TO ALL OF OUR DMV INNOVATORS AND DREAMERS!
Government and politics: two pillars that have long been synonymous with the identity of the capital region. While these will always remain cornerstones of the DMV, a new narrative is emerging – that of a global innovation hub for startups, emerging tech, and social impact – and DC Startup & Tech Week is excited to lead the charge.
The DMV has become a place where big ideas are born over coffee in Dupont Circle, in co-working spaces in Bethesda, and in Arlington garages, all launching world-changing startups. These are the individuals you might encounter at a food truck, only to discover they’re revolutionizing AI, sparking the next tech revolution, leading breakthroughs in sustainable energy, developing cutting-edge medical devices, or creating innovative culinary experiences.
Now in our ninth year, DC Startup & Tech Week has evolved into a massive celebration of entrepreneurship, connecting over 16,000 founders, innovators, and investors throughout each year. We’ve witnessed it all – from nervous first-time entrepreneurs pitching ideas to seasoned founders launching their next ventures.
With the collective work of ecosystem builders, economic development centers, accelerators, incubators, investors, incredible founders, CEOs, and innovators – our region is starting to be recognized for businesses redefining industries, founders tackling global challenges, and innovators pushing boundaries – but we are just scratching the surface.
That’s why DC Startup & Tech Week is expanding, and this collaboration with INNOVATE was born.
The innovation occurring in this region inspired us to create this community-driven book, aiming to start a movement that tells our region’s innovation story, globally.
In these pages, we highlight over 100 emerging and legendary innovators, thought leaders, and the ecosystem partners – where together we are transforming our region into the innovative capital of the world. Every two years, we will continue to recognize more innovators to showcase the growth and ongoing progress of our region.
This book isn’t just a bunch of success stories. It’s a peek into the heart and soul of our DMV startup scene. It’s about the late nights, the crazy ideas, the failures that led to breakthroughs, and the “aha!” moments that changed everything.
We’re not just about tech, either. Our region is unique because we’ve got this incredible mix of passionate tech innovators, social impact warriors, out-of-the-box creative thinkers, product inventors, and government and policy experts. It’s like throwing all these ingredients into a pot and coming up with a unique recipe for innovation that you can’t find anywhere else.
As you read through these pages, we hope you’ll feel the same excitement we do about what’s happening here. Maybe you’ll recognize a face or two, or discover a startup that’s working on something you’ve always dreamed about.
Who knows? You might even find the inspiration to start your own venture!
This book is our way of saying, “Hey world, check out the incredible innovations and impact that is happening here in the DMV!” It’s a celebration of where we are now and a sneak peek at the awesome things to come.
So whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a curious investor, or someone with a wild idea and the guts to make it happen, remember: you’re part of something big here in the DMV.
Let’s keep pushing boundaries, dreaming big, and showing the world what we’re made of.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Now let’s go make some magic happen together! Here’s to the future of innovation and impact in the DMV.
Seema Alexander
Head of Growth & Co-Chair of DCSTW President & Co-founder, Virgent AI
Rachel Koretsky
Director & Co-Chair of DCSTW Founder & CEO, Upace
