Veteran Ventures Capital

Veteran Ventures Capital invests in vetted investment opportunities to qualified veteran-affiliated businesses. We interact in businesses with military veteran leadership exclusively because we recognize the value of their experience, training and character. We are a SDVOSB full-service investment and consulting firm. Veteran Fund I (Fund) is a venture fund formed in Knoxville, TN, in partnership with Shefford Capital and InfraLinx Capital. VVC is linked to the Sheltowee Capital Network and Appalachian Angel Investor Alliance, both of which are devoted to identifying high-growth ventures throughout the country. The Fund is engaged in the business of investing exclusively in veteran-led companies that the Manager believes are viable but, require new strategies, more capital, and enhanced management. Using multiple strategies the Fund seeks to achieve a high level of absolute returns that are uncorrelated with the market. The Fund pursues its investment objective focused on capital appreciation while reducing volatility. The Fund is initially capitalized at $1M, but will continue to raise funds until $100M is reached or the Fund is fully invested. The Fund plans to typically invest $250K-$1M at the early stage, where investors are actively involved with the founders to help them build successful companies, and may provide larger follow-on investments.

Derren Burrell

Founder and President

Steve Kiser

Partner

Mason Rice

Managing Director

Josh Weed

Senior Director

8 past transactions

Vantage Robotics

Venture Round in 2023
Vantage Robotics, LLC, founded in 2013 and based in San Leandro, California, specializes in the development and manufacture of camera drones. The company's flagship product, Snap, is designed for capturing high-quality aerial photos and videos while simplifying the user experience. This innovative flying camera has received significant attention, achieving over $1 million in pre-sales and securing a landmark FAA waiver for commercial operations near people. Vantage Robotics aims to address the $7 billion camera drone market by offering differentiated technology that enhances usability. Major companies, including prominent retailers, have expressed interest in distributing Snap, with projected annual sales exceeding $100 million. Vantage began shipping Snap in the second quarter of 2017, and it has garnered positive reviews since its launch. The company has attracted investments from notable figures in the drone industry and venture capital firms.

Asylon

Series A in 2023
Asylon manufactures and distributes a range of field deployable infrastructure to its clients. The company manufactures DroneHome, a field-deployable battery swap station. It offers data linking, coverage, mesh networking, and mixed fleet support. Asylon was founded in 2015 by Adam Mohamed, Damon Henry, and Brent McLaughlin and is based in Pennsylvania.

VeriTX

Series A in 2022
VeriTX is an aviation and aerospace company that specializes in the blockchain-enabled marketplace for digital assets. It features a software platform designed for digital access and a business model that focuses on the aerospace digital supply chain industry. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in East Aurora, New York.

Hero Beverage Co.

Seed Round in 2022
Hero Beverage Co. is a beverage company owned and operated by first responders, specializing in specialty coffee that supports American farmers and frontline workers. The company prioritizes direct trade relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring that they receive premium payments for their products. This approach not only enhances the quality of the coffee offered—across light, medium, and dark roasts—but also allows farmers to provide better wages and access to essential services for their workers, such as healthcare, food, and clean water. Hero Beverage Co. is dedicated to creating a positive impact by supporting everyday heroes through every purchase made by its customers, reflecting a commitment to operational excellence and community welfare.

LeaseLock

Series B in 2021
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that offers lease guarantor services, effectively replacing security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock enables renters to obtain instant lease approval without the need for a cosigner, streamlining the rental process for both tenants and property owners. By integrating its lease insurance product into online leasing platforms, LeaseLock enhances the rental transaction experience, leading to increased conversion rates and reduced vacancy rates for property owners. The company has secured over $1 billion in leases backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. LeaseLock has formed a strategic partnership with QBE Holdings and attracts investment from notable global investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures.

True Made Foods

Series A in 2021
True Made Foods, Inc. specializes in producing vegetable-based sauces and ketchups, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of traditional American condiments. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with manufacturing facilities in Henderson, North Carolina, the company focuses on infusing fresh vegetables into its products while significantly reducing sugar content. Their offerings include popular sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sriracha, transforming these typically high-calorie items into nutrient-dense alternatives suitable for health-conscious consumers. True Made Foods markets its products through a network of supermarkets and online retailers, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Yates Electrospace

Venture Round in 2020
Yates Electrospace Corporation, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, specializes in the manufacture of electric airplanes and the development of megawatt-class electric propulsion systems. The company is recognized for its innovative product lines, including the Silent Arrow and AVIUS Air Delivery aircraft, which gained industry attention by being listed among notable unmanned cargo aircraft by Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine. With additional facilities in Aliso Viejo, California, and a production site in Sudbury, United Kingdom, Yates Electrospace also operates flight test centers in Inyokern, California, and Pendleton, Oregon, contributing to its mission of advancing electric aviation technology.

Haven Lock

Series A in 2019
Haven is a smart door lock technology that challenges traditional notions of how the user secures their home and interact with the ecosystem inside. The company was founded in 2014 by Alex Bertelli and Clay Banks and is based in Franklin, Tennessee.