Jillian Manus is a Venture Partner at SHIELD Capital, investing in early-stage, dual-use frontier technologies at the intersection of commercial innovation and national security, with a focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and space. She also serves as U.S. Venture Advisor to the European Innovation Council Fund, Europe’s €30 billion deep-tech platform supporting high-growth startups and SMEs. Previously, Ms. Manus was Managing Partner of Silicon Valley based Structure Capital. With more than three decades of experience in U.S. intelligence and national security, Manus has held operational, advisory, and strategic roles supporting U.S. and allied institutions on emerging technology, geopolitical risk, and security policy. She is an adjunct professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she teaches “Hacking for Defense.” She has also held numerous leadership roles in Finance and Media, serving as Co- Director of Technology, Media & Telecom at Credit Suisse in Zurich and founding two media and investment firms.   A self-described “Innovation Diplomat,” Manus is a frequent global speaker, and media commentator on business and politics. She serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards, including Stanford University School of Medicine’s Board of Fellows, the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, The World Affairs / Commonwealth Club.  Named one of Business Insider’s “Top 25 Early-Stage Female Investors” and recipient of the Transatlantic Bridge Award 2026, she lives in San Francisco and continues to champion cross-border investment and innovation across Europe, the United States, and Ukraine.