Biz Talk

Arlington Tech Launchpad: A Global Invitation for Tech Founders to Thrive in Arlington

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington, Virginia, continues to step up as a leader in tech innovation with the introduction of the Arlington Tech Launchpad, an ambitious program designed to attract tech founders from around the world to one of the most dynamic business hubs in the United States.

More than just a business destination, Arlington is a launchpad for success. With strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, machine learning, cloud computing, and big data, Arlington offers fertile ground for high-tech ventures. The Arlington Tech Launchpad aims to connect international and domestic founders to this vibrant ecosystem, making it easier than ever for companies to establish and grow in the U.S.

Arlington is home to a rapidly growing tech ecosystem. With global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing and Accenture calling it home, the region is quickly becoming a recognized hub for innovation, collaboration and growth. Through the Arlington Tech Launchpad, founders will gain access to the region’s extensive resources, business networks, and partnership opportunities — whether they’re entering the U.S. market for the first time or scaling an existing business.

Know a tech founder who could benefit from this program? Whether they’re based domestically or internationally, encourage them to seize this opportunity. Together, we can shape Arlington into a globally recognized tech hub and the premier destination for tech innovation.

“Arlington is committed to making our community even better by bringing new ideas and technologies that fuel growth and innovation. With the Arlington Tech Launchpad, we’re connecting global tech founders with our thriving business ecosystem, helping us stay at the forefront of progress and create more economic opportunities,” said Michael Stiefvater, Director of Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development.

The Arlington Tech Launchpad will host Discover Arlington: Virtual Business Engagement on February 26. Additionally, the exclusive Explore Arlington: 3-Day Immersion Program will provide up to 12 tech founders the chance to tour Arlington, engage with the local business community, and explore opportunities for funding, customer discovery, and partnerships from May 14–16, 2025.

With its diverse and welcoming community, robust infrastructure and extensive network of partners, Arlington is an ideal location for tech startups and established businesses to expand and thrive. The Arlington Tech Launchpad is dedicated to providing the tools, connections, and support necessary for companies to achieve success.

Stay up to date on the Arlington Tech Launchpad by subscribing to email updates, following Arlington Tech Launchpad LinkedIn or follow Arlington Economic Development on LinkedIn.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Data Community DC (DC2), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to connecting and supporting data professionals in the National Capital Region.

The organization fosters education, opportunities, and professional development through high-quality, community-driven events, resources, products, and services. Founded in 2012, DC2 was established to serve the growing data science community in Arlington and Washington, D.C.

The organization is led by Board Chair Janet Dobbins, a long-time Arlington resident, with daily operations managed by Executive Director William Angel, an Arlington native.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to partner with DC2 to host at least 18 data-focused meetup events across Arlington and the region over the next six months. These events are funded through AED’s Arlington Innovation Fund Ecosystem Support Fund, which was created to enhance Arlington’s tech ecosystem and support the growth of local technology startups.

DC2’s 2025 programming will spotlight the work of local data practitioners, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large language models. The events will also provide learning opportunities for Arlington residents.

The Data Viz DC Meetup group, a DC2 initiative, will host a free event on Building Data Visualization Portfolios on Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. The event, held at Excella in Courthouse, will include food and networking opportunities. Learn more and register to attend.

Learn more about upcoming events and subscribe to DC2’s newsletter at DC2.org or follow on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to AED’s Innovation Ecosystem emails to learn about upcoming DC2 events as well as other sponsored events and exclusive innovation ecosystem opportunities.

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development’s Business Investment Group.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is celebrating a banner year in 2024, one that solidifies Arlington’s reputation as a global hub for innovation, collaboration and economic opportunity.

From fostering local entrepreneurship to forging international partnerships, AED’s achievements are driving lasting economic benefits while showcasing Arlington as a premier destination for business and technology.

Elevating Arlington on the Global Stage

This year, Arlington joined the prestigious Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE), a global economic development and innovation network with more than 40 participating nations. Through its participation in events in Detroit and Yerevan, Armenia, AED highlighted Arlington’s thriving business ecosystem, groundbreaking initiatives and sustainability efforts. These engagements fostered deeper relationships with international partners, creating new avenues for local businesses to expand their reach.

Arlington also welcomed delegations from countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Germany, Guatemala and Spain, engaging in forward-looking discussions on sustainable growth, smart cities and innovation driven by the private sector. These collaborations cement Arlington’s position as a global leader in economic development while infusing fresh perspectives and investment opportunities into the local economy.

