Marque Joins U.S. Navy Tours with Industry program

San Francisco/Washington/Atlanta, August 4th, 2025 – Marque Ventures welcomes Lieutenant James Baptiste, U.S. Navy, as part of the Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry (SNTWI) program. James will embed with Marque for one year, supporting internal initiatives and portfolio companies across defense innovation and national security technology.

“James brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges our fleet faces and a strategic perspective on where it’s headed. Pairing that with the agility of venture-backed startups creates a powerful bridge between the Navy and the private sector, enabling the speed and innovative thought that are needed to maintain our technological edge. This is how we win!” — Todd Coulard, Principal at Marque Ventures, Master Chief (Ret.), U.S. Navy

James serves as a Surface Warfare Officer, bringing over five years of operational experience in the U.S. Navy. He has completed two sea tours aboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Antietam (CG 54), and most recently served at Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC). His fleet assignments have provided him with deep experience in leadership, ship operations, and maritime strategy.

The SNTWI program, modeled after the Air Force's Education With Industry (EWI) program, enables select naval officers to collaborate with leading private-sector organizations, gaining insights that inform innovation, efficiency, and modernization within the Navy. While at Marque, James will explore how private-sector practices, particularly those driving venture-backed dual-use technology, can be adapted to improve processes and outcomes across the naval enterprise.

“I’m excited to learn from Marque’s team and portfolio and explore how lessons from the private sector can help strengthen the Navy’s ability to innovate and adapt,” LT James Baptiste shared.

Marque Ventures is proud to partner with the Department of the Navy in developing the next generation of leaders positioned at the intersection of defense and innovation.

Learn more about the SNTWI Program here.