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Muhammad Ali’s Accountant Tells His Story For The First Time!

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This article was originally published on:

https://athlonsports.com/boxing/muhammad-alis-accountant-tells-his-story-for-the-first-time

He reveals struggle to stop ‘The Champ’s’ lavish giving

When Mohammed Ali needed an accountant, he turned to Arthur Andersen, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, which put a 23-year-old, Elliott Broidy in charge of Ali’s dollars and cents. Broidy came to see a surprising side of the world’s most iconic boxer.

“I was just lucky I got assigned an account like that,” Broidy said. “I was a big boxing fan and obviously a huge fan of Muhammad Ali’s.”

He met Ali in 1979 and this is first time Broidy has talked about his time with the boxing legend.

While it was the twilight of Ali’s boxing career, it was just the start of Broidy’s. He had just graduated from USC School of Accounting. He had reporting to Arthur Andersen’s steel gray tower in Los Angeles for barely six months.

At the time, Ali was a brand-new client of the accounting firm.

At their first meeting, Ali stuck out his hand and Broidy put out his. “When he shook my hand, it disappeared into his,” Broidy said. “It was an adult shaking a six-year-old’s hand.”

During Ali’s visit to Arthur Andersen’s Los Angeles office, Broidy wanted to known how the champion wanted to me addressed. Mr. Ali? Mr. Clay?

Ali sounded almost offhand. Either “Ali” or “Champ” would be fine.

Ali was a hit with every person in the office no matter their position, from the partners to the secretaries. “He was incredibly warm and nice,” Broidy said.

Ali had spent some of his most formative years in Chicago’s South Side — where Ali spent his “exile period” after he famously refused to enlist during the Vietnam War—and had been referred to Arthur Andersen by Ali’s Chicago-based law firm, Hopkins and Sutter.

Ali handed Broidy a big pile of work. “The purpose of Ali’s engagement of Arthur Andersen was to address multiple years of IRS audits and future financial planning,” he said. “His record keeping was less than optimal, which was particularly challenging for our team.” Broidy has a talent for understatement.

Over the course of their three years working together, from 1979 to 1982, Broidy, on his own initiative, would meet monthly with Ali at the boxing icon’s Los Angeles mansion in Fremont Place, a gated community adjacent to Hancock Park and Windsor Square. This was near the end of Ali’s boxing career, coinciding with his 1980 bout with Larry Holmes—for which Ali was reportedly paid $8 million—as well as his 1981 match against the mediocre Trevor Berbick—which, billed as the “Drama in Bahama,” would be the then-39-year-old Ali’s final adventure in the ring after he lost in a unanimous 10-round decision.

“I was optimistic about Ali’s chances,” Broidy, who attended the Holmes fight, said, “But Larry was too strong, too young.”

But Broidy’s focus was Ali’s challenges outside the ring. Reviewing Ali’s finances, Broidy tried reining in some of The Champ’s reckless spending. While’s Ali’s gross income for 1972 to 1981 was north of $80 million, including endorsements and appearance fees, which in today’s dollars would be almost $250 million, his kindness manifested itself in the piles of money he provided to the people in his life, including his spiritual leader and business partner Herbert Mohammad, his manager, Angelo Dundee, his photographer and friend, Howard Bingham and many other people in his entourage. Herbert Mohammed ran the Nation of Islam, a religious sect.

One day, Ali’s close friend and personal bodyguard, James Anderson, came to Ali while Broidy was sitting with him and told him he needed money to help his ailing mother in Atlanta. Ali asked his assistant Marge Thomas to write James a check for $10,000 on the spot. After Marge and James had left the room, Broidy told Ali he too had a sick mother and asked Ali to write him a check for $10,000.

“Get outta here!” Ali said to Broidy, laughing.

Broidy began to genuinely worry if Ali’s money would last. After taxes, large percentages allocated to Herbert Mohammad and his manager, salaries and bonuses to his employees, and money given freely to his friends, along with taking care of his nine children from three wives and two other women—including Ali’s then-wife Veronica Porché Ali—it did not leave him with that much. So, Broidy took it upon himself to do a projection of how long it would be until The Champ ran out of money given his excessive spending.

“It wasn’t long,” Broidy said. “Ali said he didn’t care. He had to take care of his family and friends. Ali even took fights in his later years, including the Holmes and Berbick fights, just to get more millions into his coffers “so he could continue helping his friends and family.”

While those in Ali’s inner circle expressed concern about Ali getting injured during those late-career fights, Broidy concentrated on Ali’s spending. For the Berbick fight, Ali was being paid more than $1 million, and Broidy was worried that the Champ would squander it.

