
Making A Difference
In 1922, a group of Army officers unable to obtain auto insurance came together to form the company that is now USAA. To celebrate their 100-year anniversary, USAA is looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs who can carry their founders’ spirit of service-minded innovation forward into the next century. Bunker Labs and USAA are teaming up to award cash prizes and support new, innovative ideas from the military community to help propel their businesses to the next level.
Up to 36 startups will compete in regional pitch contests of 5-10 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 at the finals alongside four wildcard invitations selected from regional pitch competition events!
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
Follow the Finalists
We will announce wild card competitors this October, and host our final pitch competition in San Antonio November 10th, where one competitor will take home a grand prize of $100,000 in funding!

Pitch Competition Schedule & Recaps
March 24, 2022
Austin, TX
April 21, 2022
Los Angeles, CA
May 26, 2022
Washington D.C.
June 16, 2022
Chicago, IL
July 21, 2022
Seattle, WA
September 15, 2022
Charlotte, NC
November 10, 2022
FINALS event in
San Antonio
Regional Pitch Events
- First: $10,000
- Second: $5,000
Regional Pitch Events
- First $10,000
- Second $5,000
Final Pitch Event
- 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 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?
*USAA employees, third party contractors and their families and Bunker Labs NFP employees and their families are not eligible to participate.