The document details a cyber security accelerator focused on supporting veteran-owned startups that aim to protect critical infrastructure with small capital investments and mentorship. The program provides $25k in equity, access to key networks, and aims to graduate 15-18 startups yearly while creating jobs and securing follow-on funding. It highlights the challenges these startups face and the accelerator's role in addressing market needs with veteran innovation.

2. An accelerator takes single-digit chunks of equity in externally
developed ideas in return for small amounts of capital and mentorship.
They’re generally truncated into a three to four month program at the
end of which the start-ups graduate.

4. Focused on Cyber Security by Veteran Owned Startups (VOS)
that will help defend our Nation’s Critical Infrastructure.

5. Defend & strengthen our Nation's
Critical Infrastructure through Veteran
Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

6. Ideation:
Micro –seed grant to
prove technical
validity of disruptive
solution
“Shark Tank” like,
ultra-selective
application process;
selected Veteran
Owned Startups will
receive $25K equity
investment from
Startup Squad
Strategically located in
Washington DC:
USCYBERCOM +
Prime Contractors +
Academia with federal
labs +
Startup Ecosystem
Mentorship from top
entrepreneurs, investors,
industry influencers,
Prime contractors, Small
Biz’ Federal Agencies
Specialists and Startup
Squad executives
Demo Day
presentation to
target Prime
contractors,
Federal Agency
program managers,
angel investors,
VCs & media
Advisors and mentors
will continue to work
with graduated startups
to help them grow and
scale their businesses

7. Highly trained Veterans with
security clearances and innovative
solutions for public & private
Cyber Security Missions.
Recruitment through:
• Partner Networks
• Online Job Boards
• Job Fairs
• Social Media
• Startup Squad Website
• Cyber Conferences
• Startup Squad events

8. Difficult for Veterans Owned Startups to create a winning business model that
will make them competitive in the Public and Private Markets.

9. Difficult for Prime Contractors find
qualified Veterans Owned Startups to
partner with on Federal Contracts.

10. Difficult for most Federal Agencies to reach mandated Government-wide
3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business set-aside goal

11. Mentor-Driven Cyber Security Accelerator
launching Veteran Owned Startups that are ready to
defend our Nation’s Critical Infrastructure.

12. $25k Seed Funding
Placement for cyber jobs
Connections to Prime’s &
Federal Agencies
Over $100K in perks
Top-notch Industry Leaders
& SME Mentors

14. Graduates showcase solutions to:
Federal Agencies
Prime Contractors
Private Companies
Investors

15. Success metrics
15 -18 startups graduate with sub-contracts
At least 200 jobs per year created as a result of
startups
At least 16 startups acquire follow on funding post
graduation

16. Veterans understand the tactical problem.
Veterans know how to execute strategic solutions.
Mission Critical Market.
Top-notch Mentors.
Public & Private Market Solutions.

17. Satisfaction from a sense of civic duty to give back to Veterans.
Pre-market access to innovative Veteran Owned Startups.
Access to highly motivated cyber qualified Veteran labor pool.
Strategic Partnerships and added capabilities for
Federal Contracts.
Safer & stronger America!

18. Sponsors
nigel@startupsquad.net
Mentors