“I would talk to his attorney at the Chicago law firm and ask him, ‘How do we stop him from giving all his money away?’” Broidy recalled. “His attorney said, ‘We’ve been trying for years to stop him. He’s his own person and will always do whatever he wants.’”

Somehow, Ali’s money lasted for years. Decades later, Broidy was happy to learn that Ali had sold his likeness in 2005 and made tens of millions of dollars.

When Broidy was in Ali’s company, Ali often entertained him by cracking jokes or even doing magic tricks. “One time,” Broidy said, “He told me he could magically take my shirt off. He was so strong he whipped the shirt right over my head in one fell swoop only breaking a few buttons in the process!”

“What a great guy he was,” Broidy said. “He had an amazing sense of humor.”

That wasn’t to say Ali couldn’t be serious. When he was training for a fight, the legendary boxer’s work ethic was unparalleled, which explained why he was such a successful fighter.

Ali was equally passionate about his Islamic faith. While many, in the late-1960s, expressed skepticism about Ali’s reasons for evading the U.S. military draft, Broidy believed Ali was sincere in citing his religious beliefs as to why he refused to enlist. During his time working with Ali, in fact, Broidy observed firsthand Ali’s commitment to Islam.

“He would sit with me in his dining room reading the Koran out loud and explaining it to me,” Broidy said.

Eventually, Broidy left Ali’s side and resigned from Arthur Andersen, to manage the family office of Glen Bell, founder of Taco Bell, before pursuing other professional opportunities.

But all these years later, even after working with high-profile clients including real estate developer Maguire Thomas and MGM/UA Home Entertainment, Broidy’s time working with Ali stays with him. Most of all, he remembers the joy, optimism and lack of cynicism that Ali exhibited despite the challenges he faced, including his eventual struggle with Parkinson’s. As someone whose father battled Parkinson’s for 15 years, Broidy knew how hard that must’ve been for Ali.

In Broidy’s Boca Raton, Florida home is a LeRoy Neiman painting of Ali, hanging in Broidy’s office, as well as a signed Ali boxing glove that he purchased years ago. Whenever Broidy looks at the two items, he’s reminded of Ali’s kindness, generosity, determination and resilience—attributes that continue to inspire him.

 

Elliott Broidy Macallan

Worth the Pour: Lessons Learned Over a Glass of Macallan

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This article was originally published in CSQ.

No matter what kind of place or situation I find myself in, the shared love of Scotch whiskey inevitably becomes a topic of conversation and enables a smooth transition from business to friendship and back to business

Simplicity, Leonardo da Vinci said, is the ultimate sophistication. I am reminded of those words often when I sit with friends and enjoy a dram or two of single malt. For a spirit that’s as noble, historic, prized, and celebrated as Scotch whiskey—or any whiskey, for that matter—it never ceases to astonish me just how simple and straightforward it is to make whiskey. All you need is grain, water, yeast, and, of course, time.

I’m a collector and a businessman, which is to say that I am, by nature, drawn to practicality and logic. And yet whenever I start talking to people about Scotch whiskey, it’s hard to avoid thinking in poetic, romantic terms. After all, at the most fundamental level, Scotch is a product made from the four classical elements—earth, water, fire, air—coming together under the command of a master distiller who has devoted his life to an age-old craft: mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging. It seems so straightforward, but even a small modification to time, temperature, alcohol percentages, equipment size, or cask type can have an outsized impact on the flavor of the final product.

The art lies in knowing how to modulate those details and how they play into the final flavor outcome. Even if two whiskies are produced exactly the same way—same mash bill, same yeast, same fermentation time, same distillation equipment, same warehouse conditions—if you age one in an ex-bourbon barrel and one in an ex-sherry, you could end up thinking you’re sipping two different brands entirely.

Just as an athlete spends a lifetime honing a particular physical skill, distillers and blenders devote their lives to conditioning and strengthening their palate and nose. Once they’ve developed a Major League–level ability to smell, taste, and analyze, they can start taking other, tricker factors into account, like the whims of nature.

A bottle of Macallan single malt whiskey is at the bar by the window. Outside the window, the lights of the evening city.

It’s my instinct for business that keeps me in Scotch whiskey’s grip. At the heart of all business is relationships, and the drink has come into the picture in countless scenarios in my professional life.

No matter what kind of place or situation I find myself in, the shared love of Scotch whiskey inevitably becomes a topic of conversation and enables a smooth transition from business to friendship and back to business. I can recall the time when I was trying to close a deal and met with some top military officials and members of the British government at White’s, an exclusive social club. Opened in 1693, it’s the oldest club in London. James Bond novels were written here. King Charles, Prince William, and various other nobles throughout history have been members. We met in a room with crystal chandeliers and elegant Georgian furnishings.

