Forged in Tradition, Innovating the Future
By Jane Anderson, WPAOG Editorial Manager
About 150 United States Military Academy graduates, veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors from across the globe shared experiences, ideas, and advice during the West Point Entrepreneur Summit held September 14-16 at West Point and in Manhattan.
For the first time since 2019, the Summit was held at West Point. Speakers and fireside chats kicked it off in Ike’s Riverside Café at Eisenhower Hall, expanding on the Summit’s theme, “Forged in Tradition, Innovating the Future.”
France Hoang ’95, founder and CEO of Boodlebox, spoke about embracing–rather than fearing–failure, calling it an entrepreneur’s secret weapon. Featured guest speaker Tyler Merritt ’06, the CEO of Nine Line Apparel, recognized the unique experience of being both a USMA grad and entrepreneur in his talk, “From Mission to Market: Translating Military Leadership into Entrepreneurship.”
Fireside chats followed the two speakers. COL Brad McCoy, ’01, USMA’s vice dean for engagement and research, chatted with Erin Helle ’09, DBA, the executive director of strategic development & partnerships for WPAOG, in a chat moderated by WPAOG Distinguished Graduate Kathy Hildreth ’83. The conversation focused on the growing connection between the Hudson Valley Program and West Point’s Innovation Hub—and how West Point’s talent, research, and entrepreneurial network can create new opportunities for Highland Falls and the broader Hudson Valley. EECS Deputy Department Head COL Chris Lowrance discussed artificial intelligence, human judgment, and the future of innovation in a second fireside chat. Each chat ended with Q&As that invited thoughtful discussion.
Westy’s, a successful restaurant and pub owned by two West Point grads and brought to life with the help of HVP, was the home base for an evening networking reception and Old Grad quick-pitch event.
The Summit moved to New York City for two more days of speakers, fireside chats, and breakout sessions, all focused on entrepreneurship. Other keynote speakers were Doug Philippone ’97, general partner & co-founder, Snowpoint Ventures; Trey Owen ’94, founder, United Fitness Partners; and Mark Clouse ’90, president, Washington Commanders. Investors and banks were available all day for funding and deal “huddles.”
September 16’s Pitch Competition allowed entrepreneurs to share startup pitches to a panel of military veteran venture capitalists and C-suite executives. The winner was Wayne Culbreth ’93, co-founder and CEO of Kinetiqs, a defense tech AI company.
This was the second Entrepreneur Summit for Matthew Filbert ’17, who jumped into entrepreneurship almost two years ago by founding Reunion Baths (opening in Fall 2027 in Brooklyn), where people can disconnect from technology, slow down, and reconnect with one another. An Airborne-qualified Army Ranger and combat diver, Filbert’s post-grad military experience included being a logistics officer, platoon leader, and XO with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. He became a software engineer before the entrepreneurial bug bit.
Filbert appreciated the community aspect of the Entrepreneurship Summit. “We need more West Point entrepreneurs,” he said. “We’re a great pipeline for entrepreneurship that’s kind of untapped in some ways.”
He credited the strong West Point bonds with encouraging him to jump from a 9-to-5 to owning his own business: “I think the military and West Point encourages courage and commitment.”
Networking events like the Entrepreneur Summit are invaluable to startups, Filbert said. Even though his venture is narrow and segmented, the ability to hear other entrepreneurs talk about their ventures is helpful, he noted. From a social community perspective, being around other entrepreneurs at the Summit helps to “normalize” taking risks, quitting a job and pursuing a passion project, Filbert added. “Activating the West Point network, particularly through this conference, to get advice, investment, and advisors, is so important for starting a business,” he said. “And it pays dividends to be a part of it. It’s easy to kind of forget how powerful this community is, but every time I’ve chosen to tap back into it, it’s given me so much.”
WPAOG is committed to providing other opportunities for graduate entrepreneurs year-round, including West Point Entrepreneur Roadshow events. By furthering outreach beyond the annual West Point Entrepreneur Summit, the Roadshow enhances the group’s educational value and increases the chances of reaching graduates in their local regions, while providing resources for those transitioning out of the military into other professional industries. This year, WPAOG’s slate has included Roadshows in Colorado Springs, CO; Mountain View, CA; and West Point-New York City. The next stops for the Roadshow include Tulsa, OK; Memphis, TN; West Point for a second time; Houston, TX; and Baltimore during Army Navy Football Weekend.
