In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, a powerful wave of innovation is surging through the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. Driven by a collective mission to transform the area into a globally recognized innovation hub, this movement is brewing a different kind of revolution in the nation’s capital.
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and community are at the forefront—and DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) is honored to serve as a catalyst, directly impacting this change.
From Vision to Thriving Reality
What began as a dream to unite founders, startups, and developers has blossomed into the cornerstone of the DMV’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Now in its ninth year, DCSTW has grown to become the largest entrepreneurial conference in the area, supporting over 16,000 startups, founders, innovators, and investors.
Rachel Koretsky, the Co-Founder and Director of DCSTW, reflects on her experience of co-founding DCSTW with Chida Sadayappan and its transformative powers:
“As a young female founder in tech, my goal was to forge connections and immerse myself in the startup community, as I believe that having a community of support is crucial when starting a startup. This drive led me to seek opportunities to meet others and establish meaningful relationships.
Through this process, I discovered the invaluable role of community in entrepreneurship. It became a cornerstone for navigating the challenges and growth inherent to the entrepreneurial journey. The support, resources, and candid conversations I found within this community, particularly at DC Startup & Tech Week, have been instrumental in my success at Upace. It transformed the often solitary path of entrepreneurship into a shared journey with over 16,000 fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing my belief in the power of community to foster growth and success.”
Seema Alexander, Co-Chair & Head of Growth for DCSTW, returned to her home in the DMV in 2017 after 17 years in NYC—and initially felt disconnected from the local tech and startup scene. With her passion for repositioning and growing disruptive businesses and emerging tech brands through her growing Disruptive CEO Advisory practice and her UNIQUE Method™, she knew the DMV was ripe for opportunity.
“During that time, I saw a region on the cusp of transformation—a rapidly growing data alley, Amazon’s HQ2 plans, and growing focus on biotech, quantum, Web3, AI, and social impact. But my network in the DMV was limited to government contracting and politics,” Seema shares.
Her first speaking engagement at DCSTW in 2017 became a turning point. “I found my tribe—the trailblazers and innovators (the 1% of crazy) I’d been seeking. I knew I could help accelerate the growth of many startups and wanted to be an integral part of repositioning the region (my home) into being seen as a global innovation and tech hub that it was becoming.”
Seema’s journey with DCSTW mirrors the evolution of many entrepreneurs in the ecosystem. Her experience advising disruptive CEOs and founders uniquely positioned her to identify emerging opportunities, eventually leading her to co-found Virgent AI, a company specializing in the development of artificial intelligence agents and AI-enabled business solutions. This transition exemplifies the transformative power of DCSTW’s network and opportunities.
“DCSTW not only provided me with a vital network but also exposed me to cutting-edge technologies, leading innovative minds, and partners that led me to our new startup.”
The now co-chairs highlight how the event serves as a catalyst for growth, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to meet, learn from, and collaborate with one another. Success stories of partnerships formed and businesses launched during the event are testaments to the event’s impact on individual entrepreneurs and the broader startup ecosystem.
Empowering Innovation: The Three Pillars of DC Startup & Tech Week
At its core, DC Startup & Tech Week is more than a week-long event; it’s a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and an ecosystem of supporters.
Born from the vision to make the DMV the best place to start and scale a startup, DCSTW celebrates the startup culture with their signature week-long conference held each Fall that brings together thousands of attendees from all around the world. Over five days, the city transforms into a hub of networking, education, and inspiration, drawing participants from across the globe.
DCSTW is the monumental event in the entrepreneurial landscape in this region, grounded in three transformative pillars: celebration, education, and community connections, each infused with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Rachel emphasizes the vibrancy of the startup ecosystem: “Celebrating the startup ecosystem and bringing everyone together during its five-day conference, having opportunities where people can network.” This pillar is the foundation of the annual Fall event, now in its ninth year, and creates a dynamic space for entrepreneurs to connect, from informal ‘happy hours’ to structured networking sessions.
The commitment to education is profound. DCSTW offers over 150 sessions at DCSTW and hosts events throughout the year, with over 300 local and global speakers covering critical startup stages from ideation to acquisition, emerging technology, climate and sustainability, consumer product goods, services, and more. These sessions cover everything a startup needs, from how to start, build a team, create a product, fundraise, growth strategies, dive into Web3 and AI, social impact, and sustainability, among other critical areas. This pillar ensures attendees have access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise, vital for navigating the complexities of startup growth and innovation.
The third pillar of DCSTW is the essence of community and the importance of connections, underscoring the event’s ethos. Seema shared: “We focus on bringing together great people throughout the DCSTW event and how we can connect founders to what they need to grow and scale.” This pillar is about more than just networking; it’s about building lasting relationships that support the lifecycle of a startup.
