Waco Hoover

Waco Hoover is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, entertainment, media, and live events. He currently serves as the Chair of the "Be The One" initiative at The American Legion, which focuses on reducing veteran suicide by addressing mental health stigma and empowering community action.123

Hoover served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001 as an infantry Marine, combat water survival instructor, and infantry scout, with deployments across Southeast Asia. After his military service, he graduated cum laude from New York University and completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School. He has also earned an MBA from Florida State University and additional certifications in business and healthcare leadership from institutions like UCLA and Harvard.14

In addition to his role with "Be The One," Hoover is a co-founder of MCON, an event celebrating military culture, and a co-owner of Veteran Entertainment Television. He is also a Managing Partner at Xperiential Group, an advisor to Founders Factory (a venture capital firm), and a board member of Irreverent Warriors, a nonprofit focused on veteran mental health.14

Hoover frequently speaks at industry events such as SXSW, Military Influencer Conference, and National Sports Forum. He resides in Southern California with his family and enjoys outdoor activities like surfing and mountaineering.14