Investing in Veterans, Founder and Startup Team Resilience, and TFX Capital with Brandon Shelton

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Nov 15, 2023

In an engaging conversation, Brandon Shelton, founder of TFX Capital and seasoned veteran, highlights the unique strengths of veteran entrepreneurs. He discusses how military experience shapes resilience and creative problem-solving, vital in the startup landscape. Shelton reveals the critical dynamics of founding teams, emphasizing a blend of mission-driven mindsets and domain expertise. He also tackles the delicate balance of hubris and humility needed for entrepreneurial success, providing insights into the emerging trends in defense technology investments.

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INSIGHT

Dual-Use Sparks Practical National Security Innovation

Brandon argues dual-use and defense-related startups can harness commercial ingenuity to solve critical national security problems.
He believes small teams across America can create practical tools that materially improve military logistics and capability.

ANECDOTE

Early Stigma Around Veteran Founders

Brandon tells how he avoided the word "veteran" in marketing early because investors viewed veteran-led ventures as noncommercial.
He recounts an Ivy League endowment director asking, "Why would you invest in veterans? Veterans won't make good entrepreneurs."

INSIGHT

Programs And Events Drove Defense VC Interest

Shelton maps how government innovation programs (e.g., AFWERX, DIU) created an expanding market for startups and defense funding over the past decade.
He notes 2022 (Ukraine) accelerated VC interest and made defense investing more mainstream.

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Join host Callye Keen in an insightful conversation with Brandon Shelton, founder of TFX Capital, as they delve into the unique world of venture capital, resilience, and the unparalleled qualities of veteran entrepreneurs. Discover the essence of entrepreneurial success and how military backgrounds foster resilience in the business arena.

Topic Highlights:

[00:00] Introduce Brandon Shelton
Callye Keen introduces Brandon Shelton, founder of TFX Capital. As the Managing Partner of TFX, Brandon leads the firm’s service-driven investment strategy.

[03:45] The Unseen Role of Founders
Founders play a pivotal but often unseen role in startups. Brandon sheds light on the challenges and decisions faced by founders, emphasizing the importance of understanding their journey.

[11:02] Resilience in Veteran Entrepreneurs
Explore why veteran entrepreneurs exhibit remarkable resilience. Brandon elaborates on the distinct experiences that shape their mindset and problem-solving abilities, making them assets in the startup landscape.

[27:48] The Critical Role of Teams
Uncover the significant role of teams in venture capital. Brandon discusses the key elements he looks for in founding teams, emphasizing the critical balance of resilience, domain expertise, and mission-driven mindsets.

[37:00] Hubris and Humility in Entrepreneurship
Brandon navigates the fine balance between hubris and humility in entrepreneurship. Understand how successful founders blend confidence to change the world with humility to build the best teams and seek necessary guidance.

[42:00] Veterans and Immigrants: A Resilience Connection
Learn about the shared resilience traits between veterans and immigrants. Brandon highlights the value of individuals who overcome challenges, emphasizing their unique perspective and adaptability in startup environments.

"Resilience wins. And we know one talent pool that produces it kind of at scale, but you can get it through lots of places." - Brandon Shelton

Callye Keen - Kform

https://kform.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/

https://youtube.com/@kforminc

https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen

Brandon Shelton TFX Capital

Brandon Shelton founded TFX Capital (TFX) in 2015 with a fundamental belief that the best entrepreneurs come from those who have served. As the Managing Partner, he leads the firm’s service-driven investment strategy. With a focus on Pre-Series A B2B technology companies, TFX provides unique and trusted access to companies founded by high-performing, commercially tested former military and national security leaders building solutions in cyber, defense and healthcare. As a veteran himself, Brandon brings more than 25 years of military, financial, strategy and operational experience including within high intensity and change environments.

Website: www.tfxcap.com

Insta: @taskforcexcap

Twitter: @Shelton_TFX