Ecosystem insights

Leaders from across Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem discuss investing in new companies, challenges facing startups and advice for success. RASHEEDA CREIGHTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JACKSON WARD COLLECTIVE FOUNDATION, RICHMOND WHAT LED TO YOU CO-FOUNDING JACKSON WARD COLLECTIVE FOUNDATION? JWC Foundation’s mission is to learn, grow and own in the Black community. The organization bega[...]

Startup resources

FOR THE RECORD June 2024

CENTRAL VIRGINIA Washington, D.C.-based real estate analytics and data company CoStar Group will receive a grant from the City of Richmond worth several million dollars because of the company’s plan to build an office tower expected to generate more than $30 million in new tax revenue. On April 22, Richmond City Council approved an ordinance […]

StartVirginia: Heard Around Virginia

Bricklayer AI announced a pre-seed investment of $2.5 million to advance product development of its autonomous AI security analyst solution on May 2. The pre-seed round had participation from Sovereign’s Capital; Dreamit Ventures; Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp.‘s Virginia Venture Partners fund; BlueWing Ventures; and Blu Ventures, as well as cybersecurity industry leaders[...]

StartVirginia: HEARD AROUND VIRGINIA

Comcast said April 9 it is opening grant applications for a program benefiting small businesses across Greater Richmond. The global cable broadcasting company said the grant packages include business coaching, education sources, media schedules, creative production, technology makeovers and $5,000 in cash. Comcast’s RISE program is aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses while [&h[...]

Executive Insights: Cargo convo

Leaders from Virginia’s maritime sector share their views on offshore wind, supply-chain challenges, workforce recruitment and other factors impacting the industry. JEREMY BRIDGES President and chief negotiator, Hampton Roads Shipping Association Norfolk VB: You were vice president of labor relations for CMA CGM. What labor issues do you see arising in the next few years, […]

FOR THE RECORD May 2024

CENTRAL VIRGINIA Richmond-based Atlantic Union Bankshares completed its acquisition of Danville-based American National Bankshares, parent company of American National Bank and Trust, on April 1. Based on the $35.31 per share closing price of Atlantic Union common stock on March 28, the transaction value was approximately $507 million. The deal was announced in July 2023, […]