But it’s not the grandeur of the building or the sublime décor that come to mind first. It’s the shimmering amber, fragrant single malt that was in our glasses, made at a distillery whose history is as rich as the building’s.

It was a dram of the Macallan, a brand that I’ve been enamored with for many years—long before I started collecting it. I’ve been asked why this one distillery has become such an important and treasured part of my journey as a collector.

I wish I had a simple answer.

In part, it’s the fact that, historically, Macallan was a trailblazer. It was one of the first legally licensed distilleries in Scotland. It’s also the exciting collaborations: the exclusive crystal decanters that Lalique designed for a few limited-edition Macallan releases, or the expressions the distillers developed with renowned culinary figures like the Roca brothers of Spain’s Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca.

I enjoy following the new ways Macallan pushes boundaries. Over my years in business, I’ve learned that others do as well. I often recall a business dinner where I waxed poetic about one of Macallan’s recent innovations, only to learn that the colleague was also a Scotch lover. We quickly bonded over our mutual love for the brand and single malt Scotch in general. That evening, I closed one of the biggest deals of my career.

Drinking Scotch whiskey also plays a part in my social life, whether I am with friends involved in real estate, private equity, sports, or entertainment. We laugh and learn new things about our favorite whiskeys. One thing that stays with me is the moment in a gorgeous Los Angeles steakhouse that I learned the importance of adding water to a dram. There was a time when I would have reacted in horror to such a prospect. To water down a single malt seemed criminal. But that is no longer the case.

At a dinner hosted by Macallan, a brand ambassador used a small clear water dropper to add a few raindrop-size dribbles to our glasses. I watched as the liquid turned slightly oily in appearance. That reaction, the ambassador explained, was the esters bursting open. Esters are the flavor and aroma compounds that whiskey picks up from its contact with wood as it ages. They’re partially water soluble, so those few drops caused them to open up and release flavors and aromas. It was immediately apparent: The whiskey in my glass was more floral and raisin-y in smell than it had been minutes earlier. Scotch distillers have a name for the effect. They call it “releasing the serpent.” I have my own name for it: a revelation.

The Macallan whiskey bottle and glass with ice cubes on wooden table in bar. The Macallan is a bright representative of elite Scottish whiskey in category single malt

I’m struck by something else I’ve learned over the years: Appreciating whiskey reveals something about a person’s personality.

Whiskey drinkers are adventurous. I’ve found that they like to take risks and try new things.

This also applies to their choices at a drinking establishment. Whether it’s peaty, smoky whiskies from the wind-battered island of Islay, lighter floral whiskies from the sunny Highlands, or fruity, rich red-berry-tasting whiskies that have been aged in sherry casks, I think whiskey drinkers understand that distilling is a skill developed over time. To ignore or dislike one style of whiskey is to ignore or dislike one distiller’s skills and craftsmanship or one distillery’s traditions in favor of another’s.

Whether you agree or disagree with others’ personal preferences, it adds to the conversation. Those differences, in other words, bring people together, fuel conversations, and help create lifelong friendships. As scientific studies are revealing, spending time with friends is an important element in the arsenal of tools necessary for staying healthy and happy. So, I encourage everyone I know to spend time together and drink their Scotch happily.

Mr. Elliott Broidy is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Broidy Capital Holdings. Broidy began his career at Arthur Andersen and Co and then served as a Managing Director at Bell Enterprises, where he was involved in a wide range of investments, including management of marketable securities, real estate, private equity, and other alternative investments. He is a recipient of “The Raoul Wallenberg Award.” 

This article was originally published on:

Worth the Pour: Lessons Learned Over a Glass of Macallan

elliott-broidy

From Tragedy to Innovation: How One Entrepreneur Found His Mission in Defense Technology

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This article was originally published in The Startup Magazine.

For Elliott Broidy, the morning of September 11, 2001, began like any other. But by the end of that fateful day, the course of his life had shifted irrevocably.

“I remember watching the towers fall and feeling this overwhelming sense of helplessness,” Broidy recalls. “That feeling of vulnerability was profoundly frightening. I knew I had to do something – something meaningful that could help protect people.”

entrepreneur Elliott Broidy

Photo Caption: Elliott Broidy

Broidy is a serial entrepreneur who has founded, invested in, and, in some cases, managed as CEO, more than 160 companies, mostly focused on defense, national security, or law enforcement.

Those weren’t Broidy’s original interests. But 9/11 was the catalyst for a new sense of urgency and purpose.

“I started researching, reading everything I could about counterterrorism, defense strategies, and technological gaps,” Broidy explains. “I wanted to be part of the solution.”

