Marine Corps veteran Jonathan Kuniholm took first place in the DAV Shark Tank pitch contest for his innovative, custom prosthetic ecosystem using performance textiles and modern manufacturing. Kuniholm lost part of his right arm in combat in Iraq and later founded StumpworX to develop a more comfortable, practical prosthetic and socket for arm amputees.

Three veterans-turned-entrepreneurs won no-obligation cash prizes in the first DAV Shark Tank pitch contest, held Nov. 16.

The three finalists were selected from the latest DAV Patriot Boot Camp cohort, which convened at the organization’s national headquarters in October. During the three-day event, 46 veterans and spouses received extensive entrepreneurship training and one-on-one mentorship.

The DAV Shark Tank competition, which was hosted virtually and streamed live on DAV’s social media channels, was judged by three entrepreneurs who are highly respected leaders in their industries: Air Force veteran Marilyn Jackson, CEO of UnderGrid Networks; Navy veteran Al Nardslico, CEO of GigaTECH LLC; and Don MacDonald, chief industry strategy officer for MX.

Each finalist had two minutes to pitch a venture. Judges then had the opportunity to ask follow-up questions before deliberating and determining who earned the top prize. Finalists also received personal pitch coaching beyond what they had with their cohort.

Marine Corps Capt. Jonathan Kuniholm took first place and $1,500 for his innovative, custom prosthetic ecosystem that better meets the needs of amputees. Kuniholm lost part of his right arm in combat in Iraq and has since been on a journey to develop a more comfortable, practical prosthesis and socket. He founded StumpworX and developed such a product using performance textiles and modern manufacturing. Now he’s on a mission to deliver his technology to those who need it.

Air Force veteran Harold Bowser founded Simple 2 Clean, a product that automates the cleaning and disinfecting of bathtubs and showers. Bowser took second place in the DAV Shark Tank pitch contest.

Air Force veteran Harold Bowser took second place and $1,000 for Simple2Clean, a product that automates the cleaning and disinfecting of bathtubs and showers. Bowser was inspired in part by his first assignment cleaning dorm bathrooms. He used his benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs to pursue an education as an aerospace engineer and solved problems in the industry for 30 years, but a better way to make showers sparkle remained a lifelong conundrum. With Simple2Clean, he plans to revolutionize an entire industry.

Marine Corps veteran Kirsten Rivas finished in third place, winning $500. Soon after Rivas separated from the military in 2009, she was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder that wreaked havoc on her body. Determined to find relief that medications couldn’t provide, she turned to whole-body care—everything from skin care to massage therapy—that was tailored to her exact needs. Now, with her company BYND Beauty, Rivas wants to offer the same kind of services in hopes of helping others on their own health journeys.

DAV Patriot Boot Camp mentors Ray Antonino and Angela Cody-Rouget also joined the virtual pitch contest, offering feedback and advice based on years of experience. Antonino, an Army Reserve veteran, is the co-founder of PERMITS.com, a pitch coach and self-proclaimed master of mistakes. Cody-Rouget is an Air Force veteran and the founder and CEO of Major Organizers who was featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2016.

“This pitch contest is a prime example of how DAV Patriot Boot Camp extends well beyond just a few days of programming,” said Chief Communications and Outreach Officer Dan Clare. “This is a community that understands the importance and value of supporting one another through the many phases of entrepreneurship. That’s why so many alumni return to serve as mentors and give back, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Program alumni have said the skills and connections made at DAV Patriot Boot Camp helped them secure financing and rapidly grow their businesses. At the October event, 94% of surveyed participants said they would return for future programs.

Marine Corps veteran Kirsten Rivas founded BYND Beauty, a holistic salon and spa that uses all-natural products to help clients improve their whole-body health. Rivas placed third in the DAV Shark Tank pitch content.

Since the program’s founding, more than 1,000 alumni have raised over $150 million in venture capital and employ over 1,900 individuals. Among alumni, nearly 70% have a service-connected disability, more than 20% are women, and nearly 30% identify as being racially diverse.

The next DAV Patriot Boot Camp will be hosted Feb. 9–11 at the organization’s national headquarters near Cincinnati. Mentors and business leaders will offer up to 50 new participants invaluable advice, insight and one-on-one guidance. Each day will also include presentations by world-class experts covering an array of topics, including common legal startup mistakes, marketing and sales, and pitching. Select participants will be invited to participate in another pitch contest with thousands of dollars in no-obligation funding up for grabs following the event.

Applications for DAV Patriot Boot Camp Winter ’23 are open through Thursday, Dec. 8. Interested entrepreneurs can apply at patriotbootcamp.org. There is no cost for registration or participation beyond personal travel-related expenses and lodging. Those who apply will be contacted regarding future opportunities and programming to support their entrepreneurial journey.

DAV is also seeking leaders to serve as mentors, presenters, panelists and event volunteers. If you are interested in supporting the event, please contact [email protected].