Experience

SquidWorks, Inc.

• United States
• Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founding Partner & Strategic Advisor

  • Jan 2015 - Present

  La Jolla, California, United States As Strategic Advisor at SQUIDWORKS, a technology-focused incubator, Billy is pivotal in steering startups and established enterprises through complex technology and DOD landscapes. He leverages his vast network of business leaders and technology specialists to provide unparalleled mentorship in business development, technology commercialization, and funding strategies.



Ocean Aero Inc

• United States
• Defense and Space Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Investor

  • Jun 2022 - Present

• Technology Advisor

  • Dec 2021 - Jun 2022

• Chief Technology Officer

  • Aug 2018 - Dec 2021

  Ocean Aero created the world’s first and only AI-enabled, environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV), the TRITON, that collects data both above and below the ocean’s surface and relays it to clients at anytime and anywhere in the world. Serving as the CTO at Ocean Aero, Billy was instrumental in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop the TRITON drone, an AI-enabled autonomous ocean drone powered by wind and solar energy. He successfully bridged the gap… Show more Ocean Aero created the world’s first and only AI-enabled, environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV), the TRITON, that collects data both above and below the ocean’s surface and relays it to clients at anytime and anywhere in the world. Serving as the CTO at Ocean Aero, Billy was instrumental in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop the TRITON drone, an AI-enabled autonomous ocean drone powered by wind and solar energy. He successfully bridged the gap between technical innovation and strategic business objectives, enhancing the company’s productivity, profitability, and market position. He was also the POC for In-Q-Tel's investment collaboration.

• EVP Operational Testing & Client Relations at Ocean Aero Inc.

  • Jun 2015 - Aug 2018

  As a hands-on member of the Ocean Aero management team, Billy Burns led Operational Testing and Client Relations. He was Ocean Aero’s point man for the NUWC’s ANTX 2016 Exercise with LMCO in Newport, RI and the USMC’s ANTX2017-S2ME2 Exercise with SPAWAR at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA.



M SHIP CO, LLC

• Co-Founder, President & CTO

  • Sep 1997 - Apr 2015

  Greater San Diego Area MSHIPCO was an R&D-focused naval architect firm developing patented military and commercial products for global markets. Billy Burns Co-founded the company with former Nike board member and Deputy Secretary of State Chuck Robinson. He conceptualized, monetized, and led the team to create the M80 Stiletto, TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2006 in the Armed Forces category and the largest carbon fiber ship delivered to the US Navy. He was also recognized for pioneering designs, including… Show more MSHIPCO was an R&D-focused naval architect firm developing patented military and commercial products for global markets. Billy Burns Co-founded the company with former Nike board member and Deputy Secretary of State Chuck Robinson. He conceptualized, monetized, and led the team to create the M80 Stiletto, TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2006 in the Armed Forces category and the largest carbon fiber ship delivered to the US Navy. He was also recognized for pioneering designs, including Sailing World’s Overall Boat of the Year award, UCSD CONNECT’s Most Innovative Product Award, and the Industrial Design Excellence Award. He successfully spearheaded multiple SBIR programs as the Principal Investigator, with one Phase III project gaining recognition from USSOCOM as an SBIR Success Story. On the business front, he was directly responsible for securing over $30MM in corporate funding and managed a wide range of agreements with international and domestic governments. He has developed strategic partnerships and sales in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Japan, India, South Korea, Italy, and the UK. In the process of executing those agreements, he partnered with international research labs, universities, startups, and large corporations, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Show less



Cbtf Co

• United States
• Maritime Transportation
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Co-Founder & Naval Architect

  • Sep 1991 - Nov 2011

  Greater San Diego Area Billy Burns was a founding member of CBTF, formerly Dyna Yacht Inc., with entrepreneur, Chuck Robinson; scientist, Alberto Calderon; and sailor, Peter Isler to commercialize technologies developed in the America's Cup. He was the designer of several award winning ocean-racing yachts including Sailing World Magazine's "Boat of the Year in 2001". He negotiated the licensing for CBTF technology in the US, Europe and Asia. He had hands-on experience developing and funding new… Show more Billy Burns was a founding member of CBTF, formerly Dyna Yacht Inc., with entrepreneur, Chuck Robinson; scientist, Alberto Calderon; and sailor, Peter Isler to commercialize technologies developed in the America's Cup. He was the designer of several award winning ocean-racing yachts including Sailing World Magazine's "Boat of the Year in 2001". He negotiated the licensing for CBTF technology in the US, Europe and Asia. He had hands-on experience developing and funding new technology in a conservative, slow-to-adopt market, including nationwide campaigning, developing new rules and lobbying industry specialists. Show less



Team Dennis Conner, 1992 & 1995 America's Cup Campaign

• Naval Architect

  • Sep 1990 - Apr 1995

  Greater San Diego Area Billy Burns was a primary member of the design team selected to develop IACC yachts for the 1992 and 1995 defense of the America's Cup. Areas of responsibility included hull and appendage design, concept development and testing programs. He managed an extensive tow tank program at NAVSEA’s David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB). This was the first use of the government-owned naval research facility by a private company. He also honed skills to work in a fast-paced creative design… Show more Billy Burns was a primary member of the design team selected to develop IACC yachts for the 1992 and 1995 defense of the America's Cup. Areas of responsibility included hull and appendage design, concept development and testing programs. He managed an extensive tow tank program at NAVSEA’s David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB). This was the first use of the government-owned naval research facility by a private company. He also honed skills to work in a fast-paced creative design environment where ideas needed to be quickly conceptualized and vetted for rapid execution and implementation. Show less