Chris O’Donnell

Founder & Executive Board Member

Chris O'Donnell is a founder and board member of SVDG and the Chief Business Officer for the Boston-based startup Lila Science. Previously, Chris served as Head of Operations for Franklin Venture Partners and as an investment partner focused on mid/late-stage industrial tech and dual-use investing strategies.

A former executive and entrepreneur, Chris has extensive strategic, operational, and international experience. After multiple deployments in the U.S. Navy, he spent time as a Requirements Officer in the Pentagon supporting Navy and SOCOM programs.  Following the Navy, he led military and law enforcement product development, sales and marketing efforts for Leupold & Stevens. Later, with The O'Gara Group, Chris headed the Mobile Systems Division before launching a start-up M&A Advisory firm, Northstar Defense. Chris also served as President and CEO of Wamar Technologies, growing their core domestic defense & security business while expanding operations into Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys masters swimming and is a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan.  He is currently pursuing his Masters in the Outdoor Recreation Economy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in preparation for his post-retirement career.