Defense Startup Arkenstone Names OpenAI Executive as Lead Independent Director

By Freddy Sebastian

Arkenstone Defense, which helps defense contractors to navigate federal compliance requirements, said it named OpenAI executive Joseph Larson as its lead independent director.

Larson currently serves as head of government at OpenAI, where he leads the company's engagement with federal, state, local, and international government partners.

Arkenstone said Larson joins its board after a career spent at the intersection of emerging technology, defense innovation, and public service. He served as the inaugural Deputy Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer for Algorithmic Warfare within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw autonomy, artificial intelligence, and machine-learning initiatives across the Department of War.

Larson is also a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, where he serves as an intelligence officer with the MAGTF Staff Training Program in Quantico, Virginia, the company said.

Arkenstone raised $35 million in seed financing earlier this month, led by J2 Ventures and participation from Susa Ventures, Granite Hill Capital Partners and Artis Ventures.

Arkenstone combines workforce operations, HR, payroll, insurance, personnel security, contracting support, compliance, and accreditation into one managed platform that scales from a company's first federal opportunity through long-term government programs.

Write to Freddy Sebastian at freddy.sebastian@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 21, 2026 09:35 ET (13:35 GMT)