Mach CEO Ethan Thornton has been a visionary in the field of weapons systems, with his passion driving him towards success since high school. Today, his ambitions have manifested into a successful company that has recently secured a contract with the U.S. military and is set to revolutionize the industry with its cross-functional factories.
At the StrictlyVC 2025 event in San Francisco, TechCrunch’s Charles Rollet had the opportunity to sit down with Thornton and delve deeper into his journey and the future plans of the company.
From a young age, Thornton was fascinated by technology and its potential to change the world. He was constantly tinkering with gadgets, taking them apart and putting them back together, understanding the mechanics and inner workings of each device. This curiosity and passion eventually led him to pursue a degree in engineering, with a focus on weapons systems.
After graduating, Thornton wasted no time in starting his own company, Mach, with a mission to push the boundaries of technology and develop cutting-edge weapons systems. But his vision didn’t stop there. He was determined to not just create advanced weapons, but also to transform the entire industry.
Mach’s recent contract with the U.S. military is a testament to the success of Thornton’s vision. The company has been chosen to develop and supply state-of-the-art weapons systems for the military, solidifying their position as a leader in the field. With this partnership, Mach is set to make a significant impact in the defense sector and contribute towards strengthening national security.
In his interview with Rollet, Thornton revealed that Mach’s success can be attributed to its cross-functional factories. These innovative factories are designed to integrate various stages of production, from research and development to manufacturing, under one roof. This revolutionary concept not only streamlines the production process, but also leads to cost savings and increased efficiency.
With the implementation of cross-functional factories, Mach is set to change the traditional model of weapon development. By bringing together experts from various fields, the company is able to create a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation. This not only results in top-of-the-line products, but also fuels the growth of the industry as a whole.
Apart from developing advanced weapons systems, Mach is also committed to making a positive impact on society. Thornton strongly believes that technology should be used for the greater good and has initiated various projects that support this belief. One such project is the development of affordable and accessible prosthetic limbs for amputees, which has been made possible through the company’s expertise in 3D printing technology. This initiative has not only improved the lives of many, but has also earned Mach widespread recognition and admiration.
As Mach continues to grow and expand its operations, Thornton remains steadfast in his mission to push the boundaries of technology and make a lasting impact in the world. He strongly believes that with the right vision, determination, and team, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Mach CEO Ethan Thornton’s journey from tinkering with gadgets in high school to leading a successful company is a true inspiration. His passion and dedication towards technology have not only resulted in groundbreaking innovations, but also in a company that is making a positive impact in the world. As Mach continues to soar to new heights, there is no doubt that Thornton and his team will continue to surprise and revolutionize the weapons industry.
