Virginia startups can now get in front of investors by filling out an application

D.C.-area tech backers including Village Capital, Revolution and the Center for Innovative Technology are part of a new effort in Virginia that’s designed to link more companies with capital.

Virginia is for Entrepreneurs, which is backed by the state government as well as U.S. Senator Mark Warner, is looking to help startups link with investors. There’s also an inherent goal to make sure that resources can reach more areas and groups of people in the state.

“Today, too often the best ideas don’t even get the opportunity to start because of who they are or where they come from,” Village Capital CEO Ross Baird said in a statement. The D.C. firm is one of the organizers of the effort.  “Virginia is for Entrepreneurs is testing ideas statewide to fix that.”

The program allows founders to fill out an application called the “Common App.” That gets sent to a network that currently comprises 50 investors who can provide feedback, and potentially provide resources. The idea is to make new connections and potentially speed up the investment process.

The state will also look to emphasize certain areas. For instance, an early focus is on unmanned aerial systems.

While it’s currently in pilot mode, the application has been tested at the TomTom Festival in Charlottesville and by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.

“Having a single point of entry to a statewide capital network will greatly enhance the likelihood that Virginia startups will be able to secure the funding they need without having to rely on out-of-state resources,” said Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson. “And for those in regions that lack an organized venture community, access to these funds will open up a myriad of entrepreneurial opportunities.”