Give Back with a
Service-First Mindset
8
TFX and SFF celebrate 8 years of Showcase history
40
Have been selected 40 elite teams to showcase their business to investors and potential customers
450
In non-dilutive cash grants have been awarded since 2017
The Service First Foundation (SFF) is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to support service-driven entrepreneurs through programs and events, grants, and network connectivity.
2017: TFX Capital committed to reserve a portion of their time, energy, and capital to execute the annual Startup Showcase event. . The event is centered around five stringently vetted founders and the chance to win non-dilutive cash grants upwards of $50,000.
2022: Service First Foundation non-profit entity was established as a philanthropic extension of TFX Capital. This opened the door to sponsorship opportunities previously veiled from TFX Capital as a for-profit company, allowing individuals and corporations to support the mission through tax-exempt donations.
2023: Service First Foundation delivered on its promise to capitalize on 6 years of Showcase experience and grow the events’ impact. The Foundation was able to raise more capital in less time for the benefit of service-driven founders.
While the Service First Foundation now officially operates the Showcase event, TFX Capital remains intimately involved in the planning and execution. A portion of TFX Capital’s GP profits will be endowed to the Service First Foundation.
We are actively adding donors and sponsors for 2025! Donations can be made via Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) or by mailing a check – contact us for details.
2025 Competition Applications will open on January 15th, 2025…details to follow.
The 2024 Startup Showcase awarded $75k to Mesa Quantum to help develop chip-scale quantum clocks and internal sensors for mass-market opportunities. QuickcodeAI took the second spot with $12,500 awarded to advance their work on improving trade compliance with large language models and generative artificial intelligence.
Learn more about the history of the Startup Showcase and the formation of Service First Foundation
Foundation Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of a top-notch team with expertise in leading organizations, managing finances, and directing operations.
- Founder, National Association of Veteran Serving Organizations
- US Air Force Academy
- University of South Carolina
- FBI National Academy
- Naval Postgraduate School
- Air Force Veteran
- Private wealth planning consultant for family offices and high net worth families
- Estate, gift, and tax income expert
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Director, Service First Foundation; multi year Showcase event lead
- Ex-recruiter for Series A-C startups in Silicon Valley
- Indiana University
- Former Military Spouse (Army)
- Innovation leader at USAA
- CEO, Patriot Boot Camp presented by Techstars
- Founder & CEO, Combat2Career
- Military Spouse
