Derren Burrell knows what it takes to execute under extraordinary pressure. After a 21-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel with assignments spanning the Pentagon, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the White House Communications Agency, Burrell transitioned his operational discipline into the private sector. Now, as the Founder, President, and Managing Partner of Veteran Ventures Capital, his mission is clear: finding and funding veteran-founded startups.
On October 16, Burrell will bring that mission to Georgetown University's Military and Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) as a guest speaker, looking to connect directly with military-connected students and aspiring veteran entrepreneurs.
The Underappreciated Asset Class
For Burrell, investing in veterans is not a philanthropic endeavor; it is a calculated business strategy. He recognized early on that veterans are uniquely equipped to navigate complex, mission-oriented markets. They possess the leadership, resource management, and high-stakes execution skills necessary to build resilient companies. Yet, despite these advantages, a stark gap remains in venture capital representation for military alumni.
“We believe veteran founders and veteran leaders are an underappreciated asset class within venture,” Burrell noted. “We are not a charity or an affinity fund. These founders can make a real impact. You just have to back them.”
Veteran Ventures Capital was established precisely to close this gap. Burrell’s firm provides the crucial financial backing that military veterans often struggle to secure in traditional venture circles, operating on the conviction that military experience translates directly into enterprise value.
Bridging National Security and Private Capital
Burrell’s vision extends beyond individual startups; it encompasses the broader ecosystem of national security and technological advancement. He views private capital as a complementary force to government investment, accelerating the deployment of critical technologies in sectors like autonomy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
“National security is not just a government function,” Burrell explained. “It is increasingly being shaped by private-sector innovation, capital markets, and the speed at which we bring technologies to the field.”
By connecting veteran entrepreneurs with venture capital, Burrell empowers founders to build scalable companies capable of serving both commercial markets and the defense industrial base. The results speak for themselves, with his firm's first fund backing companies that collectively secured nearly $300 million in non-dilutive funding alongside equity investments.
Connecting at Georgetown
For student veterans and alumni at Georgetown, Burrell's upcoming visit offers a rare opportunity to connect with an investor who fundamentally understands the value of military experience in the boardroom. His focus remains firmly on identifying the next generation of veteran-founded startups ready to scale.
Event Details:
What: Guest Speaker Derren Burrell (Veteran Ventures Capital)
When: October 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Where: Georgetown University, Car Barn 427 (3700 O Street NW)
Host: Military and Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC)
Registration: RSVP via CampusGroups
