Governance
The Maritime First Order, Coast Guard Growth Fund is governed by an eight-seat board built for service, operating chops, and capital discipline. These are the seats and the bar to hold one.
Honorably discharged USCG members — Academy, OCS, or enlisted with E-6 or above. Minimum 6 years of active or reserve service. At least one seat reserved for a post-9/11 veteran and one for a flag-rank or senior officer.
Founders or CEOs who have built a company to $5M+ ARR or led a successful exit. Bring pattern recognition on go-to-market, hiring, and unit economics.
Licensed securities attorney, Reg CF/Reg D counsel, or former FINRA-registered broker-dealer principal. Owns regulatory posture for the Fund.
Active mentor with 10+ years coaching early-stage founders. Bridges the Board and the mentor corps that pairs with every funded company.
Elected annually by backers and founders in the Fund. Holds the Board accountable to the people who put capital in.
Non-voting except to break ties. Independent of any portfolio company. Sets agenda, runs audits, and represents the Fund publicly.
Honor: No founded sustained adverse findings (UCMJ, SEC, FINRA, or civil fraud).
Conflicts: Annual disclosure of any holdings, advisory roles, or family ties to portfolio companies. Recusal required on any vote with a conflict.
Independence: No more than two Board members may share an employer, fund, or co-investment vehicle.
Term: Three-year staggered terms, two-term maximum. Community seat is one year.
Commitment: 10 hours per month minimum — quarterly meetings, two diligence cycles per year, one founder office-hours session per quarter.
Compensation: Expenses only. No cash retainer. Equity grants in the Fund's management entity allowed and disclosed.