Startlights Defense Studio
Defense communication
that wins shortlists.
We translate complex capability into procurement-grade narrative — so evaluators understand faster, risk less, and move you forward.
Built for BD, capture, and technical evaluators — not consumer marketing.
- Increase qualified RFI/RFQ responses
- Reduce evaluator friction in first-pass review
- Improve shortlisting odds without oversharing
Entry offer
Procurement Audit (48h)
We audit one asset — deck, capability statement, or website — and return procurement-aligned findings. Fast, low-risk, no long engagement required.
- 12–18 bullet findings against procurement criteria
- 3 actionable recommendations, prioritized by impact
- Next-step scope suggestion if further work is warranted
What you receive
Procurement Communication Stack
Structured deliverables that support capture, evaluation, and approval.
All files delivered in editable source formats: PPTX, Figma, MDX/HTML.
Strategy
Messaging Pack
Positioning, buyer language, objection map, approved message hierarchy per audience.
Print / Digital
Product Sheet / Evaluator Brief
Single A4 — technical specs, SWaP-C table, mission-outcome framing.
Presentations
Deck System
Master template plus capability deck and investor brief — modular, editable.
Web
Website (7–9 pages)
Bilingual option. Procurement-compliant copy, clean architecture, WCAG 2.1 AA.
Exhibition
Defense Exhibition Package
Booth narrative, leave-behind, talk track, follow-up deck, post-show cadence.
Video
90–120s Capability Video
Script, motion graphics, voiceover. Suitable for portals and trade shows.
Content
LinkedIn + Content
Profile overhaul, quarterly content calendar, 3 long-form articles.
Government
Capability Statement
Formal 1–2 page government-standard document for framework submissions, procurement portals, and GSA/DPS registration.
Bids
Proposal Writing Support
Bid response copy: executive summary, technical approach narrative, and management sections for formal RFP/ITT responses.
Defense Exhibition Readiness
Trade shows are capture acceleration windows, not marketing events.
Eurosatory, DSEI, Milipol, AUSA — every show is a compressed procurement moment. We prepare the materials that convert floor conversations into qualified follow-ups.
Pre-show
- Booth narrative headline hierarchy
- Datasheet / leave-behind (A4)
- Booth talk track (1 page)
- Booth landing page (optional)
During show
- Quick handout structure (what, why, ask)
- Qualification questions set
Post-show
- Follow-up deck (6–10 slides)
- Post-event email copy blocks
- Follow-up cadence (7 / 14 / 30 days)
How it works
Three phases. Defined outputs. No ambiguity.
NDA before intake · No classified materials · Access limited to core team · 2 revision rounds per deliverable
Clarity
We extract your technical reality and procurement context via one structured session. No lengthy discovery.
1–2 weeks
Build
All agreed deliverables designed and reviewed against procurement standards. Package drop — no drip delivery.
3–5 weeks
2 revision rounds
Deployment
Launch support, LinkedIn activation, and optional retainer for ongoing asset updates and tender support.
Retainer — min. 3 months
Proof
Outcomes, not logos.
All cases anonymized. Client identities redacted per mutual NDA.
Dual-Use / Sensors
Context
EO/IR payload manufacturer, pre-Series A
What changed
Repositioned from hardware spec sheet to mission-outcome narrative.
Outcome
3× increase in qualified RFI responses within 60 days.
Why it worked
Evaluators could map capability directly to mission scenarios — reducing first-pass rejection.
Homeland Security
Context
Cybersecurity firm entering government procurement
What changed
Built capability statement and bilingual website aligned to defense portal standards.
Outcome
Shortlisted in 2 tenders within first quarter post-launch.
Why it worked
Materials matched the language and structure procurement officers expect in open tenders.
Aerospace / UAS
Context
Autonomous systems startup, defense pilot program
What changed
Condensed 80-page technical dossier into 12-slide procurement deck.
Outcome
Approved for accelerated evaluation — 6 weeks ahead of standard timeline.
Why it worked
The evaluator path was explicit — clear ask, clear evidence, clear fit to program criteria.
Not for
- Consumer brands and awareness campaigns
- Teams without at least a basic technology brief
- Active tender quiet periods — prepare after the window
- Pure commercial products with no institutional buyer
For
- Defense and dual-use vendors
- Active RFI / RFQ and tender preparation
- Exhibition and trade show readiness
- Framework bids and program office pitches
Security & data handling
How we protect your information.
- We never request classified material.
- Access limited to core team.
- Encrypted storage — access logged.
- Deletion on request after delivery.
- No freelancers unless explicitly approved by client.
Start a conversation
Ready to make your technology legible to buyers?
Send a one-paragraph procurement brief — we respond within 24 hours with a straightforward fit answer.
Minimum engagement: two weeks · Next availability: Q3 2026
Request procurement fit checkSignal abstraction — illustrative