Leech Tishman is proud to announce that John Christopher, a Partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice, has been selected to serve as a judge for the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Accelerator, a nationally recognized program that helps military veterans and military spouses build and grow successful businesses.
Christopher was invited to participate through his work with the Venture Mentoring Team (VMT), a nonprofit organization that connects experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals with emerging companies. As a judge, he will evaluate innovative veteran-led businesses participating in the Accelerator and provide feedback to help identify companies with exceptional growth potential.
The PenFed Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneur Accelerator provides education, mentoring, strategic guidance, and access to capital resources to high-potential veteran-founded companies. The program has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs transform military leadership experience into successful businesses that create jobs and strengthen local communities.
“Veterans have already demonstrated extraordinary leadership, discipline, and perseverance. Helping these founders refine their ideas and build lasting businesses is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. I am honored to support the PenFed Foundation and the Venture Mentoring Team in their mission to help veterans succeed in business,” said Christopher.
Christopher’s participation reflects Leech Tishman’s longstanding commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, and growing businesses. In his practice, he advises startups, emerging technology companies, and established businesses on developing and protecting valuable intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing, and commercialization strategies. The firm regularly works with companies at every stage of growth—from initial concept through investment, expansion, and exit.
In addition to his legal practice, Christopher has long been active in mentoring entrepreneurs and helping founders navigate the legal and strategic challenges associated with launching and scaling innovative companies. His service with VMT and the PenFed Foundation complements Leech Tishman’s broader commitment to fostering innovation, supporting emerging businesses, and giving back to the communities it serves.
For more information about the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Accelerator, visit https://penfedfoundation.org/our-programs/accelerator/.