Making A Difference
In 1922, a group of soldiers founded USAA by joining together and insuring each other’s vehicles when no one else would. After 100 years, their founders’ innovative spirit continues to be a driving force. This is why USAA is celebrating its 100th anniversary by looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs who can carry the spirit of service-minded innovation into the next century. To help, Bunker Labs and USAA are teaming up to award cash prizes and support new ideas from the military community.
Up to 36 startups will compete in regional pitch contests of five to six businesses held in 2022, culminating in a finals event in San Antonio in November. The winner from each regional event will be invited to pitch at the finals alongside four wildcard invitations selected from the regionals.
Making A Difference
In 1922, a group of soldiers founded USAA by joining together and insuring each other’s vehicles when no one else would. After 100 years, their founders’ innovative spirit continues to be a driving force. This is why USAA is celebrating its 100th anniversary by looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs who can carry the spirit of service-minded innovation into the next century. To help, Bunker Labs and USAA are teaming up to award cash prizes and support new ideas from the military community.
Up to 36 startups will compete in regional pitch contests of five to six businesses held in 2022, culminating in a finals event in San Antonio in November. The winner from each regional event will be invited to pitch at the finals alongside four wildcard invitations selected from the regionals.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Open to U.S. military members who are active, retired, or separated with a discharge type of “honorable,” and their eligible family members, including spouses, widows and widowers, as well as children of active, retired or separated Veterans.
Raised less than $5 Million in capital.
Can demonstrate traction with some annual revenue (less than $1million in revenue) or an executed pilot.
Open to all industries except those listed below* with preference given to those technology-enabled companies that could hypothetically work with USAA to serve its members (e.g – financial technology, insurances, cybersecurity etc.).
USAA member in good standing (if USAA member). USAA/Bunker Labs employees and family members are not eligible to apply.
If in doubt, please apply.
Pitch Competition Schedule
Up to 36 startups will compete in regional pitch contests of 5-6 businesses held throughout 2022, culminating in a finals event in San Antonio in November.
The first-place winner from each regional event will be invited to pitch plus four wildcard invitations will be extended to others that participated in the regional pitch competition events! The current event and application dates are:
PITCH DATE
CITY
APPLICATIONS OPEN
March 24, 2022
Austin, TX
January 28, 2022-February 16,2022
April 21, 2022
Los Angeles, CA
December 1, 2021-January 6, 2022
May 26, 2022
Washington D.C.
March 21, 2022-April 8, 2022
June 16, 2022
Chicago, IL
April 11, 2022-May 2, 2022
July 21, 2022
Seattle, WA
May 16, 2022-June 6, 2022
September 15, 2022
Charlotte, NC
July 11, 2022-August 1, 2022
November 10, 2022
FINALS event in San Antonio
Regional Pitch Events
Five to six applicants per regional location will be selected as participants to pitch at each regional event, and are responsible for their own travel accommodations. Bunker Labs provides each participant two hours of coaching and preparation prior to their regional pitch A panel of judges will award two pitches with cash prizes (detailed below) and the first-place winner is also invited to pitch in San Antonio at the November 2022 finals.
- First: $10,000
- Second: $5,000
Regional Pitch Events
Five to six applicants per regional location will be selected as participants to pitch at each regional event, and are responsible for their own travel accommodations. Bunker Labs provides each participant two hours of coaching and preparation prior to their regional pitch A panel of judges will award two pitches with cash prizes (detailed below) and the first-place winner is also invited to pitch in San Antonio at the November 2022 finals.
- First $10,000
- Second $5,000
Final Pitch Event
Ten Entrepreneurs will be invited to pitch at the finals, with a chance to win one of the cash prizes below. Further, all ten participants will feature in USAA and Bunker Labs storytelling campaigns and receive invitations to Bunker Labs and/or USAA programs to further support their entrepreneurial journey such as Veterans in Residence or a CEOcircle.
- First: $100,000
- Second: $50,000
- Third: $25,000
- Crowd Favorite: $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Have additional questions? Contact: haley.chapman@bunkerlabs.org
Why are USAA and Bunker Labs hosting this pitch competition?
In celebration of USAA’s 100th anniversary in June 2022, they have joined with Bunker Labs to host a six-city pitch competition to help identify, support and celebrate up-and-coming veteran and military-related small businesses.
When do pitch competition applications open?
When and where will the pitch competitions take place?
Access to the events will be by invitation only.
What happens after I submit my application or interest form?
Once your application is submitted, you will receive an automated response to confirm your application was received. Judges will review the application and notify you if you were selected or not within 2-3 weeks of the application close date for that city.
Once you submit an interest form, you will receive an automated response to confirm your interest form was received. When the application for the city(ies) you indicated interest in open, our team will send you 2-3 reminders to submit your application.
Who’s eligible to apply?
How will applicants be evaluated?
Can I apply to multiple pitch competitions?
The applications to the pitch competition closest to me isn’t open yet, but I don’t want to forget to apply. Is there a way to receive an alert when the applications open?
It doesn’t look like there is a pitch competition in my city. Will you cover my expenses to attend if I’m accepted?
How long will the pitch competition last?
Do you have any resources available to help me prepare?
How much are the prize winnings?
Why do you require the demographic information on the application form?
What are policies related to Covid-19 for in person events?
Do I have to be a USAA member to apply?
Will selection to participate approve me for USAA loans, insurance or other products?
*Companies not eligible include those that primarily engage in animal testing, payday lending, human rights violations, weapons (firearms and direct combat devices), gambling, pornography or other sexually explicit or exploitative business, for-profit prisons, coal, oil, natural gas, GMO, abortions, contraceptives, embryonic stem cell/human cloning, nuclear or the production or sale of alcohol or tobacco, those that manufacture, sell or promote goods/services not legal in the US.
*USAA employees, third party contractors and their families and Bunker Labs NFP employees and their families are not eligible to participate.