John McMinimee is a William H. McRaven National Security Fellow with Bravo Victor Venture Capital, or ‘BV,’ where he learns and advises on Portfolio Operations and School.House–the fund’s invite-only platform experience dedicated to National Security founders.
Before joining the Fund and contributing to School.House, John served as an Air Operations Program Manager, where he was instrumental in training and deploying special operations combatant craft detachments against national adversaries. He managed the procurement of specialized equipment and pioneered innovative training solutions, particularly in air insertion disciplines. His career includes several leadership roles, including Bravo Phase Leading Chief Petty Officer, Joint Effects Action Officer, Future Operations Senior Enlisted Advisor, Non-Standard Maritime Leading Petty Officer, and Tactical Surveillance Operator—each contributing to some of the most impactful Department of Defense operations.
In September 2024, John retired as a Special Warfare Combat Crewman Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of distinguished service. With five deployments and numerous non-traditional operations, he has built a legacy of leadership, innovation, and operational excellence—constantly forging high-performing teams, challenging conventional thinking, and driving mission-critical advancements alongside SOF and interagency partners.
Now transitioning into the venture capital world, John is eager to apply his deep operational expertise to help bridge the gap between military requirements and venture-backed technology. His unique perspective, forged at the intersection of SOF operations, acquisitions, and technological innovation, makes him a strategic asset in identifying, validating, and accelerating solutions that directly impact national security.