Pentagon looks to match tech firms with 'trusted' investors to block China

The Pentagon is preparing to launch a program to connect small but promising technology companies with “trusted” venture capitalists, rather than risk the companies going into business with Chinese investors.

Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord said Friday the new program, expected to be rolled out in July, would be known as the Trusted Capital Marketplace.

“China is increasingly attempting to erase research and development gains by leveraging and manipulating economic tools, like investment in U.S. companies with technology critical to...