From Politics to Life Sciences, D.C.’s a Beacon for Inclusive Innovation
United States
Washington, D.C. #11
Startups in Washington, D.C., have a refreshing focus on taking on significant global challenges and bringing their unique entrepreneurship lens to problems historically left to governments.
Ecosystem by the Numbers
EARLY-STAGE FUNDING
$1.6 bn
GLOBAL AVG.
$687 m
ECOSYSTEM VALUE
$21 bn
GLOBAL AVG.
$28.6 bn
Cybersecurity
As a share of its total, the region has 2.5x more Cybersecurity startups than the global average, and these companies can draw on a regional population of cyber-related engineers three times larger than the rest of the country combined. Tenable Network Security IPO’d in 2018 with a valuation of $2.1 billion. Washington. D.C.-based Lavrock Ventures, announced a $25 million fund to invest in enterprise software, cybersecurity and national security early-stage startups.
Edtech
Numerous government agencies and influencers play a role in Washington D.C.’s Edtech ecosystem including the Office of Education Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. The regional Edtech ecosystem is supported by Novak Biddle Venture Partners, a supporter of Edtech ventures with investments in 2U, Inc., Capital Education Group, Inc., and Parchment. EverFi, an online course provider has raised $251 million in total funding.
Reasons to Move Your Startup to Washington, D.C.
COVID-19 Policy
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing an Emergency grant of $10,000 to SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applicants. Even if a business is denied a loan, it can still access this grant, which can be used to provide employee sick leave, maintain payroll or meet other business needs.
Proximity to government
It’s no accident that the nation’s capital has developed a thriving tech ecosystem. Startups have access to funding, contracts, customers, and experienced talent. The region is home to four of the top five 2018 research funders in Life Sciences. In-Q-Tel is a nonprofit investor that accelerates the development and delivery of technology to the American intelligence community.
Selected Startup Organizations
1863 Ventures
Acceleprise
Beacon DC
Conservation X Labs
DC Fashion Foundation
Halcyon Incubator
PeaceTech Accelerator
Village Capital
Women’s Business Center (DCWBC)
News from the Ecosystem
Steven Rodriguez
Steven A. Rodriguez is Managing Director and Founder of SUEGO™ and Chief Culture Officer at BloomShift™. He co-leads various ESHIP programs through his non-profit InnovateCoalition™; is a Business Development & Digital Marketing Mentor & Contributor for WeWork Labs and Coach for the DC Department of Employment Services Innovation Lab; and is a Board Member to the International Council on Trade and Development.
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