Former Blackstone Dealmaker Joins Defense-Investing Upstart

A defense-investment firm founded by Carlyle Group Inc. alumni is expanding in a bet that private equity will play a more prominent role in shaping technology critical for US security.

Capitol Meridian Partners hired Michael Puopolo, a Blackstone Inc. principal who previously worked for Carlyle’s aerospace, defense and government-services team, as a managing director. It also tapped Curtis Uehlein, who led Carlyle portfolio companies, as an operating executive.

Washington-based Capitol Meridian raised more than $1 billionthis year in its first fundraising campaign. The 14-person shop is part of a wave of private equity and investment firms channeling clout ...