11 Ways for Veterans to Join Tech Startup Teams
the last 5 might surprise you
Shift - Get your seat at the table in the right room. Shift’s Defense Ventures Immersion is a partnership with AFWERX to deliver an industry immersion program that selects innovative officers, enlisted, and civilians in the midst of their careers to join venture capital and technology companies across the US. It’s a great way to get exposure to amazing technology companies and build relationships with potential future employers.
DEF - The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum is a non-profit run entirely by volunteers to advance innovative thinking within the national security community. DEF is well connected to startups and veterans who are Founders who might like to hire. Email hello@def.org if you want to volunteer.
Bunker Labs - Bunker Labs supports entrepreneurs from the veteran and military spouse communities, giving them resources and connections they need to grow their business. Check out their Veteran Showcase events, which are all over the country and provide great networks to get into startups.
Capital Factory - Headquartered in Austin, Texas, strategically with Army Applications Lab, Army Futures Command, a thriving tech scene, great BBQ, and the annual music festival, SXSW, the Capital Factory is a great place to connect with tech companies who hire veterans.
NSIN - The National Security Innovation Network, located in Arlington, Virginia, manages a number of programs that help connect the Department of Defense to emerging technologies. Specifically, the Propel Program may be interesting to active military looking to make a career transition. Propel partners with leading start-up accelerators to create new opportunities for both DoD mission partners and early-stage ventures.
In-Q-Tel Emerge - IQT Emerge provides commercialization assistance early-stage startups by facilitating catalytic funding, providing commercialization advice, and helping to recruit a businessperson with entrepreneurship experience to develop go-to-market and growth strategies. For national security technology companies, it is a great network.