Veterans Business Battle

Veterans Business Battle began with a goal of inspiring and encouraging our nation’s military heroes to become successful entrepreneurs. Since its beginnings, more than $5 million of investment offers have been extended to finalists. This year, the event includes seminars geared toward emerging entrepreneurs and a second round of pitches from the top five companies. The 16 semi-finalists selected come from across the country and all ranks and branches of the military.

Congratulations to the 2023 Winners

2023 Panelists

Lending: What You Need to Know As Your Business Takes On Debt

Moderated by Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Association – Houston, Navy veteran

• Shelley Ewart, Senior Vice President of Comerica Bank
• Gary Henderson, EVP of Stellar Bank
• Sheila Patterson, Vice President Commercial Lending of Wallis State Bank
• Kelley Simmons, Senior Vice President, Amegy Bank

Equity: Assess Your Value and Know the Risks and Rewards

Moderated by Tim Hsia, Founder and Managing Partner of Context Ventures, Army veteran

• Scott Davis, Director of Veteran Entrepreneurship at PenFed Credit Union
• Brad Harrison, Founder and Managing Partner of Scout Ventures, Army veteran
• Brandon Shelton, Founder and Managing Partner at Task Force X Capital Management, Army veteran
• Alexandra Wilde, Partner in Energy, M&A and Private Equity at Jones Day

Entrepreneurship: Lessons from the Field

Moderated by Austin Hill, Co-Founder, Managing Director at Seed Round Capital, Army veteran

• Kirt Anderson, CEO of Libre Manufacturing, 2022 VBB Finalist, Army veteran
• Chris Briley, Founder and President of Ride For Your Flag, Founder and CEO of Mustang Valley Concrete, Marine Corps veteran
• Mike Brown, Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Founder of Unbreakable Wealth, Navy veteran
• Theresa Irving, Duneberry Farms Owner, Producer for VETtoCEO program with Warrior Rising, Air Force veteran