Bunker Labs CEOCircle

Imagine what you could accomplish with a network of like-minded peers

Join an Executive Cohort

CEOcircle is a monthly peer accountability group for growth-stage companies looking to scale. Over the course of nine virtual huddles and four in person fly-in forum events, CEOs and executives can ask critical questions impacting their businesses today. Together, you’ll learn from your peers and national experts alike how to take your company to the next level. Progress through the program is focused and measured based off self-set goals and helped by intentional and facilitated connections. Additionally, CEOcircle members also gain access to dedicated JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking liaisons.

CEOcircle cohort members are divided into call sign groups, where similar stage and revenue level companies build lifelong relationships and support each other through regular business challenges.

Our world-class fly-in events include tailored talks from national-profile business leaders. Previous speakers have included Larry Johnson (Former CEO, Fogo De Chão), Kelly Perdew (Managing Partner, Moonshots Capital), Nancy Minchillo (Vice President, Global Supplier Diversity, JPMorgan Chase & Co.), Chris Cassidy (CEO & President, National Medal of Honor Museum, former Navy SEAL and astronaut) and more.

Who is eligible?

  • Applicant must be a military veteran and/or military spouse 
  • CEO, senior level executive and/or controlling shareholder of company
  • Company grosses $1MIL+ OR has raised $5MIL+ in capital 
  • Company shows high growth potential including: 
    • Market Size 
    • Industry 
    • Market Saturation 
    • Significant Traction

What industries qualify?

All industries welcome to apply. Industries might include but are not limited to government contracting, healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, etc. 

Previous participants have been in the following industries and more

  • Government Contracting
  • Technology & Scientific Services
  • Healthcare & Public Services
  • B2C – CPG; Retail; Restaurant

Applications are currently closed.

Interested in attending the next CEOCircle? Fill out the interest form below!

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Program Criteria

CEOcircle is for veteran and military spouse CEOs and executives driving significant investment ($5+ million USD) or revenue ($1+ million USD) seeking a real peer network of executives running companies at similar stages and revenue levels.

Presented by

Details

Who

Veteran and military spouse CEOs and executives driving significant investment ($5+ million USD) or revenue ($1+ million USD) seeking a real peer network of executives running companies at similar stages and revenue levels.

What

A monthly accountability group consisting of industry peers challenging each other to grow and facing the trials of modern business together.

Where

Monthly virtual huddles, with quarterly fly-in events packed with programming and unique educational, business, and networking opportunities.

When

CEOcircle meets once a month for 13 months, beginning in November through November of the following year. The application process is open June through August of the same year.

Why

Take advantage of a unique entrepreneurship brain-trust packed with Veteran and military spouse peers at similar stages of growth. Learn from national-profile business leaders.

FAQ

Questions? View our FAQ

Meet the last cohort

We selected the current cohort after rigorous evaluations based not just on their current revenue and fundraising, but their growth potential based on their market size, industry, current market saturation, and traction. Our founders and executives are divided into small groups organized by company stage and revenue.

These veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs are participating in a year-long program to tackle the challenges facing their ventures. They’re navigating monthly huddles and quarterly fly-ins to learn from each other and national leaders about how to do better. Together, they’re learning how to effectively scale their companies and grow as business leaders.

View 2023-2024 Cohort

Alumni Testimonials

Slide 1

I enjoy the tremendous camaraderie of the cohort; the willingness to vet ideas, mentor, and share best practices, has been invaluable.

Art Salindong, Navy
Managing Director, Trabus

Conversations with cohort members fundamentally changed the way I was thinking about what I wanted out of my business and my experience in it. These connections inspired me to make some new moves.

Yolanda Clarke, Army
CEO, Powder River Industries

The monthly check-in calls have been invaluable for digging into issues I’m grappling with – both tactical and strategic. I highly recommend this year-long program to any military veteran CEO looking to take their business to the next level.