Success from DCSTW and the Community
Over the past nine years, DCSTW has been a catalyst for founders to start, scale, find co-founders and team members, meet resources, raise capital—and most importantly, find community. These narratives are at the heart of the DCSTW community and mission, showcasing the vibrant support system we’ve cultivated within the DMV’s entrepreneurial landscape—and the innovations that come through it.
“DC Startup & Tech Week is about bringing the community together to celebrate entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is tough and having a resource like DC Startup & Tech Week to support them is not only great for entrepreneurs, but also great for the DMV region.” – Steve Case, CEO, Revolution & Former Co-Founder, AOL
Anjali Mahadevia: “My engagement with DCSTW, especially in the climate & sustainability track, played a crucial role in Ampliphi’s acquisition by ClimeCo. It’s a testament to the supportive DCSTW community.”
“I moved to DC from NY and attended DC Startup & Tech Week to come out with a local startup community. Met many influential people, including a well-known entrepreneur. He and I started exploring ways to work together. Fast forward to December and I was incorporating. My next startup as CEO. Two months later we successfully concluded our seed funding round and now are fully engaged and scaling up. DCSTW has truly transformed my life, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate.”
A Powerhouse of Expertise
The DMV region isn’t just any innovation hub – it’s a powerhouse of expertise in several cutting-edge fields. Seema emphasizes, “Our region is at the forefront of some of the most exciting technological advancements of our time. We’ve witnessed a remarkable technological transformation over the years, setting the stage for a thriving tech corridor.”
Some of our incredible credentials are in various sectors:
- Biotech: The I-270 corridor in Maryland, often called the “DNA Alley,” is home to over 300 biotech companies and major institutions like NIH and FDA.
- Quantum Computing: With the University of Maryland’s quantum research center and companies like IonQ, the DMV is emerging as a quantum computing hotspot.
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: The region hosts numerous startups leveraging AI and big data for government and commercial applications.
- Cybersecurity: Given its proximity to government agencies, the DMV is a leader in cybersecurity innovation and talent.
- EdTech: With proximity to policymakers and a strong education sector, the DMV has become a hub for educational technology innovation.
- Non-Profit and Social Impact: Home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of non-profits and social enterprises, including international NGOs, the World Bank, and innovators like Ashoka.
- Green Technology: Driven by sustainability focus and policy influence, the region sees a surge in clean energy and sustainable urban planning innovations.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Leveraging its rich history and attractions, local startups are innovating in areas like sustainable tourism and digital experiences.
- Consulting and Government Contracting: The DMV is a powerhouse for consulting firms and government contractors, with innovative companies reshaping how services are delivered to both public and private sectors.
- Healthcare Services: Beyond biotech, the DMV is innovating in healthcare delivery, telemedicine, and health equity solutions, partly due to its proximity to major health institutions and policymakers.
Seema adds, “This concentration of expertise creates a unique environment for cross-pollination of ideas, interdisciplinary innovations, and creative solutions.”
Ecosystem of Support: The DMV Advantage
What sets the DMV apart is its robust ecosystem of support for startups. The region is home to a vast network of incubators, accelerators, and partners all working together to nurture innovation.
“From 1863 Ventures, UpSurge, Unstuck Labs to SEED SPOT, from Halcyon, Revolution, Zeal Capital to Village Capital, our region is teaming with organizations dedicated to helping startups thrive,” Rachel explains. “This ecosystem of support is a game-changer for entrepreneurs choosing to build their businesses here. We’ve seen incredible success stories emerge from this supportive environment. Companies like AOL, Cvent, Framebridge, Fiscal Note, Axios, Honest Tea, and Cava Hungry, have all leveraged local resources to scale their operations and make significant impacts in their industries.”
Diversity and Inclusion: Fueling Innovation
At the heart of DCSTW’s mission is a real commitment to supporting the growth of all founders, at all startup stages. The event prides itself on being a melting pot of perspectives, people, innovation, and expertise—a true reflection of the DMV’s rich demographic tapestry.
A distinctive feature of DC Startup & Tech Week is its universally welcoming nature, a testament to the organizers’ inclusive vision. “Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives,” Seema asserts. “By championing inclusivity, we’re not just doing the right thing—we’re fueling creativity and driving better outcomes for everyone.”
Rachel adds, “Our commitment to diversity isn’t just talk. It’s reflected in our speaker lineup, our attendees, and the startups we showcase. We believe this inclusive approach is key to fostering truly groundbreaking innovations.”