Broidy’s commitment to national security extended beyond the borders of the United States. At the time of the 9/11 attacks, another country was at the forefront of his thoughts – Israel, which was enduring the Second Intifada, a brutal wave of terrorist attacks that claimed thousands of lives. During the Second Intifada, buses, cafes, nightclubs, and even a Passover Seder became targets of suicide bombings and mass violence.

“Israel has always faced an existential threat,” Broidy says. “It has not known one day of peace in its entire existence. I saw the parallels between what happened in the United States on 9/11  and what Israel – our close ally – was dealing with on a near-daily basis. The idea of developing technology that could help save lives in both countries – that resonated deeply with me.”

In 2003, Broidy realized that, because of the violence and instability brought about the Second Intifada, Israel was facing a substantial reduction in foreign direct investment. In response, he founded Markstone Capital Partners, LLC, an $800 million fund invested almost exclusively in non-high-tech companies in Israel. Broidy wanted to demonstrate his commitment to the Israeli people and show that mass murderers should not be allowed to dictate the lives and futures of the country.

He vividly remembers a trip to Tel Aviv in 2005, where he met with victims of terrorist attacks and their families. “Hearing their stories made it even more personal. It’s one thing to read about these tragedies, but to sit across from someone who lost their loved one in a suicide bombing – it’s something you don’t forget,” he reflects.

Elliott Broidy

For Broidy, the drive to innovate is fueled by these human connections. “Technology is important, but at the end of the day, it’s about protecting lives and preserving freedom. That’s the real mission.”

In the years that followed, Broidy founded and scaled several companies specializing in defense and law enforcement technology, from advanced surveillance systems to AI-driven threat detection platforms.

Broidy’s support for Israel, especially in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks of October 7th, also has inspired his dedication to combating antisemitism and to donating to more than 100 Jewish organizations and think tanks that focus on counterterrorism.

Today, his companies continue to push the envelope, developing solutions that enhance the safety and security of allied nations. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but there’s always more to do. As long as threats evolve, so must our technology and our commitment to staying ahead.”

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the defense space, Broidy’s answer is simple: “Find your ‘why’ and let it guide you. For me, it was 9/11. For others, it might be something else. But if you’re driven by a genuine purpose, the work will always matter.”

elliott-broidy-watch

Inside the World of Watches with Elliott Broidy: A Conversation on Timepieces and the Patek Philippe 5016P-018

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This interview was originally published in The Inscriber Mag.

Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elliott Broidy, a notable entrepreneur, philanthropist, and passionate watch enthusiast. Known for his investments in companies focused on national security and public safety, Broidy’s interest in timepieces, particularly those from Patek Philippe, adds another dimension to his fascinating life. In this interview, he shares his journey with watches, his admiration for the Patek Philippe brand, and reveals one of the most prized pieces in his collection, the rare and intricate Patek Philippe 5016P-018 Minute Repeater Tourbillon Retrograde Perpetual Calendar.

NYW: Elliott, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with your love for watches—where did it all begin?

Broidy: Thank you. it’s a pleasure to be here. My fascination with watches started in my teens. For me, watches represent more than just tools for telling time—they’re an art form, a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering that you can wear. Over the years, this appreciation has deepened, especially as I began marking life’s most significant moments with specific pieces. Each watch in my collection tells a story. For example, I bought certain watches to celebrate the birth of my children; others I bought after major business milestones; and some I’ve acquired as anniversary gifts for my wife. These aren’t just watches; they’re tangible reminders of the blessings in my life.

NYW: You’re particularly drawn to Patek Philippe. What is it about the brand that resonates with you?

Broidy: Patek Philippe, to me, embodies the pinnacle of watchmaking. Their motto, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe; you merely look after it for the next generation,” perfectly encapsulates their philosophy. These watches are heirlooms, crafted with such precision and care that they transcend trends and time. When I look at a Patek, I don’t just see a watch—I see a legacy. That aligns deeply with my values, both in my personal life and in my philanthropic work.

NYW: Your collection includes some highly coveted pieces, but one stands out in particular: the Patek Philippe 5016P-018. Can you tell us about what makes this watch so special?

Broidy: Ah, the 5016P-018. It’s certainly a standout in my collection. It combines a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a retrograde perpetual calendar—all in a subtle platinum case. What I love most is its quiet elegance. It doesn’t shout for attention, but those who recognize it understand its significance. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of the incredible craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating it.

NYW: What do you feel when you look down at your wrist and see a piece like the 5016P?

