that can support critical National Security Missions. Previously Jesse served as the Acting National Operations Director (Feb, 2023) and the Pacific-South Regional Director (August, 2020) for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). As the Pac South Director Jesse led programs with military commands, universities and startups across Arizona, California, Hawaii and the INDOPACOM AOR. As the National Operations Director, Jesse is part of the NSIN leadership team and oversees the budget, hiring, and strategy development for the Regional Network Team. Prior to joining NSIN, Jesse was the Director of the San Diego World Trade Center supporting export initiatives and Foreign Direct Investment projects for global businesses expanding into or out of San Diego. As a Senior Manager of Economic Development Jesse led regional initiatives to support aerospace, tech, cybersecurity, and defense sectors with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC). His time at EDC includes creating and supervising the implementation of grants to increase defense resilience; conducting economic research on the defense industrial base; and the orchestration of a defense advocacy and lobbying program in Washington D.C. Jesse also has experience in the California Senate where he conducted outreach and legislative research on a wide variety of policy issues for CA State Senator. Jesse received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from The University of California San Diego.