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Hivers and Strivers

To provide early-stage financing to ventures led by U.S. military veterans

Washington, DC, USA

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Description

Hivers and Strivers is a venture capital firm based in Great Falls, Virginia, with headquarters in the Washington D.C. area, that exclusively invests in early-stage, highly scalable startups led by U.S. military veterans. The firm operates with a "boots-on-the-ground" approach, providing hands-on operational support and leveraging its extensive network of successful veteran leaders to help portfolio companies achieve outsized returns. 
  • Early Stage: Hivers and Strivers invests throughout the early stages of a business, from seed stage through Series B.
  • Beyond Concept: The firm looks for startups that are "beyond concept" with a clear growth opportunity and tangible valuation, not lifestyle businesses or franchises. 
  • Method: Founders can apply anytime via the "Pitch Us" form on the Hivers and Strivers website.
  • Materials: A comprehensive online form requires business details, and applicants have the option to upload their pitch deck and other relevant documents.
  • Exclusions: They do not invest in companies solely reliant on government contracts or those in the cannabis industry.

Eligibility

  • Founder Profile: You must be a U.S. military veteran leading a highly scalable startup.
  • Business Type: Must be a for-profit, highly scalable business (no lifestyle businesses, franchises, or pure government contracting firms).
  • Geography: Primarily U.S.-based companies. 

Process

  1. Online Submission: Founders submit a detailed application through the secure web portal.
  2. Evaluation: The team reviews the application, focusing on the leadership team's grit and execution skills, which are characteristic of military veterans.
  3. Active Partnership: The firm is actively involved with portfolio companies, providing strategic planning, operational expertise, and network access. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Funding ranging from $250,000 to $1 million in a single round.
  2. Strategic Guidance: High-level counsel from experienced industry leaders and advisors, many of whom are also veterans.
  3. Talent Sourcing: Recommendations for key talent and assistance in recruiting essential board members and advisors from their vast network.
  4. Network Access: Introductions to customers, service providers, follow-on investors (like 500 Global and Vertex Ventures), and a peer-to-peer network of fellow veteran entrepreneurs.