The corporate world’s no stranger to bold pivots. VNUE, Inc., long known for its entertainment tech, just announced it’s jumping into the defense industry—specifically digital imaging and firearms optics.
This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a full-on transformation. The company’s shaking up its leadership and setting its sights on a big, fast-growing market.
On June 13, 2025, VNUE made it official: goodbye entertainment tech, hello defense sector. They’re now focusing on advanced firearm optics, with an eye on the rising demand for high-performance infrared digital spotting scopes and thermal imaging devices.
The shift goes beyond products. Leadership’s changing, too. Longtime executives Zach Bair, Tony Cardenas, and Lou Mann have stepped down, making space for Brandon Sisson to take over.
Sisson’s no stranger to this world. At Accufire Technology, he helped sales skyrocket from $172,000 to $1.2 million. That kind of track record brings some real optimism—and maybe a little pressure, too.
Redacted Optics: A Key Player in VNUE’s Transformation
VNUE’s transformation really kicked off with its acquisition by Redacted Optics. This company leads in optical and digital imaging tech, and now it’s bringing its advanced patents and know-how into the VNUE fold.
These aren’t just any technologies—they’re already in use by military and law enforcement worldwide. Market analysts expect the US optics market to hit $9.9 billion, so the timing seems spot-on.
Redacted Optics will share its expertise in firearms optics with VNUE. The plan is to manufacture high-quality infrared digital spotting scopes and thermal clip-ons, aiming straight at the needs of defense and law enforcement.
A Closer Look at the Market Opportunity
VNUE’s move into defense isn’t just a shot in the dark. The global optics market could grow from $1.54 billion in 2023 to $1.94 billion by 2028. North America already grabs a hefty 40.79% of rifle scope sales, making it a tempting target for expansion.
VNUE wants to bring manufacturing back to the US. This lines up with the government’s push for domestic production, which might open doors to state and federal grants. Local manufacturing could also mean better quality control and smoother production—things defense clients tend to care about.
From Stage to Scope: StageIt Stays in the Fold
Even as VNUE dives into defense, it’s hanging onto one piece of its old business: StageIt, the virtual event platform. Lou Mann, who left the main company, will keep running StageIt as CEO.
It might look like an odd mix, but keeping StageIt could help steady the ship financially while VNUE figures out its new direction.
What This Means for the Defense Industry
VNUE’s arrival shakes up the defense tech scene. Their focus on digital spotting scopes and thermal imaging clip-ons targets organizations that need the latest optical tools for serious operations.
Redacted Optics’ intellectual property gives VNUE instant credibility and a real edge. It’s a crowded field, but this partnership could make some waves. Will others follow VNUE’s lead and jump industries? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
VNUE’s shift from entertainment tech to defense? That’s a bold move. They’re betting big, teaming up with Redacted Optics and putting innovation front and center.
The new leadership seems hungry for change. With patents in hand and a foot in a booming market, VNUE looks ready to shake things up in defense.
The optics market keeps growing, and domestic manufacturing is getting more attention lately. It’ll be interesting to watch how VNUE’s strategy unfolds.
Honestly, their willingness to pivot and try something new could spark a pretty exciting chapter—for them and maybe even for defense tech in general.
Here is the source article for this story: Entertainment Tech Company VNUE Makes Dramatic Shift to Military Defense with $9.9B Market Opportunity