Veteran Entrepreneurs Shine at the Tech Startup Pitch Competition
Grand Prize Awarded to Quivly AI in National Veteran-Led Startup Event
In a vibrant display of innovation and determination, VetsinTech has proudly announced the winners of its fifth annual Startup Pitch Competition. This event showcased the incredible talents of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, highlighting their dedication and ingenuity in the tech sector.
Quivly AI's Winning Innovation
The standout winner of this year's competition was Quivly AI, which claimed the grand prize of $25,000 during an engaging live pitch session. Quivly AI is a B2B AI platform tailored to enhance customer success and retention through intelligent agents designed specifically for post-sales teams.
With a growing clientele that includes noteworthy enterprises such as Redis and Upflex, Quivly AI has demonstrated substantial validation in the fiercely competitive AI landscape. The company’s focus on transforming customer data into actionable insights sets it apart from generic tools available in the market.
Chandrika Maheshwari, CEO and Co-Founder of Quivly, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Winning this competition among such talented veteran entrepreneurs reaffirms our mission to bridge gaps in the B2B market by providing post-sales teams with powerful AI workflows. In today’s economy, success hinges on nurturing and expanding the customer relationships you already have."
Recognizing Other Innovative Startups
Following closely was Deepinvent.AI, which secured second place and a prize of $10,000. This startup is revolutionizing innovation with its AI-driven invention engine that transforms ideas into intellectual property across various industries, including aerospace and automotive.
Third place was awarded to Entropy Robotics, earning $5,000 for its scalable, NDAA-compliant edge machine learning solutions specifically designed for small robots and autonomous systems. These companies exemplify the creativity and innovative spirit that the veteran community brings to the tech industry.
Criteria for Participation
To gain eligibility for this prestigious competition, each participating startup needed to be founded by a U.S. military veteran or spouse, with a tech solution applicable in sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, or enterprise SaaS. A commitment to volunteerism and a positive community impact helped shape the judging criteria, with winners chosen by an expert panel comprising industry-leading professionals.
Rhett Jeppson, Executive Director of J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, remarked, "The pitches we witnessed reflect the impactful leadership and purpose-driven missions of veteran entrepreneurs. J.P. Morgan is thrilled to stand alongside VetsinTech in supporting these innovators and celebrating their significant contributions to our economy and industries."
Impactful Contributions by Veteran Founders
This year’s competition underscored a growing trend: veteran founders now represent an impressive 8% of all new businesses established in the last years, showing an increase from 5% in previous years. This surge highlights how veterans are increasingly stepping into entrepreneurial roles, significantly contributing to the economy.
Katherine Webster, Founder and CEO of VetsinTech, added her praise for the startups, stating, "This competition showcases the astonishing possibilities that arise when technology intersects with purpose. We are incredibly proud of all our winners and grateful for the continued support from J.P. Morgan and our partners in uplifting the veteran and military spouse entrepreneur community."
About VetsinTech
VetsinTech plays a pivotal role in aiding veterans as they transition into tech careers, connecting them with educational and employment opportunities. With a robust network spanning over 115,000 veterans across 25 chapters nationwide, the organization is committed to helping veterans leverage their military training and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VetsinTech Startup Pitch Competition?
The VetsinTech Startup Pitch Competition is an annual event aimed at showcasing veteran-led startups and supporting their innovative contributions to technology.
Who won the grand prize this year?
This year's grand prize of $25,000 was awarded to Quivly AI for its innovative AI solutions supporting post-sales teams.
What criteria were used for selecting the winners?
Winners were selected based on their innovation, community impact, and ability to provide effective tech solutions related to cybersecurity, AI, and more.
How has the participation of veteran founders changed in recent years?
Veteran founders now make up 8% of all new businesses, a growth from 5% in 2022, demonstrating their increasing presence in the entrepreneurial landscape.
What does VetsinTech do?
VetsinTech is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans gain access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities in the tech industry.
