VetsinTech Announces Winners of 3rd Tech Startup Pitch Competition

Sepp Networks Wins Grand Prize in Military Veteran and Spouse-owned Businesses Pitch Event

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VetsinTech (ViT), the leading national non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans through tech-based programs and opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, announced the winners of its third annual business pitch competition. Hosted by VetsinTech and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and Oracle NetSuite, the startup pitch competition provides entrepreneurs, including those who are veterans, military, and spouses, with the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and receive funding to help bring their ideas to life. Sepp Networks was the grand prize winner from a remaining field of five startup semi-finalists. The winner and runners-up were selected during a live pitch competition at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

The winning startup Sepp Networks is a software-based, peer-to-peer wireless technology providing media-rich communications to users without the need for network infrastructure. The company won a grand prize of $25,000.

"We are very honored to be in the esteemed company of other innovative veteran-founded startups. We appreciate the opportunity provided by VetsinTech and JPMorgan Chase in this valuable business pitch competition. We're thrilled that our solution was recognized not only as innovative but a potential disruptor in the wireless industry.  We look forward to connecting communities peer-to-peer," said Art Salindong, Founder and CEO of Sepp Networks.

Pixly came in second place and won $10,000 in prize money. Pixly saves building owners, construction, and field service pros time and money by documenting and collaborating on projects with photos, videos, tags, and AI to reduce risk, and improve safety and project outcomes.
Coming in third place and winning a $5,000 prize was Ocean Observation Group. The company provides a simple, anonymous, and secure platform that enables users to capture essential vessel data at sea via a mobile application.

Participation criteria required that businesses be founded by veterans or military spouses and ideally offer a tech solution relevant to financial services, including AI, machine learning and cybersecurity. In addition to prize money, these companies will have the opportunity for mentorship from senior leaders across JPMorgan Chase.

"Entrepreneurship takes guts, resilience and vision - qualities forged in those who serve our country and their families. Supporting veteran and military spouse-owned businesses allows us to invest in the innovative spirit and tireless work ethic of those who have already given so much to protect our freedoms," says Mark Elliott, Managing Director and Global Head of Military & Veterans Affairs at JPMorgan Chase. "This year's winning companies exemplify the creativity and determination of the military community. We look forward to watching these winning veteran entrepreneurs progress and elevate their industries and are committed to supporting them."

"The caliber, innovation and passion of this year's veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs took center stage, thanks to the support of JPMorgan Chase and Oracle NetSuite. Their financial support and investment in our growing veteran community allows VetsinTech to spotlight the most trailblazing startups and accelerate their potential," said Katherine Webster, founder and CEO of VetsinTech. "It takes a village to nurture veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship, and we're thrilled to collaborate with companies like JPMorgan Chase and Oracle NetSuite who share our commitment."

According to a survey by Gusto, 10.7% of new business owners in 2021 were military veterans, which is a 100% increase from the public Census data. Further, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than those with no active-duty military experience. This finding underscores their critical role and contribution to the country's economic engine.

About VetsInTech
Based in San Francisco, with more than 75,000 vets strong and 20 chapters across the country, VetsInTech is the leading national non-profit devoted 100% to springboarding veterans into tech careers. VetsinTech harnesses the national technology ecosystem to benefit veterans returning from active military duty and who want to apply their exceptional training, skills, and experience to a new technology career. Comprising technology industry leaders and former service members, VetsinTech is the only non-profit supporting our veterans through tech-based programs in education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. For more information, interested parties can visit www.vetsintech.co.

Press Contacts:
For VetsinTech 
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SOURCE VetsinTech