Jim O’Farrell, Navy
CEO, AMSG
Slide 1

The level of knowledge and education gained from the first-class CEOcircle workshops my cohort had—from Jamie Dimon to Robert Gates and Kelly Perdew—was just tremendous.

Joe Quinn, Army
CEO, Feltman's of Coney Island

CEOcircle has elevated my leadership experience and is already making a positive impact on my business. The peer connections with other veteran CEOs, and the exposure to mentors supporting the veteran community has been like a supplemental advisory board and brain trust!

AJ Jarnagin, Air Force
CEO, Expansia
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Why CEOCircle?

There are a lot of “mastermind” programs out there, but CEOcircle is the only one exclusive to Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Every single member of your cohort isn’t just your peer in terms of running a successful business. They also have a story of their own service, and can relate to your story and speak your language. They are also seeking tactical, tangible steps to solving the challenges their businesses are facing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to participate?

    Veteran and military spouse CEOs and executives driving significant investment ($5+ million USD) or revenue ($1+ million USD) seeking a real peer network of executives running companies at similar stages and revenue levels.  

  • What does significant traction mean?

    Markers of success vary by industry. For example, a device maker’s traction might be measured in the number of devices sold, whereas a media company might measure traction in terms of subscriptions or ad revenue.

  • Do you have to be an existing member of the Bunker Labs community to apply?

    No, but CEOcircle is a great next step for companies who have participated in Veterans in Residence program and reached a certain revenue threshold or are preparing for substantial growth.

  • What kind of commitment does the program require?

    A year-long commitment, consisting of monthly meetings. In some cohorts, quarterly travel is required to meet in-person as a group.

    Participants will have 9 monthly 90-minute meetings. In addition to the monthly meetings, the program will consist of 4 in-person fly-in forums held throughout the year in various locations around the US. The fly-in forums will include a short program session and evening social event followed by a full day of programming that will include breakout sessions, high profile speakers and intentional facilitation.

  • Which cities have the program?

    All cohorts are virtual, and participants can be located anywhere.

  • How big is each cohort?

    There are typically 10-12 entrepreneurs per group.

  • Are there any fees?

    No, but as the participant, you cover travel and lodging for each fly-in forum. Once you arrive, food and refreshments will all be provided throughout the event. We will have discounted room rates at a hotel near the venue in the form of a room block.

  • How are participants selected?

    Fill out an application to indicate your interest in being considered, or sign up on the wait-list if applications are not currently open. Participants are vetted by industry-specific success metrics to ensure the cohort is a true peer-group.

  • Does Bunker Labs make investments in cohort businesses?

    No. This program does not include any type of funding. We hope that the progress and goals you accomplish during the program will move your company forward to reach follow-on goals like future fundraising efforts. This program will amplify your network and acumen to grow your business.

  • Do I need to be a military veteran to apply?

    Participants must be Veterans or military spouses.

  • I was rejected from the program in the past. Can I apply again?

    Yes, please do. If you were rejected because of revenue requirements, note this round the revenue criteria is $1MIL or company has raised $5MIL+ in capital. If your company isn’t quite there yet, Veterans in Residence program might be a better fit.

  • What are the criteria of competitive candidates?
    • Applicant must be a military Veteran and/or military spouse
    • CEO, senior level executive and/or controlling shareholder of company
    • Company grosses $1MIL+ OR Company has raised $5MIL+ in capital
    • Company shows high growth potential including
      • Market Size
      • Industry
      • Market Saturation
      • Significant Traction

  • Why is there an emphasis on participants’ success metrics?

    Bunker Labs offers a range of programs designed to serve entrepreneurs and business owners at specific points of the entrepreneurial journey. The needs of an entrepreneur with an idea or a brand new startup are very different from that of an entrepreneur who is, for example, overseeing expansions of their product into new geographic markets. Offering targeted programming helps us keep each program relevant and effective for the entrepreneurs and business owners who participate.

Founding Partner