Lucien Zeigler

Lucien Zeigler (born 1985) is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and defense industry executive. He is co-founder and General Partner of Mansa Ventures, Saudi Arabia's first defense-focused venture capital firm, and chief executive officer of Redsalt Defense, a U.S.–Saudi defense technology and industrial acceleration platform. He is also the creator and co-host of The Twenty30 Podcast.

Career

Prior to focusing on defense technology, Zeigler led Middle East and North Africa expansion efforts at California-based venture firm Pilatus Capital. In May 2026, Zeigler confirmed to Semafor (website) that one of the projects is SKYWASP, the first one-way attack drone to be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, capable of hitting targets up to 1,500 km (930 miles) away.

Masna Ventures

In 2026, Zeigler co-founded Mansa Ventures with investor Nehal Farooqui. The firm launched with a target of approximately $100 million for its first fund, backing early-stage defense and dual-use technologies (including drone systems, precision-guided munitions, and AI ) while supporting localization of manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.

In comments to EnterpriseAM regarding the 2026 Iran War, Zeigler said, "In the region, I think the demand signal won’t just be, ‘sell us counter-drone systems.’ It will be, ‘help us build, sustain, and eventually export this capability ourselves.'"

Masna will be backing SKYWASP and its Riyadh factory.

Media and Public Engagement Zeigler is the creator and co-host of The Twenty30 Podcast, an English-language program launched in April 2024 that focuses on Saudi Vision 2030 reforms, Saudi Arabia's investment climate, and strategic sectors including defense and advanced technology. The program publishes long form interviews with Saudi "change makers," including business and industry executives, cultural leaders, athletes, and others.