The Road to Becoming the Innovation Hub of the Mid-Atlantic
With their sights set on the future, the DCSTW team is dreaming big. The shared vision? To transform their initiative into the South by Southwest (SXSW) of the Mid-Atlantic—a multi-faceted celebration of innovation that goes beyond tech to encompass innovation, music, art, and culture.
“We’re not just supporting startups,” Rachel enthuses. “We’re fostering job creation, driving innovation, nurturing creativity, and promoting social impact. By adding festivals and music components, we’re creating a holistic experience that captures the full spectrum of innovation in our region.”
Seema adds, “This ambitious goal is about positioning the DMV as one of the top five places in the world to start and scale a startup. We’re creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive, where cutting-edge ideas can find the support they need to become world-changing realities.”
A New Chapter: Introducing the Umbrella Brand
As DCSTW continues to grow and expand its impact, co-chairs Rachel Koretsky and Seema Alexander are spearheading the development of a new umbrella brand—as the initiative has rapidly evolved into something much bigger than its name suggests. This bold move aims to encompass the year-round programming and diverse initiatives that have sprouted from the original DCSTW concept—all supporting the growth of the DMV region as a whole.
“We’re excited to unveil our new umbrella brand soon,” Rachel shares. “It represents our evolution from a week-long event to a comprehensive, year-round force for innovation in the DMV.”
Seema adds, “This effort reflects our commitment to fostering innovation not just during our signature week or programming, but creating a cohesive ecosystem with our partners and other ecosystem builders to support entrepreneurs through their journey from idea to growth.”
Honoring Our Foundational Leaders, Team, & Partners
As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to honor the key leaders who helped build us to where we are today.
- Chida Sadayappan, the original co-founder alongside Rachel, brought a vision of unity and collaboration that laid the foundation for what DCSTW has become. His relentless drive and innovative spirit around tech and developers were instrumental in turning this idea into a vibrant community. He still helps support the growth of our developer-focused content, including our signature DevFest and workshops throughout the year.
- Cory Lawrence, who served as a co-organizer and head of marketing for many years, played a crucial role in spreading the word of DCSTW early on and bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs and investors. Cory’s strategic insights and marketing acumen helped elevate DCSTW to new heights, ensuring it reached and resonated with many of the startups, investors, and partners in our community.
- Stephanie Ortiz, our first head of operations, was the backbone of our growth days, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication and operational expertise allowed us to scale and manage the growing demands of the conference, making it the seamless experience it is today.
These leaders, through their dedication and hard work, have helped transform a vision into a thriving reality. Their contributions have been vital to the growth and success of DC Startup & Tech Week, making it a cornerstone of the DMV’s innovation landscape.
Now, we have built a lean but impactful team of passionate experts, track leads, advisors, and volunteers, who we could not run this organization and the impact it has without each of them.
Big shout out to some of our current and past track leads, sub-group leads, production team, and advisors. We literally could not do this without you. Stephanie-Marie, Casey Williams, Kay Rodriguez, Darius Clair, Kaitlin Capobianco, Erna Redzepagic, Brendan Sullivan, Anjali Mahadevia, Gilberto Nazario, Colin Campbell, Colin Fraser, Christina Roman, Kevin Morgan, Hugo Cubias, Airen Washington, Maria Pope, Fawn Washington, Sugar Taylor, Craig Zingerline, Kristina Noell, and Lisa Friedlander.
Lastly, we are so thankful for the hundreds of volunteers including, but not limited to Vivek Gupta, Tierre Wright, Priya Kothari, and so many more. Everything done at DCSTW has been sponsor-driven up to this point, reflecting the strong support from the local business community and government agencies. This backing has been crucial in enabling us to provide valuable resources, events, and connections to entrepreneurs across the region. Their hope as they grow is to have more public and private partnership and funding to build their larger, impactful vision into a reality.
A Legacy of Impact
The true measure of DCSTW’s success lies in the stories of transformation and growth it has facilitated. From founders finding co-founders to startups securing crucial funding, the impact ripples through the community. As co-chairs, Rachel and Seema are united in their vision for the future.
Rachel reflects, “Every success story, every partnership formed, every startup that grows—these are the reasons we do this. We’re not just building businesses; we’re building a community that supports and uplifts each other.”
Seema concludes, “As we look to the future, we’re excited about the potential of the DMV. With our unique blend of talent, resources, and innovative spirit, we’re poised to become a leading force in the global innovation landscape.”
As DCSTW evolves into its new identity under the upcoming umbrella brand, it stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of inclusivity, and the transformative potential of innovation. In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, a new kind of revolution is underway—one that promises to reshape the future of not just the DMV, but the entire landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation.