Fostering Local Innovation and Inclusion

On the local level, AED launched the #LaTech community, which now includes more than 30 Latino tech entrepreneurs. This dynamic network celebrates diversity and innovation, demonstrating Arlington’s commitment to creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Initiatives like #LaTech strengthen Arlington’s tech ecosystem while ensuring that economic growth benefits the entire community.

One standout moment of the year was the visit from Ernesto Kruger, CEO of Ecuador-based Kruger Corporation. During his trip, Kruger explored Arlington as a potential hub for global expansion, meeting with leading organizations such as AWS Skills Center, Excella, and local startups Trustible and Pryze, as well as universities like George Mason and Northeastern. These engagements showcased Arlington’s collaborative spirit and its appeal to businesses seeking innovation and growth opportunities.

Showcasing Arlington’s Cutting-Edge Tech Ecosystem

AED’s #TechShowcase at Genetec’s U.S. Experience Center was another highlight of the year, bringing together entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and international dignitaries to explore the latest advancements in technology. Events like these bolster the strength of Arlington’s tech ecosystem and its ability to connect local businesses with global opportunities. The showcase celebrated Arlington’s leadership in technological innovation while setting the stage for future partnerships and collaborations.

A Year of Progress and Promise

“2024 has been a year of significant progress for Arlington,” said Adriana Bonilla, International Business Investment Lead at AED. “We’ve expanded our global connections while driving economic growth that will benefit our local businesses and community for years to come.”

AED’s strategic efforts to attract international investment, nurture local innovation and promote inclusivity are ensuring that Arlington remains a vibrant place to live, work and thrive.

As AED looks ahead to 2025, the department is eager to build on this year’s successes, driving initiatives that connect Arlington with the world, create jobs and deliver economic opportunities that benefit the entire community.

To stay up to date on Arlington expansion opportunities and updates, subscribe to AED’s email list and be the first to hear about news and announcements for international and domestic companies interested in exploring Arlington as a business location.

This article was written by Michael Stiefvater, Director of Business Investment for Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington stands out for its thriving business climate, and Arlington Economic Development (AED) took advantage of these strong fundamentals to invest in our startup ecosystem in 2024.

This year, Arlington was named the Country’s Best Mid-size Metro for Business while being the CNBC Best State for Business, recognizing our educated workforce, top-notch education system and business-friendly policies that support long-term growth and success for businesses.

However, despite these great fundamentals, Arlington is still experiencing challenges with office vacancies, which impacts Arlington’s commercial tax base. With large U.S. companies making fewer big moves or expanding less frequently to new markets, we looked to foster “homegrown” businesses and talent in 2024.

Arlington’s economic development strategy focused heavily on investing time and resources into Arlington startups and the startup ecosystem through the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF). AIF encouraged the growth and success of Arlington technology startups by providing access to capital and enhancing the local tech ecosystem through sponsoring unique initiatives and programming. New hires at AED helped execute the strategy and supported new partnerships with Citrine Angels, Unstuck Labs and DC Startup Week.

Through the AIF Catalyst Grant program, Arlington awarded nine eligible Arlington-based startups non-dilutive coinvestment grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Qualifying companies were early-stage ventures, and their grant funds can be used for hiring employees, conducting research and development, occupying commercial real estate, and other business-related expenses.

AED is closely tracking the success of this program. Still, early wins include AI trucking logistics startup GenLogs expanding from five employees to nearly 30 in the past nine months and HR-tech company Pryze scaling its platform and gaining traction with large customers.

Other significant moves and investments this year include:

• CoStar Group Chooses Arlington for HQ
• Venture Global LNG Invests in Arlington HQ with Building Purchase
• 2U Headquarters Moves to National Landing
• Shield AI Leases 42K Square Feet in National Landing
• National Association of Corporate Directors Moves Headquarters to Rosslyn
• Relational New Approach to International Business Attraction

Looking ahead to 2025, AED expects continued growth in our tech ecosystem, especially in the Advanced Computing (AI, cloud computing, etc.), Cybersecurity and Defense Tech industries. We’re also excited to see Virginia’s 2018 investments in our tech talent pipeline come to fruition with the opening of two new higher education tech and entrepreneurship programs, George Mason’s FUSE in December and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in February.

Arlington will continue to grow as an innovation hub thanks to Amazon and Virginia’s investments in the area. Exciting things are in the pipeline for the County in the new year.

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development’s Business Investment Group.

Arlington Economic Development (AED), in partnership with key regional players like JBG Smith, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, National Landing BID and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, celebrated a major step forward for Arlington’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with DC Startup and Tech Week in October.

More than just an event, this initiative highlighted the strategic role Arlington plays in fostering a supportive and innovative environment for founders and entrepreneurs across the region.

