MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 24: From Air Force Officer to Startup Attorney with Kevin Milgram

Join host Rod Loges and guest Kevin Milgram as he shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Air Force officer across diverse missions to becoming a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode:

• Kevin's path from civilian to Air Force officer after being inspired by 9/11
• His diverse military experience spanning cyber operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and B-1B bomber operations
• The transition from active duty to law school and discovering his passion for startup law
• How military leadership principles translate directly to legal practice and client service
• The critical decision-making moments that can make or break a startup's future
• Why dual-use technology companies have the best chance of surviving the "valley of death"

Key takeaways:

• Military service instills leadership skills that directly apply to advising startup founders
• The importance of maintaining multiple strategic paths and keeping doors open for future opportunities
• Why founders need specialized legal counsel for different stages of growth
• How "one team" mentality builds trust and accelerates results in professional relationships
• The value of surrounding yourself with the right advisors before you need them
• Why being "capital ready" means preparing long before you actually need funding

Guest: Kevin Milgram, Legal Advisor at DLA Piper, U.S. Air Force veteran

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmilgram/ 
• Firm Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us/people/m/milgram-kevin 

Kevin Milgram is a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents innovative clients across defense and dual-use technology, aerospace, cybersecurity, and software sectors, with a particular focus on supporting military veteran-led startups as they scale and secure funding.

His distinguished military background includes service as a U.S. Air Force officer, where he contributed to diverse missions spanning cyber operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and B-1B bomber operations, developing the strategic thinking and operational expertise that now serves his legal practice.

Beyond his corporate work, Kevin demonstrates his commitment to the veteran community by representing nonprofit organizations serving military veterans and providing pro bono legal support to military veteran and spouse entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead: Kevin is building DLA Piper's veteran startup practice, creating resources and special arrangements to remove barriers for veteran founders while connecting them with sources of capital and strategic opportunities.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at
https://www.milcomfounders.com/