VetsinTech and JPMorgan Chase
Announce Five Finalists in Tech
Startup Pitch Competition
Veteran-Owned Business Finalists
Compete for Cash Prize Awards and Mentorship
VetsinTech (ViT), the leading national non-profit dedicated to advancing career opportunities for veterans in the tech industry, announced five veteran, military and spouse-owned startup finalists that are advancing to the final round of its pitch competition event. Hosted by VetsinTech and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, the winner will be selected from the five advancing companies in the final phase–a live, virtual pitch competition on June 23rd.
The five veteran, military and spouse-owned startups that are advancing are:
- AI/ML Technology Solutions
Provides hands-on Artificial Intelligence experience for high schoolers, using fun AI projects to prepare students for the future world of AI. - ARMS Cyber Defense
Provides a proactive defense approach to mitigate IT security risks before they happen by randomizing code to stop memory corruption zero day attacks. - CommSafe AI
Provides a communication analysis solution designed to help companies protect their most valuable assets – their people and their IP. - GIVESPACE
Provides a SaaS solution that streamlines donation and fundraising campaigns for e-commerce businesses and marketplaces. - Wealth Stack
Provides a video-based investment and financial wellness platform focused on millennial and diverse communities.
Participation criteria required that businesses be founded by veterans or military spouses and ideally offer a tech solution relevant to financial services, including cybersecurity, AI and machine learning. Companies’ diversity, equity and inclusion as well as social impact efforts were also strongly considered. The top winners will receive awards as follows:
- 1st place prize: $25,000
- 2nd place prize: $10,000
- 3rd place prize: $5,000
In addition, select companies will have the opportunity for mentorship from senior leaders across JPMorgan Chase.
The SBA shows veteran-owned businesses comprise 9.1 percent of all U.S. businesses, contribute $1 trillion to the U.S. economy, and employ more than 1 million people. While 45 percent of veterans prefer to start their own business, less than 5 percent actually do.
“Whether you’re a service member or spouse, military service demands fortitude, ingenuity and commitment. JPMorgan Chase is proud to sponsor this opportunity for individuals to showcase how they are applying these principles to some of the most innovative tech approaches in the industry today,” said Mark Elliott, Global Head of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We look forward to supporting this diverse group of entrepreneurs as they take bold next steps on their business journeys.”
“We’re thrilled to team with JPMorgan Chase on this pitch competition that showcases and awards the most promising veteran and military spouse-owned businesses. Collectively, we’re so impressed with the caliber of startups competing in this pitch event. Congratulations to all five finalist companies as the competition was stiff,” said Katherine Webster, founder and CEO of VetsinTech.
Over the years, VetsinTech has supported veteran entrepreneurs, equipping them with extensive mentorship and recently launched the VetsinTech S.U.N. Startup Network to support veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs build high growth technology companies. The range of initiatives that VetsinTech provides includes frequent workshops, bootcamps, hackathons, and virtual office hours. This business pitch competition extends the support and numerous initiatives that VetsinTech offers.
More useful resources for veterans:
– Emergency support for veterans from the PenFed Foundation
– Hero Loan specializes in VA-backed loans
– A look at this year’s best VA mortgage deals
