LaunchVets

Explainer

What happened to Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs consolidated into the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University in 2024. The Bunker Labs brand retired. The flagship programs continue under IVMF. Here is where each one lives now.

The short version

Bunker Labs was a Chicago-based nonprofit founded in 2014 by Marine veteran Todd Connor. At peak it operated around 30 chapters across the US serving vet founders through programs like CEOcircle, Veteran in Residence, and Bunker Brews. In 2024 the organization consolidated into IVMF at Syracuse University. CEOcircle continues intact. Other programs were folded into IVMF Military Founders Lab, V-WISE, EBV, and Coalition for Veteran-Owned Business.

Timeline

  • 2014

    Bunker Labs founded in Chicago by Marine veteran Todd Connor as a nonprofit serving vet founders.

  • 2015-2020

    Rapid growth. Bunker Brews networking events launch in cities across the US. Bunker Labs grows to roughly 30 local chapters. Programs include CEOcircle, Veteran in Residence, Launch Lab Online, and various pitch competitions.

  • 2020-2023

    Bunker Labs continues national programming through the pandemic. CEOcircle deepens as the flagship for revenue-stage vet CEOs. Discussions with IVMF around consolidation begin.

  • 2024

    Bunker Labs and IVMF announce consolidation. Bunker Labs programs migrate to IVMF. CEOcircle continues. Local chapters wind down or transition into IVMF Coalition-organized meetups.

  • 2025 to present

    Bunker Labs brand retired. All programming operates under IVMF at Syracuse University. bunkerlabs.org redirects to IVMF resources. Alumni community integrated with IVMF alumni network.

Where each Bunker Labs program lives now

Direct mapping from old Bunker Labs programs to current IVMF (or adjacent) equivalents.

Was: Bunker Labs CEOcircle

Peer group for CEOs of vet-owned businesses past $1M ARR

Now
CEOcircle (IVMF)

Survived merger intact. Still the flagship for revenue-stage vet CEOs.

Program page
Was: Bunker Labs Veteran in Residence (VIR)

6-month program pairing vet founders with active-duty transitioning peers

Now
Military Founders Lab (IVMF)

The concept lives on in IVMF Military Founders Lab and V-WISE. Different format but similar mentorship intent.

Program page
Was: Bunker Labs Launch Lab Online

Self-paced online business course

Now
Boots to Business

For online self-paced fundamentals, SBA Boots to Business or Warrior Rising Academy are the current equivalents. Not an IVMF program.

Program page
Was: Bunker Labs Bunker Brews / Chapter Events

Local networking meetups for vet founders

Now
IVMF Coalition for Veteran-Owned Business

Community programming now runs through IVMF Coalition for Veteran-Owned Business. Local vet founder meetups vary by city.

Program page

For former Bunker Labs alumni

If you went through Bunker Labs programming and want to stay connected:

  • Reach out to IVMF directly. The alumni network migrated with the merger.
  • Join IVMF Coalition for Veteran-Owned Business for ongoing programming and events.
  • If you were a CEOcircle member, applications continue through IVMF. Same program, same structure.
  • If you attended Bunker Brews or local chapter events, check for IVMF Coalition regional programming in your city, or join independent vet founder meetup groups.

If IVMF programs don't fit

IVMF programs are strong but not the only option. Depending on your stage and situation, look at:

FAQ

Is Bunker Labs shut down?

Not exactly. Bunker Labs consolidated into the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University in 2024. The Bunker Labs brand and standalone operations were retired, but the flagship programs continue under the IVMF umbrella.

Where did CEOcircle go?

CEOcircle is the most-recognizable program that survived the merger intact. It now runs as an IVMF program targeting vet founders past $1M ARR who want peer accountability with other CEOs at similar altitude.

Can I still apply to Bunker Labs programs?

The Bunker Labs application URL redirects. Current applications go through IVMF at ivmf.syracuse.edu. Programs to look at: CEOcircle for revenue-stage founders, Military Founders Lab for venture-scale builders, V-WISE for women vets, EBV at 10 university sites for post-9/11 vets with a service-connected disability, and STRIVE at community colleges for a lighter time commitment.

What about Bunker Brews and local chapter events?

Local Bunker Labs chapter events are winding down. IVMF Coalition for Veteran-Owned Business now hosts community programming, and many former Bunker Labs chapter organizers moved into IVMF or independent vet founder meetup groups.

Was there a reason Bunker Labs merged?

The public reason: consolidating vet-founder resources under a single well-funded institution (IVMF) reduces duplication and lets the combined organization serve more vets more effectively. Bunker Labs was a strong 10-year run. Merging into a university-backed institute gives the programs multi-decade stability.

I was a Bunker Labs alum, do I still count?

Yes. IVMF honors the Bunker Labs alumni network and continues to include Bunker Labs alumni in relevant programming. Reach out to IVMF directly to stay in the loop.

Monday Deadlines

IVMF cohort openings, CEOcircle windows, and other vet founder program deadlines. Every Monday at 6am ET. Free.

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