The Veteran Fund Portfolio Companies Sweep Top Prizes at eMerge Americas National Security Pitch Competition

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SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 25, 2026--

The Veteran Fund, a venture capital firm investing in veteran-led, critical technology companies advancing national security and commercial innovation, proudly announces three of its portfolio companies — TERN AI, GlīdTechnologies, and SplashOne Robotics Inc. — captured top honors at the eMerge Americas National Security Veteran Pitch Competition.

Hosted as part of eMerge Americas’ National Security vertical, a premier global conference and innovation showcase, the National Security Veteran Pitch Competition challenged veteran-led startups to present mission-ready, dual-use technologies that bolster U.S. national security and defense ecosystems.

Competing against a field of cutting-edge innovators, the following portfolio companies emerged as the top three winners:

• TERN AI – Recognized for its advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology, TERN AI’s pitch impressed judges with its potential to deliver transformative impact across national security and enterprise markets. ( LinkedIn )
• GlīdTechnologies – Building autonomous road-to-rail vehicles that solve major logistics bottlenecks while streamlining billions of dollars in transportation and logistics costs. ( LinkedIn )
• SplashOne Robotics Inc. – Developing autonomous fighter drones as a low-cost, highly efficient counter-UAS solution for the battlefield. ( LinkedIn )

“These wins demonstrate the strength and relevance of our portfolio in solving some of the most complex challenges facing our nation,” said Ryan Micheletti, General Partner of The Veteran Fund. “Veteran leadership is a strategic advantage. Our founders bring unmatched discipline, operational excellence, and mission focused mindset to commercial and national security technology development.”

The eMerge Americas National Security competition provided winning companies with strategic prizes including cash awards, opportunities to exhibit at eMerge National Security Pavilion, fast-track access into the eMerge Accelerator & Startup Showcase, and increased visibility with government and defense buyers — all catalytic for accelerating growth, partnerships, and downstream funding opportunities.

The Veteran Fund remains committed to backing veteran innovators building technologies that strengthen America’s interests while unlocking commercial value. The firm’s portfolio has collectively raised hundreds of millions in follow-on capital and continues to secure meaningful government and commercial engagements across sectors in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced autonomy.

About The Veteran Fund

The Veteran Fund is a venture capital firm investing in veteran-led companies developing dual-use technologies that address mission-critical challenges in national security and commercial markets.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225979688/en/

CONTACT: Media Contact:

Mike Sherbakov

General Partner, The Veteran Fund

[email protected]

https://www.veteran.fund/

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DRONES TECHNOLOGY DEFENSE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY FINANCE AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING VETERANS MILITARY

SOURCE: The Veteran Fund

Copyright Business Wire 2026.

PUB: 02/25/2026 11:52 AM/DISC: 02/25/2026 11:52 AM

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