DC Public Library lands $100k to expand digital access 

Companies and institutions in the DC region are continuing to execute impactful financial deals, even as the city itself waits for federal leaders to fix the billion dollar budget gap caused by the most recent spending bill. 

For example, the DC library system landed $100,000 to expand digital access for residents, and Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a plan to build a health and wellness getaway center along the waterfront. 

There’s also plenty of raises from local startups, plus new funds from local venture capital firms. 

Get all the details on the latest money moves below the chart, where we look at the top 10 companies hiring for tech jobs in the DMV, and how that’s changed.

Comcast donates to DC’s library system

The global entertainment giant awarded a $100,000 grant to the DC Public Library Foundation, which coordinates philanthropic funding for the city’s libraries. 

Funds will be used for the DC Public Library’s digital navigators program — a network of workers who provide individual support to people who need help with digital literacy and access. A digital skills lab will also be established at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this investment, which will help ensure more residents of the District have the skills to thrive in today’s technology-driven workforce,” Rob Hartman, executive director of the DC Public Library Foundation, said in a press release. 

Virginia cybersecurity firm raises $75 million

SpecterOps announced its $75 million inSeries B funds will be used to scale its platform, BloodHound Enterprise, which is focused on preventing identity-related cyber attacks. 

New York venture firm Insight Partners led the round, with participation from Ansa Capital, M12, Ballistic Ventures, Decibel and Cisco Investments.

“The SpecterOps team’s exceptional expertise — rooted in real-world attacker strategies and cutting-edge open-source innovation — is driving a transformative leap in identity-focused security,” said Insight Partners Managing Director Thomas Krane in a press release. “We’re delighted to support their bold vision as they set a new standard for helping enterprises protect what matters most.”

The funds will also be used to build out its staff in its research, sales and marketing departments, per the release. 

Wellness destination to open at DC’s waterfront

Austrian health and wellbeing technology company Therme Group is building a retreat location in Poplar Point in Ward 8. 

The 15-acre proposal, recently accepted by the DC government, is expected to generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years. It’ll also create 5,000 local construction jobs and about 700 permanent jobs, per a press release. It’s expected to be a $500 million project and will take three years to build, the Washington Post reported. 

“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for her bold vision to reimagine Poplar Point in Washington, DC,” said Robert Hanea, the chairman and CEO of Therme Group. “By combining cutting-edge technology with our commitment to sustainability and holistic wellbeing, we are setting a new standard for how cities can integrate wellness into everyday life.”

Other DC raises and awards: 

• DC venture firm Construct Capital raised a third fund valued at $300 million to invest in early-stage startups specializing in industrial technology, the Wall Street Journal reported. 
• ResilienceVC, another DC venture capital firm, launched its first $56 million fund focused on seed-stage fintech startups. 
• Bowie-based nonprofit Perspectives Partnership secured a $2 million grant to help formerly incarcerated individuals get employment after prison, the Washington Business Journal reported.  
• American University developed a $150,000 venture fund for pre-seed and seed startups. 
• GovEagle, an AI-driven proposal platform for government contractors based in DC, announced $2.5 million in new funding.
• College Park quantum giant IonQ, a 2024 Technical.ly Awards finalist, reported $11.7 million in revenue for the last quarter of 2024, and $43.1 million in revenue for the full year. 
• Marine vehicle system startup Magothy River Technologies in Herndon scored a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. 

More from Securities and Exchange Commission filings

• $17.2 and $4 million for DC’s Coursemojo
• $8.8 million for DC’s Procurated
• $40 million for Vienna’s Spire Global
• $10.6 million for DC’s Surus
• $15 million for Reston’s Integrity Labs
• $8 million for Vienna’s Corsha
• $8.5 for Reston’s Integrity Partners Cyber