Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC) is a veteran-owned venture capital firm based in McLean, Virginia, dedicated to investing in dual-use technologies that serve both national security and commercial markets. The firm focuses exclusively on veteran-led companies developing mission-critical innovations across defense, aerospace, and adjacent frontier sectors. VVC is deeply aligned with the operational needs of U.S. national security and applies a founder-first lens to backing those with military backgrounds who are building in high-impact areas.
Veteran Ventures Capital backs veteran-led startups developing dual-use technologies across:
The firm seeks companies building with real-world deployment in mind, especially those aligned with Department of Defense innovation priorities. Their ideal investments combine technical depth, security relevance, and scalable commercial applications.
In August 2025, VVC announced the close of Veterans Fund II at $60 million, tripling the size of its inaugural $20 million Fund I. The fund is backed by a mix of institutional and private capital, including the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, the State of Tennessee, university endowments, Hersh Family Investments, prominent family offices, and wealth management firms.
Veterans Fund II is designed to accelerate the deployment of critical innovation in a defense sector facing historic transformation. With larger check-writing capacity, the fund positions VVC to compete in more capital-intensive segments such as space, advanced hardware, and edge systems.
Fund II is already deploying capital into several companies, including those aligned with U.S. Space Force infrastructure and additive manufacturing for propulsion systems.
Leadership
VVC is led by a founding general partnership consisting of Steve Kiser, Derren Burrell, and Josh Weed. All three leaders bring military backgrounds and operational experience, which uniquely position the firm to evaluate and support companies navigating both commercial and government pathways. The team’s dual expertise in venture investing and national security operations defines VVC’s differentiated position in the market.
Investment Strategy
VVC operates at the intersection of veteran entrepreneurship and defense-aligned deep tech. The firm prioritizes dual-use technologies that can solve mission needs while scaling into enterprise or industrial markets.
VVC combines early support with network access to DoD partners, primes, and government programs such as STRATFI/TACFI. The firm often co-invests with strategic investors like Lockheed Martin Ventures and works to accelerate non-dilutive capital pathways for founders. Their investment approach is conviction-led and long-term, recognizing the complexity and opportunity inherent in defense innovation.
Notable Investments
Veterans Fund II has already backed:
Notable Exits
No exits have been disclosed under Veterans Fund II. The firm remains focused on long-cycle, defensible technologies aligned with the timelines of the defense and aerospace industries.
