Startup Virginia plans program, Henrico expansions
Richmond-based high-growth business incubator Startup Virginia (SVA) has been helping regional founders start and grow their companies since 2016. Now, the nonprofit is expanding in multiple ways to help even more founders. This growth is enabled by a $1.47 million grant from GO Virginia and a $3.75 million renovation investment from the Henrico Economic Development […]
HEARD AROUND VIRGINIA: February 2026
AxioSight, a spinout of Herndon government contractor BTI360, emerged from stealth in December 2025 with a technology that had already helped law firms win favorable rulings in court. The company is beginning to introduce its artificial intelligence platform to commercial customers after years of development for the U.S. intelligence community. In early trials with law […]
Booz Allen triples venture capital fund
Booz Allen Hamilton, a Fortune 500 government contractor based in McLean, has tripled its venture capital commitment with the intent to invest in more defense tech companies. Booz Allen announced in 2022 its first commitment of $100 million to 17 companies, including Vienna-based Corsha and Rosslyn-based Shift5. The company’s first VC round focused on deep […]
HEARD AROUND VIRGINIA: January 2026
Antithesis, a rapidly growing Vienna company, announced in December 2025 that it raised $100 million in a Series A round led by global investment firm Jane Street, one of its largest customers, bringing total funding to $177 million. Founded by former Apple engineers Will Wilson and Dave Scherer in 2018, the company will use the […]
Electra launches defense business unit
Manassas-based aviation startup Electra.aero on Wednesday announced that it has launched a new defense business unit.
Sterling drone startup joins unicorn ranks
Heven AeroTech, a Sterling-based developer of hydrogen-powered UAS, has reached unicorn status with a $100 million Series B funding raise.
Arlington defense tech firm reaches unicorn status
Govini, an Arlington County defense tech contractor, has joined the unicorn ranks with a $1.25 billion valuation.
HEARD AROUND VIRGINIA: December 2025
McLean government tech contractor BigBear.ai announced in early November it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Warren County startup Ask Sage for $250 million. Ask Sage is a fast-growing, secure generative artificial intelligence platform tailored for defense and national security. BigBear.ai expects the acquisition to close in the late fourth quarter of 2025 […]
U.Va. Wise helps founders build community, confidence
U.Va. Wise is fueling Southwest Virginia’s startup scene through its Hatch Accelerator and CO.STARTERS programs for local founders.
Electra expands Manassas headquarters
Manassas-based aviation startup Electra.aero on Tuesday announced it was expanding its headquarters in Virginia.
Arlington drone software firm raises $130M in Series B funding
Auterion, an Arlington-based provider of drone software, announced it has raised $130 million in a Series B funding round.
Peninsula businesses to get capital boost
Small and midsize businesses in distressed and underserved areas of Hampton and Newport News will be able to access economic support through a new $50 million low-interest business loan program. Launched in June by the nonprofit Greater Peninsula C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, the Peninsula Cooperative Fund is designed to close funding gaps and boost minority-owned businesses. PCF […]




