Broidy: Every glance is a reminder. The chime of the minute repeater is like a tiny symphony, and the hidden tourbillon is a constant symbol of complexity and movement. But more than that, it makes me think about the passage of time—how fleeting it is. It’s humbling. It reminds me to focus on what truly matters: my family, my community, and society at large. That’s why I dedicate time and resources to contribute to causes that are important to me, like supporting community hospitals, organizations helping foster children, and groups fighting antisemitism.

NYW: That’s a beautiful way to look at it. Do your watches inspire conversations with your family?

Broidy: Absolutely. When I discuss my watches with my children, it’s not just about how extraordinary the watches are —it’s about the values they represent. Dedication to craftsmanship, precision, determination, resilience, family, and using time wisely and compassionately. I want my children to understand that it’s not just about collecting things; it’s about creating meaning and making a positive impact on the world.

NYW: For those who might be considering their first serious timepiece, what advice would you offer?

Broidy: Start with what speaks to you personally. Watches are deeply intimate objects—they should resonate with your journey. Don’t worry about trends or investments; focus on the level of detail you want and how the piece fits into your lifestyle. When you find the right piece, it will feel like it was always meant to be yours.

NYW: Elliott, thank you for sharing your watch story with us. It’s clear that watches are more than a passion for you—they’re part of your life’s journey.

Broidy: Thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love for watches with others who appreciate their artistry and meaning.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors.

This article was originally published on:

https://theinscribermag.com/inside-the-world-of-watches-with-elliott-broidy-a-conversation-on-timepieces-and-the-patek-philippe-5016p-018/.

nvidia

What Tech Entrepreneurs and Investors Can Learn from Nvidia’s Incredible Success Story

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As someone who specializes in investing in technology businesses, watching Nvidia’s meteoric rise is not just inspiring—it’s like watching a blueprint unfold for the future of high-tech innovation. Nvidia has done something extraordinary by transitioning from a company that built graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming to one that is now driving the phenomenal AI revolution. Its GPUs power some of the most complex AI systems in the world, from autonomous vehicles to healthcare diagnostics, unlocking massive efficiencies and breakthroughs.

For entrepreneurs, Nvidia’s story demonstrates the crucial importance of thinking beyond the obvious. When Nvidia entered the AI market, their chips were primarily known for video game graphics. But their leap into AI-powered data centers and machine learning reflects what’s possible when you look at existing technology with fresh eyes. It’s not just about creating something new but about pushing the boundaries of what’s already there.

Nvidia’s ability to pivot and innovate also highlights a key lesson: understanding the timing of market demand, an-all important factor that determines whether a company thrives or stagnates (or even dies). The explosion of AI and machine learning across industries has positioned Nvidia as an indispensable partner for anyone developing large-scale AI models. As AI continues its inexorable march into sectors like healthcare, finance, public safety, and autonomous systems, the need for massive computing power will only grow. Tech CEOs and investors can take this as a signal—if you’re working in or around AI, now is the time to bet big on hardware solutions and high-performance computing capabilities.

Nvidia’s focus on strategic partnerships is another savvy move from which entrepreneurs should learn. They’ve worked with cloud providers, tech giants, and startups alike, embedding their technology in a way that ensures long-term growth. It shows the importance of building and cultivating an ecosystem where your technology becomes the foundation for other innovations.

For a short period of time in June, Nvidia was the world’s most valuable company, with a market capitalization of $3.335 trillion. Though its stock took a brief hit earlier this year over larger market and macroeconomic concerns, it rebounded quickly. As of November 18, its market cap was $3.42 trillion, second only to Apple – itself an innovative and technological phenom that was launched into the stratosphere due to Steve Jobs’ genius and almost superhuman determination.

It’s not hard to see why Nvidia is valued so highly. The company’s evolution and farsightedness has been remarkable to behold. Investors know the key role Nvidia’s GPUs play in AI systems which are going to be at the core of myriad industries and play a defining role in the years ahead.

Tech entrepreneurs and investors can draw apt lessons from Nvidia’s ability to anticipate where the market is going and innovate accordingly – that is, after all, where the value is. It is also far from easy, because it is also where the genius lies. But is a tale that should inspire all of us.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is a serial entrepreneur and investor, focusing on defense, homeland security, and law enforcement technology businesses that support public safety and security of the United States and its allies. He is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Broidy Capital Management, an investment firm that participates in public and private capital markets and invest in a wide range of sectors in the U.S. and overseas.

This article was originally published on:

https://techbullion.com/what-tech-entrepreneurs-and-investors-can-learn-from-nvidias-incredible-success-story/.

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Investing in National Security Through Defense Technology

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The landscape of national security has fundamentally shifted over the past two decades. Where defense capabilities were once primarily the domain of government agencies and traditional defense contractors, today’s security challenges demand a more dynamic approach. Private sector innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics, has become essential to staying ahead of evolving threats.

