Two Partners, One Studio
M2 Labs unites Black Mountain Strategies’ defense expertise with Misfit Labs’ venture-building experience to launch the next generation of defense companies.
The Partners
Black Mountain Strategies
Brings the market. A strategic advisory firm founded by Brandon Mendez-Lynch and Charles Hatley. Its work centers on defense, national security and other federal customers.
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business.
Misfit Labs
Brings the build. An AI-native venture studio founded in Miami in 2022. Misfit Labs designs and builds software products, combining senior engineering teams and AI agents to take companies from initial concept through development, launch, and scale.
A team with Apple and Microsoft experience and a track record of successful exits.
Why a Venture Studio
Building for national security takes people who understand the mission and the market, and builders with decades of experience delivering products.
M2 Labs brings both together. Every venture starts with the expertise to build and the relationships to reach the right customers.
Team
Select a person to read their bio.
Misfit Labs
Joey GutierrezManaging Partner
Operator and corporate strategist focused on venture building. Started his career in investment banking, advising private and government clients in infrastructure, technology and manufacturing, and has worked with Fortune 500 brands.
View on LinkedInKyle CarriedoManaging Partner
Leads technology at Misfit Labs, from software architecture to product engineering and platform development. Has built and scaled systems at startups and enterprise companies, and held a senior R&D role at Apple.
View on LinkedInBen SharpePartner
Designs scalable systems and leads technical execution on complex products. Former Chief Technology Officer at CoinList. Previously at Apple, where he is a named inventor on patents.
View on LinkedInScott JohnsPartner
Leads product design and UX at Misfit Labs, including the interface of every Misfit product. Has designed for dozens of startups, turning complex ideas into clear interfaces.
View on LinkedInAnthony AlvizPartner
Lead front-end engineer and engineering manager. Builds and scales the products users touch, with a focus on execution.
View on LinkedInNatalia Martinez-KalininaVenture Partner
Operator and organizational psychologist who builds mission-driven organizations. Works across talent design, organizational structure, brand strategy and growth.
View on LinkedInBlack Mountain Strategies
Brandon Mendez-LynchCo-Founder and Owner
Served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming an entrepreneur. Has started and grown companies in energy, infrastructure and emerging technology.
View on LinkedInCharles HatleyCo-Founder and Owner
Former U.S. Air Force electronic warfare officer with over 1,500 combat hours. As an entrepreneur he applies that operational leadership to complex ventures.
View on LinkedInRosario VolpeDirector of Events and Operations
Designer and operations lead. Runs events and brand experience, and builds relationships and opportunities across Latin America.
View on LinkedInCurtis BridgeDirector of Investments and Finance
Comes from capital markets. Works on fundraising, strategic partnerships and business development with an eye on long-term growth.
View on LinkedInKatherine BedleyDirector of Strategy and Ventures
Moved from finance into technology leadership. Her experience covers wealth management, AI cybersecurity and go-to-market strategy.
View on LinkedInPaul BakerDirector of Technology and Senior Executive Advisor
Retired U.S. Air Force major and certified leadership coach. Helps companies build relationships and grow faster.
View on LinkedInBuild with Us
We talk with founders, prime contractors and government program offices.