“I’ve always had a deep need to help people who are struggling,” Rocha said. “And when I got out, I saw so many veterans leaving the military without a sense of purpose.”
He knew the transition wasn’t easy. Service members move from a structured world of clear objectives to a civilian landscape full of uncertainty. Many wrestle with identity, belonging, and what comes next. Rocha realized that the same qualities that make great service members — loyalty, adaptability, and perseverance — also make great entrepreneurs. They just need the right environment to translate those skills into business success.
After retiring, Rocha started a health and wellness company focused on CBD products that helped veterans and individuals with disabilities, including his daughter. “CBD was the only thing that helped her anxiety and depression, and gave her relief from her Tourette’s Syndrome symptons within 3-5min,” he said. The company grew into two locations with a strong brand and loyal customers — his first proof that entrepreneurship could be a new kind of service.
Now, Rocha is building something bigger: Neptune Shield.
Located in Hampton Roads, Neptune Shield is a hybrid co-working and business incubation space designed to help veterans and early-stage companies grow, learn, and scale. “It’s a place where startups can connect, collaborate, and flourish,” Rocha said. “We’re providing the tools, the training, and the community they need to succeed.”
Spanning 15,000 square feet, Neptune Shield offers flex desks, private offices, classrooms, and conference rooms — but its purpose runs deeper than shared space. It’s about creating a launchpad for innovation in maritime cybersecurity and defense technology. Rocha and his team envision a hub that links the U.S. military, government, academia, and private industry to develop next-generation solutions protecting both military and commercial assets.
“We’re building a technology ecosystem that drives innovation in maritime cyber protection,” Rocha said. “It’s about collaboration, education, and training — and helping veterans translate their military experience into meaningful work.”
Through programs like Business 101 courses taught by successful founders, networking events, defense symposiums, and SEAL Tank pitch nights connecting entrepreneurs to investors, Neptune Shield aims to bridge the gap between service and startup life.
Rocha sees Hampton Roads as the perfect place for this to take root — a region rich in military heritage, maritime industry, and emerging technology talent. “It’s important for entrepreneurs to see all that Hampton Roads has to offer,” he said. “There are incredible organizations here that can help them grow.”
And he doesn’t see it as competition. He sees collaboration. “If we get a defense tech entrepreneur through our doors, we’ll connect them to others in the ecosystem. If you get a civilian-focused startup, send them our way,” Rocha said.
That mindset — cooperative, mission-driven, and focused on service — is what defines both Rocha and the community he’s helping build.
For Rocha, this isn’t just a business venture. It’s a continuation of his calling to serve.
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