As someone who has invested in defense technology for over thirty years, I’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand. Through companies like Circinus and LEO Technologies, I’ve seen how private sector solutions can address critical security needs. The key has been identifying where emerging technologies can solve real-world challenges – whether that’s processing vast amounts of open-source intelligence or developing AI-driven analysis tools for law enforcement.

This evolution isn’t just about new technology – it’s about speed and adaptability. Private companies can often develop and deploy solutions faster than traditional procurement cycles allow. This agility has become increasingly important as security threats become more sophisticated and technological capabilities advance at an unprecedented pace.

The Intersection of Private Investment and National Security

Private sector investment in defense technology isn’t just about developing new tools – it’s about bridging critical capability gaps. When our team at Circinus saw the growing need for enhanced open-source intelligence analysis, we recognized that government agencies needed partners who could move quickly to implement solutions. The same pattern emerged with LEO Technologies, where we identified how AI-driven analysis could transform law enforcement capabilities.

These experiences taught me that effective defense technology investment requires a deep understanding of both operational needs and technological possibilities. It’s not enough to have cutting-edge technology; solutions must integrate seamlessly with existing systems and workflows. For instance, when working with government partners, we’ve learned that scalability and adaptability are just as important as innovative features.

The most successful projects often come from close collaboration between private investors, technology developers, and end users. Take our work in AI-based analysis software – by working directly with law enforcement agencies, we’ve been able to develop tools that address real operational challenges rather than theoretical problems. This practical approach has consistently proven more valuable than pursuing technology for technology’s sake.

Technology as a Force Multiplier

The most impactful defense technologies aren’t always the most complex – they’re the ones that effectively amplify existing capabilities. Take artificial intelligence in social media monitoring. Through our work with KOIOS, we’ve seen how AI can help organizations rapidly identify and respond to emerging narratives, turning what was once an overwhelming flood of data into actionable intelligence.

Similar principles apply across the security landscape. In smart city environments, vision AI technology isn’t just about collecting data – it’s about enabling faster, more informed decisions. Our experience with Cynapse has shown that the real value comes from helping cities and facilities detect security lapses in real-time, allowing for immediate response rather than after-the-fact analysis.

These advances in technology aren’t replacing human expertise – they’re enhancing it. When we develop tools for law enforcement or intelligence analysts, the goal is to help them work more effectively by automating routine tasks and highlighting patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. This approach has consistently proven more valuable than attempting to fully automate complex decision-making processes.

Lessons from the Field

After decades of investing in defense technology, certain principles have proven consistently valuable. First, successful defense technology must solve real operational problems, not theoretical ones. We’ve found that the most effective approach is to start with actual security challenges and work backward to technological solutions, rather than starting with technology and searching for applications.

Integration capabilities are equally crucial. The best technology solutions in the world won’t succeed if they can’t work within existing systems and processes. This is particularly true in the defense and security sector, where new tools often need to complement rather than replace established procedures. Our experience with government partners has shown that successful implementation often depends more on seamless integration than on cutting-edge features.

Long-term sustainability is another key factor. In the defense technology space, solutions need to evolve as threats change. This means building flexibility into both the technology and the business model, ensuring that systems can adapt to new challenges without requiring complete overhauls.

Looking Forward

The pace of technological change in defense and security continues to accelerate. Private sector investment will play an increasingly vital role in developing and deploying the tools needed to address emerging threats. Success in this space requires a balanced approach – one that combines technological innovation with practical implementation and sustainable operations.

As we look ahead, the key will be maintaining focus on real-world impact rather than just technological advancement. The most effective defense technology investments will continue to be those that enhance existing capabilities while enabling new ones, always with an eye toward actual operational needs.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors.

small green sprout flower growing in desert, concept of resilience of life in the harsh desert environment

Entrepreneurship Is all About Hard Work, Dedication, and Persistence

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Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help build and grow several successful businesses, and I’m often asked about the key to success for entrepreneurs. A lot has been written on the subject, with people offering different opinions. Some say it’s about having the right connections, access to capital, or even a bit of luck. Others focus on innovation, strategic planning, or being in the right place at the right time. From my experience, however, it all boils down to three essential elements without which even the best ideas will struggle to take off.

While creativity is undoubtedly an important part of entrepreneurship – it goes without saying that you can’t start a business if you don’t have an idea – the most important aspect lies in the raw elements: hard work, grit, and resilience. No matter how brilliant the idea or how creative the vision, without relentless commitment, success will only remain a distant dream.

