The Six-Week Program Provides Networking and Mentorship for Veteran-Owned Companies
TYSONS, Va., March 11, 2025 -- The PenFed Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success, is proud to continue supporting veteran-owned businesses with the announcement of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program March 2025 cohort. The accelerator program for veteran-owned businesses begins with a three day in-person seminar in Bentonville, Arkansas, followed by a six-week virtual program.
The program brings veteran-owned companies from across the country together to participate in networking events, roundtables and mentorship opportunities. Seminars with prominent business leaders cover topics ranging from business development, marketing and branding, legal considerations, communications, strategic planning and pitching investors.
"The PenFed Foundation is proud to continue propelling veteran-led companies to new heights with the first cohort of 2025," said PenFed Foundation Director of Veteran Entrepreneur Program and retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Terry Williams. "Members of the military community are well-suited to entrepreneurship, and we will continue empowering them with additional cohorts in May and August of 2025."
The accelerator program is free of charge to military founders and the PenFed Foundation does not take equity in the businesses. Veteran and military-spouse owned and led companies who are interested in upcoming cohorts, are encouraged to apply here.
This cohort brings together military veteran entrepreneurs from a variety of industries.
The March 2025 cohort includes:
- BuilderComs
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ron Nussbaum is the founder and CEO. BuilderComs is a next-generation communication platform built exclusively for the construction industry. Designed to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance collaboration, and improve project transparency, BuilderComs connects teams and clients in real time, ensuring seamless information flow from project start to completion. - AXELERA
Founded by U.S. Navy veteran Axel Lopez. AXELERA Technologies has created a3D-4X Joystick Omni-directional controller and software protocol. A leader in air mobility innovation, specializing in developing advanced navigation control systems for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL), law enforcement and defense markets, Axelera is focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency and precision across multiple industries. - Spear AI
U.S. Navy veterans John McGunnigle, Jr. and Michael Hunter are the co-founders. Spear AI is a technology startup that delivers tailored Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) products and services focused on the maritime domain to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. allies and industry. Spear AI also builds custom edge sensors to collect maritime data. - Elevate Vending
Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Nicholas Grillo, Elevate Vending provides a concierge level of service to its clients through its expansive offerings, advanced AI hardware/software, custom markets, and dynamic partnerships. Based in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, Elevate Vending delivers cutting-edge, community focused micro-market solutions. - BobiHealth
U.S. Army veteran Dave Esra and military spouse Ann Villegas are the co-founders. BobiHealth is a pioneering AI-powered maternal health monitoring platform designed to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and infant mortality. The app utilizes real-time biometric data, predictive analytics, and advanced AI/ML technologies to provide proactive monitoring and early intervention for high-risk pregnancies. - Shadowscape
Founded by U.S. Marine veteran James McCarter. Shadowscape is an intelligence-driven cybersecurity, training, and analytics company dedicated to enabling proactive security solutions. Shadowscape leads the development of cutting-edge cyber risk intelligence capabilities, including Threatsphere—a proprietary AI-driven, cyber risk intelligence fusion platform, combining Continuous Threat Exposure Management with Cyber Risk Quantification to help organizations prioritize security efforts based on real-world threats, financial impact and ROI. - Smart Farm Tools
U.S. Navy veteran James Lucas is the CEO and Oregon National Guard veteran Bryan Riester is the co-founder and chief operating officer. Smart Farm Tools is revolutionizing small-scale agriculture by providing accessible, AI-powered technology solutions. The all-in-one farm management platform combines artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, and data analytics to help small and medium-sized farms optimize their operations and increase profitability. - Condition One Nutrition
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Matthew DeMaio is the founder and CEO. Condition One Nutrition (C1) creates, manufactures, and distributes clean, whole food nutrition bars specially formulated to keep the brain and body functioning at peak performance. Created in collaboration with a Naval Special Warfare nutritionist, Matthew named the bar Condition One, which represents being ready for action.
Since 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has accelerated over 120 military founders. Through The PenFed Foundation and its investor partnerships, alumni founders have accessed several million dollars in startup capital, grown a network of key stakeholders, and received invaluable mentorship from industry experts.
About PenFed Foundation
Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org.
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