Funding programs and investors dedicated to military veteran entrepreneurs
Military veterans have founded companies at nearly double the rate of the general population — and veteran-founded companies are statistically more likely to survive their first five years. Veterans bring unique operational discipline, leadership under pressure, and logistics expertise that translate powerfully to building scalable organizations. The funding landscape for veteran founders has expanded substantially: dedicated veteran funds, SBA programs, and corporate initiatives now provide multiple dedicated capital pathways. Vets First, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, and Venture for America all provide structured support. The challenge is visibility — many veteran founders do not know what resources are available or how to access them.
Small Business Administration
Entrepreneurship training program specifically for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Includes connections to SBA capital programs.
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA requires that certain percentages of contracts go to veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB). Certification through the VA Vendor Information Pages is required.
Hivers and Strivers Angel Fund
Angel fund investing exclusively in startups founded by graduates of US military academies (West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy).
Department of Defense
DoD SBIR programs have strong alignment with veteran founder backgrounds, particularly in defense technology, logistics, and security applications.
Additional opportunities available in our full grants database.
Our VC database contains thousands of verified funds. Use the search below to find investors that match your specific profile.
Search All VC FundsVeteran-owned businesses, all industries
Veteran entrepreneurs, tech and product
Veteran founders entering tech
Service academy alumni
Women veterans and military spouses
Browse our full accelerator database for more programs.
Michael Dubin (former Army)
Michael's military background in operations and logistics directly informed DSC's razor-efficient supply chain model.
Peter Thiel and team (with deep defense relationships)
Built on deep understanding of intelligence and defense operational problems, Palantir's founders leveraged veteran and intelligence community relationships to build a $20B+ company.
A step-by-step fundraising roadmap tailored for veteran founders.
Veteran-Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certifications unlock federal contracting set-asides worth billions annually. Free to apply through the SBA.
Free SBA entrepreneurship training specifically for veterans and military spouses. Provides foundational business skills and connections to SBA capital programs.
Bunker Labs has chapters in 25+ cities and provides community, resources, and investor connections specifically for veteran founders.
If your startup has defense-relevant applications, DoD SBIR programs provide up to $2M in non-dilutive R&D funding. Your military background provides credibility in the application process.
Government agencies, defense contractors, and large enterprises value veteran-led suppliers. Your network provides access to customers and commercial partners that civilian founders lack.
A business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. VOSB certification from the SBA unlocks federal contracting set-asides and preferential treatment in government procurement.
Yes. Hivers and Strivers Angel Fund, Veteran Venture Capital, and several impact-oriented funds specifically back veteran-led companies. Many generalist VCs also have veteran diversity commitments.
Yes. The SBA offers dedicated loan programs for veterans including the Patriot Express Loan (up to $500K at reduced rates) and the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Fees are reduced or waived for veteran borrowers.
Frame your military experience in terms of business outcomes: teams led, budgets managed, operational problems solved, and missions accomplished. Use the language of leadership, execution, and accountability rather than military jargon.
Yes. Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), Bunker Labs, V-WISE (for women veterans), and Boots to Business are the primary veteran-specific programs. Many run annually with free or subsidized participation.