At its core, entrepreneurship is about converting a vision into reality. Imagination sparks ideas, fuels innovation, and makes certain entrepreneurs utterly awe-inspiring. But vision alone, no matter how brilliant, cannot make a difference. That’s where old-fashioned hard work comes in, of the backbreaking variety. Obstacles, late nights, early morning, self-doubt: these are the markers along the entrepreneur’s path.

Take Steve Jobs, for example. His creativity and visionary approach revolutionized entire industries—from personal computing to entertainment and mobile technology. He created demand for products out of thin air. He created whole markets.

But his journey was also about his unyielding pursuit of perfection and his dedication to making those ideas a reality. Jobs was renowned for his exacting standards, work ethic, and ability to push his team to bring his visions to life. He didn’t just imagine the future—he built it. “If you build it, they will come,” the famous line from the film Field of Dreams (one of my favorites), could easily have been Jobs’ motto. Sure enough, they came.

Or consider Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. What started as an online bookstore in the mid-1990s – one that I remember quite fondly – has since evolved into a world-straddling tech giant. We all just take for granted that we can search for practically any product in existence on Amazon, purchase it in one click, and have it delivered to our doorstep within days – if that. It’s almost like magic, and if you were to transport someone from just a couple of decades ago in a time machine to our present day, they would be stupefied. It’s easy to forget how much our world has changed in such a short period of time. Much of that is due to Jeff Bezos.

Bezos’s vision was clear: to create an online marketplace where people could find anything they wanted to buy. But the challenges were immense. In the early days, Bezos worked long hours, often sleeping on the floor of his office, and faced skepticism from investors who thought his ambitious plans would fail. His drive to implement his vision, coupled with impressive innovations (the amazing Kindle, for example), transformed Amazon into a global tech powerhouse.

Of course, Jobs and Bezos are entrepreneurial archetypes and most entrepreneurs shouldn’t expect to become one of them. But what they can do is learn important lessons about hard work and tenacity. Sacrifice is at the core of entrepreneurship. Failures along the way are inevitable. There is blood, sweat, and tears. But it is the entrepreneur’s grit that turns imagination into reality, setbacks into learning experiences, and failure into fuel to get up and try once more.

Read next: One Year Since October 7th: A Time for Reflection

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is a serial entrepreneur and investor, focusing on defense, homeland security, and law enforcement technology businesses that support public safety and security of the United States and its allies. He is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Broidy Capital Management, an investment firm that participates in public and private capital markets and invest in a wide range of sectors in the U.S. and overseas.

Startup entrepreneurship, leadership to plan development business projects

Through Adversity to the Stars: How to Find Strength to Launch Your Startup

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I’ve helped launch a number of startups throughout my career, and I can state with certainty that starting a business is a path filled with risks and challenges. The well-known statistic shows that 90% of startups fail, with 10% of them not surviving their first year.

From years of building companies, investing in others, and helping shape businesses across a variety of industries, I’ve learned what it takes to transform innovative ideas into successful, lasting ventures.

In this article, I’ll share my insights on how to be among the successful 10% of startups, navigate the inevitable challenges, and determine whether your idea has the potential to make a meaningful impact.

Four Pillars of a Successful Founder

To thrive in the competitive world of startups, entrepreneurs must cultivate a specific set of qualities. These traits are essential regardless of the sector or size of the business. Here are four key attributes every founder should possess:

  1. Unflappability

A successful startup founder must be able to stay level-headed in the face of criticism, doubt, or even failure. You must remain focused on the bigger picture and resist being swayed by every negative comment or setback. In the volatile startup world, keeping calm under pressure allows you to make strategic decisions rather than emotional ones.

  1. Empathy

Empathy is critical for understanding the needs of both customers and investors. A successful founder listens intently and can view situations from multiple perspectives. By putting yourself in the shoes of your audience—whether they are users, partners, or team members—you can fine-tune your business strategy and communication. Building trust and meaningful relationships requires the ability to connect and empathize with others, especially when dealing with difficult negotiations or unexpected challenges.

  1. Persistence

If there’s one trait that defines a successful entrepreneur, it’s persistence. Every founder, regardless of their industry, will face obstacles, and often these hurdles come at the most unexpected times. Staying the course, finding solutions, and pushing through challenges are essential. But persistence must be tempered with self-awareness—you need to be determined without becoming stubbornly blind to reality. There’s a fine line between persistence and arrogance, and great founders know how to walk it.

  1. Curiosity

The best entrepreneurs are constantly learning. They’re curious about new ideas, technologies, and ways of doing things. Curiosity drives innovation, which in turn drives success. Asking questions, seeking feedback, and looking for unconventional solutions are the hallmarks of a founder who is never satisfied with the status quo. For a startup to grow and evolve, its leader must remain open-minded and willing to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Developing these qualities doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you can accelerate your personal and professional growth, and that growth will ultimately benefit your business.