With around 1,500 attendees, Day 2 of DC Startup and Tech Week transformed National Landing into a buzzing festival-like hub for tech and innovation, channeling the energy of an East Coast SXSW. The day started with engaging sessions on growth strategies, artificial intelligence, Web3 and climate tech.

Highlights included a fireside chat on the future of work, where JBG Smith’s Evan Regan-Levin and Seema Alexander shared insights into ways their organizations are actively investing in innovation, and a compelling panel organized by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation on how the region can grow its reputation as a top technology ecosystem.

This day of inspiration and connection, funded by the Arlington Innovation Fund, underscored AED’s mission: to connect startups with the resources, networks, and capital they need to succeed. The Innovation Fund, backed by over $1.2 million from the Arlington County Board, is a cornerstone of AED’s economic growth strategy, designed to attract and retain entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.

Additionally, the remarks delivered by AED Director Ryan Touhill further emphasized Arlington’s commitment and championed the region’s collaborative spirit and shared resources that make Arlington an ideal place for tech startups to flourish.

DC Startup and Tech Week also highlighted Arlington’s commitment to fostering connections across the DMV. “We’re breaking down barriers and thinking regionally,” Touhill said. “This event is a testament to our belief that no community stands alone in building a thriving tech ecosystem. Our collaboration with partners from Alexandria to Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and National Landing BID strengthens our collective goal of making this area an innovation powerhouse.”

For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Arlington’s innovation initiatives, AED offers services through its Business Investment Group. From strategic guidance and network-building to funding resources, AED is helping to shape a thriving future for Arlington and the broader region.

Additionally, National Landing, a rapidly evolving area, is increasingly becoming a preferred location for entrepreneurs to both live and work. Events like DC Startup and Tech Week reinforce Arlington’s role as a vibrant hub, advancing the vision of AED’s strategic plan to drive regional economic success through innovation and collaboration.

To stay connected with upcoming opportunities, visit AED’s website or reach out to Tally Wolff ([email protected]) for partnership opportunities. Whether you are a founder looking to take your idea to the next level or a business leader eager to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem, Arlington is here to welcome you.

About Arlington Economic Development

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to helping Arlington thrive as an economically vital, competitive and sustainable community by providing leadership and services to Arlington’s business, real estate, tourism and cultural affairs sectors. We’re here to help your business get the tools and resources you need to grow and succeed in our community. Interested in learning more? Visit our website.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development’s Business Investment Group.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to sponsor Day Two of DC Startup & Tech Week 2024. A full day of programming curated to meet the needs of startups in National Landing on Tuesday, October 22.

This event is the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and startups in the D.C. area, featuring over 100 workshops, networking sessions, pitch competitions and expert-led discussions.

Along with funding from a group of National Landing partners, AED is sponsoring this event with Arlington Innovation Fund Tech Ecosystem Support Funds. The fund’s mission is to foster the growth of Arlington tech startups by enhancing the local ecosystem through unique initiatives and programming. Hosting a day of this widely known conference in National Landing highlights the innovation and collaboration that is happening in Arlington while making the content easily accessible to Arlington startups.

Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an aspiring entrepreneur or part of an innovative startup team, join us for an action-packed day designed to inspire, connect and drive growth within the startup community.

Day Two in Arlington will kick off at the JBG SMITH National Landing Experience Center. There, participants will hear founder stories and fireside chats. Later content tracks will focus on a variety of topics, including:

• The Growth Stage
• Tech for Non-Technical Founders
• AI & Business
• Web3 and Blockchain
• Climate and Sustainability

The day will conclude with a meetup happy hour at National Landing’s Water Bar.

We invite the readers of ARLnow to join us and save 20% on DC Startup & Tech Week registration by using the discount code AED20off.

If you’d like to get more involved, apply to volunteer on Tuesday, October 22, and receive a free ticket to attend the rest of the week’s programming.

This article is sponsored by the Business Investment Group of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is excited to be continuing its partnership with Citrine Angels, the largest female-focused angel investing organization in the mid-Atlantic region pledged solely to the support of women-led ventures.

With a shared goal to boost entrepreneurship and startup activity in Arlington, AED and Citrine Angels are hosting two free, educational events designed to tackle challenges facing entrepreneurs today.

The first of the two events will take place TODAY, Wednesday, September 25, and will feature a panel discussion amongst an experienced panel of VCs, entrepreneurs, and fractional/outsourced executives. These experts will discuss what it takes to build the optimal team to make your idea a reality.

We invite you to join us TODAY for Building Your Dream Team in Ballston at 5:30 p.m. Registration is now closed, but walk-ins will be welcomed!

