PenFed Foundation's Veteran Startup Conference Announces Winners Who Will Transform Business Landscape

The PenFed Foundation has recently unveiled the winners of its prestigious Military Veteran Startup Conference pitch competition. Held annually, this event provides a unique platform for veteran entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and secure funding. This year, the competition saw Autoket, MyHome, and WellCapped emerge victorious, each receiving a grant that will significantly enhance their businesses.

First Place: Autoket


Topping the competition was Autoket, led by Charles Masters Rodriguez. This veteran-owned marketplace is transforming the process of sourcing and supplying B2B automotive fleet parts. With a grand prize of $50,000, Autoket aims to streamline operations and reduce costs for businesses in the automotive sector. By offering a user-friendly platform, they are addressing a critical gap in the market, providing a service that is both needed and appreciated.

Second Place: MyHome


In second place, MyHome, co-founded by Gabe and Lindsey Chrismon, takes home $30,000. Located in the greater Nashville area, MyHome offers an all-in-one home maintenance solution. The platform connects users with screened, dependable service vendors, ensuring quality in home upkeep. As homeowners seek reliable solutions for maintenance, MyHome stands out by simplifying the process, thus making it easier for families to manage their homes effectively.

Third Place: WellCapped


WellCapped, represented by Shante Frazier, finished third and received $15,000. This luxury wig rental service allows women to frequently change their hairstyles without the hefty price tag that typically comes with high-quality wigs. WellCapped is tapped into a growing trend toward self-expression and fashion versatility, providing a cost-effective and stylish option for consumers.

Support and Partnerships


PenFed Foundation President, Andrea McCarren, expressed pride in the winners' achievements, emphasizing the critical role of innovative solutions in tackling real-world challenges. The partnership with Holland & Knight, which provides pro bono legal services to the winners, enhances the support system for these entrepreneurs, allowing them to navigate the complexities of business growth with expert guidance.

Daniel Sylvester, a partner at Holland & Knight LLP and a veteran himself, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the firm’s commitment to supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their families. Since 2016, Holland & Knight has dedicated over $32 million in pro bono services to assist veterans in various capacities, reaffirming their commitment to the military community.

The Bigger Picture


The Military Veteran Startup Conference is more than just a competition; it represents a broader initiative aimed at fostering veteran entrepreneurship. Exclusively catering to participants of the PenFed Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneur Program, the conference provides invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Veterans are offered seminars led by industry experts covering essential topics from marketing strategies to financial planning and investor relations.

The PenFed Foundation, established in 2001, has invested over $55 million into programs that assist veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. They ensure that more contributions directly fund impactful initiatives by covering administrative costs through their affiliate, PenFed Credit Union.

Veteran-led businesses interested in joining future cohorts of the program are encouraged to apply, enabling more service members to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. This initiative underscores a commitment to ensure that the transition from military service to civilian life includes the opportunity for personal and professional success.

Whether you are a veteran, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone passionate about supporting military personnel, the ongoing efforts by the PenFed Foundation and its partners are paving the way for a new generation of business leaders.

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