Strategies for Self-Motivation and Resilience

The reasons people launch startups are as varied as the businesses themselves. For some, it’s about financial success; for others, it’s the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. No matter the motivation, self-driven founders are far more likely to succeed. External motivations—such as trying to imitate successful entrepreneurs—often lead to wasted time chasing trends instead of focusing on execution.

Internal Motivation and Perseverance

Self-motivation and perseverance are the bedrock of long-term success. Entrepreneurs must cultivate an internal drive that keeps them going when things get tough. Just like an athlete trains consistently to achieve mastery, founders must consistently work on their business, no matter how many setbacks they encounter. True motivation is revealed not in moments of triumph, but in how you recover from failure.

Learning from Success Stories

Successful companies don’t emerge overnight, and every entrepreneur can learn from the struggles of those who came before them. Take Jeff Bezos, for example. In 1995, he began raising funds for Amazon, despite facing skepticism and doubt from countless investors. His perseverance led to the creation of one of the world’s largest companies. Likewise, the founders of Airbnb faced repeated rejections from investors. Today, their company is valued in the billions.

These stories are reminders that persistence, coupled with innovation, is a formula for success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and adapt, and it’s those who continue pushing forward who ultimately build something remarkable.

Practical Tips for Startup Success

No matter your industry, a few key principles can greatly improve your chances of success. First, maintain direct engagement with your customers. Whether through personal sales or ongoing dialogue, understanding their needs will help you refine your product or service to solve real problems. Second, keep a close eye on your competitors. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses to find gaps where your startup can shine. Finally, focus on a narrow market segment before attempting to scale. Successful startups often find their niche before expanding, giving them a solid foundation from which to grow.

Maintaining Faith in Your Vision

In the end, the most successful startups often solve problems that their founders are deeply passionate about. It’s easier to stay committed to a project when it’s personally meaningful, and this passion often translates into a better understanding of the target audience. As an entrepreneur, maintaining belief in your vision is critical—even when faced with rejection. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

In my personal experience, the best founders are those who remain steadfast in their belief, learn from every challenge, and continue to refine their vision until it becomes a reality. Entrepreneurship is a long game, and success often comes to those who are willing to keep pushing forward, even when the road is tough.

 

Texas Longhorns blog - 09.25.2024

Texas Football is Back, and We’re All In

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As the proud parent of a student at the University of Texas, I can confidently say there’s something magical about this time of year. The excitement in Austin is palpable, especially when it comes to football. With every game, the Texas Longhorns are showing the world that they’re not just back – they’re here to dominate. They’re the top-ranked team in the country! As a sports fan, there’s no greater thrill than watching the resurgence of a program that has always been a symbol of pride and tradition.

Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, there is a swagger to this team. Sarkisian has done more than win games – he’s rebuilt the culture of the program, turning it into a powerhouse. With every touchdown and every defensive stand, the team is sending a message: Texas football is back where it belongs.

One of the most exciting elements of the season is the impact of Arch Manning, the star freshman quarterback who is already making waves. His talent is undeniable, and even in his first games, it’s clear that he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and watching him on the field feels like we are seeing history unfold. The Manning legacy is alive and well in Austin.

And by the way, I do not mean my Manning excitement to overlook or minimize the star-power of Quinn Ewers, an unbelievable quarterback currently recovering from an abdominal strain. He led the Longhorns to the Sugar Bowl last year as the third-ranked team in the country, a game they lost in a hard-fought battle to the University of Washington.

But it’s not just about the individual players – it’s the whole team. Sarkisian has instilled a sense of discipline and purpose that resonates throughout the program. The team is playing with confidence, and their preparation shows in every game. Whether they’re facing longtime rivals or newcomers to the schedule, the Longhorns are ready for any challenge.

As a longtime powerhouse in the Big 12, the move to the SEC is a game-changer for the program. Texas is joining the elite ranks of college football, and the excitement is through the roof.

This coming week, the Longhorns will face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in their first SEC matchup. Looking ahead to the schedule, they are playing archrivals Oklahoma (also newcomers to the SEC) in the Red River Rivalry, #2 Georgia at home, and, further down the line, Kentucky and Texas A&M, both of whom are tough teams. A couple of weeks ago, Kentucky sorely tested Georgia, with Georgia just hanging onto victory 13-12. So it will be definitely be a gauntlet.

But I have no doubt the Longhorns are up to it.

With my son now part of the University of Texas family, we have skin in the game. Being part of the Texas Longhorns football experience is something we’ll cherish forever, and I can’t wait to see where this season takes us.

Hook ‘em Horns!