In two weeks, we will also be holding an “ask me anything” event on the topic of turning your idea into a business. Come with questions and a group of experts will be available to share their insights. Experts currently work in the human resources, law, finance and accounting fields.

Learn more and register for our Ask Me Anything: Turning Your Idea into a Business event here to join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development, a proud sponsor of the Accelerate Investor Conference.

The Accelerate Investor Conference is back for its fourth year, moving its event to Ballston, October 23-24.

Spurring the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level, the conference showcases our metropolitan region as a destination for innovation, venture investment, business development, and job creation.

Top venture firms from across North America participate in the Conference to attend top keynotes and industry panels. Eighty venture firms, plus local angel investors, participate as judges.

Attendees can watch 40+ high-growth tech, cyber, defense tech, healthcare, and life science companies pitch for their next round of capital. These cutting-edge startups compete for top prizes and are joined by 25 regional student teams presenting business concepts.

In addition to panels on AI, healthcare investment, VC trends, and defense-tech, this year’s lineup for keynote and fireside chat speakers includes:

• Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and author of the national bestseller “Venture Meets Mission”
• Paul Misener, Former VP for Global Innovation Policy and Communications, Amazon
• Tom Weithman, CIO, VIPC & Managing Director, Virginia Venture Partners

Registration is open at AccelerateDeals.org. Arlington patrons receive $100 off the ticket price before September 23 with the promotion code BIRD$100.

Accelerate sponsors and partners include Arlington Economic Development (AED), the Council for Innovation Promotion, Smart City Works, ManTech, AE Industrial Partners, Go Virginia, Fairfax City, King & Spalding, Fairfax County EDA, George Mason University, MAAN Ventures, NVTC, Prince William County, Sands Capital, Virginia Bio and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.

To learn more about Arlington Economic Development, AED’s contributions to growing the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem and locating in Arlington, please visit the AED website.

This article was written by Sindy Yeh, Senior Business Ambassador for Arlington Economic Development.

With over 20 shared offices and coworking spaces, Arlington has become a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration.

The city’s strong ties to the tech industry and entrepreneurial community make it a natural fit for coworking. This setting, rich with creativity and collaboration, is the perfect launchpad for startups and freelancers alike. 

Take The AAKOMA Project, for example. Founded by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, the nonprofit is dedicated to the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Drawing on her groundbreaking research at Duke and Georgetown Universities, Dr. Breland-Noble empowers YYAC and their caregivers to seek help and manage mental health, advocating for systemic changes to better serve their needs.

As Dr. Alfiee puts it, “The AAKOMA Project grew much faster than I expected. Our shared coworking space in Ballston was a great start, but it soon became clear we needed our own dedicated space. The Arlington Economic Development team and our commercial realtor helped us find a space that accommodates our growing team and aligns with our mental health mission. Staying in Ballston was an easy choice, — it’s an ideal location for us to continue expanding, close to key resources and has a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates diversity.” 

Then there’s Cyberspatial, an emerging defense contractor led by Founder and CEO Lawrence Nunn. Starting in a simple coworking office, the National Landing-based company has since moved to a dedicated office space. Nunn had this to say when reflecting on the company’s choice to stay in Arlington: “Arlington’s vibrant community and strategic location made it the perfect launchpad for our growth, with its robust cyber nexus providing unparalleled access to talent and innovation.” 

As organizations grow, their needs evolve. They may seek a traditional office setting to accommodate expansion, foster company culture and create a dedicated space where employees can thrive. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is here to support businesses at every stage, offering tools and resources to help you find the right space, whether it’s a coworking office or a larger, dedicated footprint. 

If your organization is ready to take the next step, let the Business Investment Group provide the boost you need to flourish.

Get in touch with AED today to explore how you can maximize your potential in Arlington. 

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

At the July 22, 2024, regular meeting, the Arlington County Board took action to close the Observation Deck at 1201 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn.

The Observation Deck will officially close on July 31, 2024. This closure marks the acceleration of a major reinvestment in Rosslyn Gateway Park during a transformative period for the Rosslyn community.

CoStar Group, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics, purchased 1201 Wilson Blvd., a 560,000-square-foot office building known as Central Place Tower, in February 2024.

CoStar Group Funds Significant Investment in Rosslyn Gateway Park

As part of the economic development deal, CoStar Group will pay Arlington $13,951,900 to significantly expedite the redevelopment of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, accelerating its completion by nearly a decade. This investment will transform Gateway Park into a vibrant, multifunctional public space and world-class destination that is a central anchor for the Rosslyn community.

The redevelopment of Gateway Park, led by Field Operations, the same group of designers responsible for Met Park, will introduce new amenities, green spaces and recreational opportunities, creating a welcoming environment for all.

