OurView: What’s fueling your startup dream?

Welcome to the third annual edition of StartVirginia, our special issue dedicated to Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Born from the monthly StartVirginia page in Virginia Business, this expanded yearly issue explores startups, small businesses, venture capital and the fast-moving trends shaping them.

Even amid market volatility and Big Tech’s shifting fortunes, artificial intelligence is powering bold new ideas — including those of several Virginia entrepreneurs featured in this year’s featured story.

And in our annual Elevator Pitch feature, you’ll meet 12 standout founders from across the state, representing ventures from AI to snack foods to fusion power, all making their case for why their next big idea deserves investments.

This issue also examines alternate startup paths — from search funds to franchising — and offers practical insights, like how to stress test your business model. Plus, we’ve included updated charts on coworking spaces, early stage funders, top VC deals and a list of Virginia’s leading incubators and accelerators.

Whatever your startup vision, you’ll find the inspiration and resources here to help launch it.

Richard Foster
Associate Publisher & Editor
Virginia Business Media