Brave Capital, a venture fund backed by military veterans, is targeting tomorrow’s critical infrastructure and military-experienced founders in its investment strategy. Led by Ernestine Fu, Silicon Valley’s youngest venture capitalist at the age of 20, Brave Capital focuses on technology investments that have applications in national security and critical infrastructure, including rapidly evolving technologies like AI and autonomous transportation.
Fu believes that military veterans possess a unique mindset of wanting to change the world, which parallels the traits of successful startup founders. By investing in startups founded by veterans or with military experience, Brave Capital aims to provide opportunities for these individuals to make their mark in the tech world.
The significance of technology developed by the military cannot be overstated. Innovations like GPS and the internet have become integral parts of our society. Through Brave Capital, Fu aims to connect veterans with the cutting-edge developments in Silicon Valley and provide them with exposure to the behind-the-scenes view of the tech industry.
The journey from military service to civilian life can be challenging, and Fu wants to bridge that gap by leveraging her own experience as a military spouse and her privileged position in the tech world. With her event series called Brave Convenings, Fu organizes gatherings that bring together veterans and industry professionals to foster connections and share insights.
Veterans possess valuable skills that can be translated into successful business careers. Their ability to adapt, lead by example, and handle unexpected situations can become superpowers in the civilian world. The concept of veterans investing in veterans is gaining traction, with Brave Capital’s newly launched fund called MilVet Angels bringing together over 100 successful military veterans to support promising startups.
The involvement of veterans in the startup ecosystem not only benefits them but also adds value to Silicon Valley. The former dean of Stanford Law School, Tom Ehrlich, who mentored Fu during her undergraduate years, is optimistic about the impact veterans can have in the tech industry. Ehrlich anticipates another revolution in artificial intelligence and believes that veterans have an important role to play in shaping Silicon Valley’s next chapter.
In conclusion, Brave Capital’s focus on investing in tomorrow’s critical infrastructure and military-experienced founders highlights the potential for veterans to drive innovation and make a difference in the tech world. By providing opportunities, connections, and support, Brave Capital aims to empower veterans and contribute to the growth and development of Silicon Valley.