A New Outlook for Rosslyn

In the CoStar Group deal, Arlington County recognized a unique and impactful opportunity to marry Rosslyn’s community benefits with significant economic gains. CoStar Group initially considered Arlington due to its prime location and premier trophy building in the heart of Rosslyn.

Throughout the site selection process, CoStar Group discovered more about Rosslyn’s business HQ-friendly environment as well as Arlington’s highly skilled workforce, accessibility to two international airports, strong Metro system, high quality of life and dynamic urban centers — key factors that ultimately influenced the company’s decision to purchase the building.

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

On Thursday, Arlington Economic Development (AED) was pleased to celebrate the latest recipients of Catalyst Grants from the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF).

After a thorough review process, four Arlington-based startups were awarded $175,000 in grants. These companies have shown exceptional promise in innovation and potential for significant impact in their respective fields.

The Catalyst Grants from this round represent yet another significant investment in the growing tech-entrepreneur ecosystem of Arlington, further underscoring AED and the County’s commitment to supporting local innovation and fostering economic resilience. Funds awarded through the Catalyst Grant program can be used for any business operation expenses incurred by the startup. They may include adding employees, purchasing equipment, leasing office space, hiring consultants or advisors, etc.

“We are thrilled to support these pioneering companies in their journey to scale and innovate,” said Michael Stiefvater, Director, Business Investment Group. “Their commitment to groundbreaking solutions drives innovation within their industries and propels the economic growth and development of the entire Arlington community. By fostering such innovative enterprises, we are building a robust and resilient ecosystem that benefits all residents and businesses in Arlington.”

AED announced the inaugural group of Catalyst grantees in February. The four grantees from the second round are:

• Data Parrot, AI company, enhances businesses’ understanding of customer data. Their platform transforms raw CRM (Customer Relationship Management) data into actionable insights, driving value through dynamic dashboards and strategic recommendations.
• KnoNap is a health tech company dedicated to combating drink spiking with their innovative beverage drug test kits, drink covers and educational resources. Their comprehensive approach fosters better health and safety outcomes.
• Pryze App, an HR-tech company, aims to increase productivity and retention among deskless workers. Their app incentivizes phone-free time and positive actions at work through automation and gamification.
• SportAI democratizes analytics for fantasy sports and sports betting. Using neural network AI, their mobile app provides in-depth insights to help users make informed decisions without facilitating gambling.

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Written by Adriana Bonilla, Assistant Director for Business Development, Arlington Economic Development.

In an exciting move to foster innovation and collaboration, Arlington Economic Development’s (AED) Business Investment Group and BizLaunch, in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) have officially launched #LaTech, a groundbreaking community dedicated to Latino tech entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to create a dynamic and vibrant community where talented tech professionals from the Latino community can share knowledge, explore partnerships and connect with other key players in the industry. #LaTech is open to Latino tech entrepreneurs from any location, with activities anchored in Arlington, one of the top tech hubs in the United States.

The vision for #LaTech is to cultivate a space where Latino entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute significantly to Arlington’s economic growth and beyond. The community is designed to attract top tech talent from Latin communities and backgrounds globally, providing a supportive environment for collaboration and impactful partnerships.

This initiative is part of Arlington’s broader strategy to enhance the tech landscape in Arlington and create opportunities for diverse groups to engage and succeed — the latter of which is in direct alignment with Arlington’s RACE and overarching equity initiatives.

The launch event, held on May 30, convened an initial group of Latino tech entrepreneurs. The discussion focused on the needs, successes and opportunities within the tech space and highlighted key challenges and areas for growth.

Given its proximity to Washington, D.C., the presence of tech giants and high-growth companies of all sizes and its diverse international community, Arlington is uniquely positioned as a strategic location for this initiative. Arlington’s deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and fostering sustainable business models makes it an ideal home for #LaTech. Participants at the launch event emphasized the importance of networking, access to investor capital and mentorship as crucial factors for their success. The vibrant tech ecosystem in Arlington will undoubtedly provide fertile ground for these entrepreneurs to flourish.

As part of the ongoing efforts to build this community, #LaTech is hosting its next event on July 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Unstuck Labs and Pryze, the event will take place at 1700 N. Moore Street, 16th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209. Register today to get more information as it is announced.

As #LaTech moves forward, the community is set to become a beacon for Latino tech entrepreneurs in the United States, offering a platform for growth, collaboration and success.

Ready to be part of this innovative community and/or drive your tech venture to new heights?

Contact AED’s Business Investment Group today to learn more about how you can get involved with #LaTech and explore the myriads of opportunities available. Your journey toward tech success and impactful partnerships begins here!