In just one week, the DMV’s startup and tech community will converge for the 10th anniversary of DC Startup & Tech Week.
What can you expect between Oct. 20-24? Over 150 events. Five power-packed days. One incredible community coming together to write the next chapter of innovation in our region. That’s DCSTW 2025.
Founded a decade ago as DC Startup Week, the event started with a bold idea: Create a space where founders wouldn’t have to navigate the lonely entrepreneurial journey alone. Where investors could discover the next big thing right in their backyard. Where the DMV could prove it belongs in the conversation alongside Silicon Valley, Boston and New York.
And it worked. The ripple effects are everywhere.
The magic is in that moment when a first-time founder realizes they’re not alone.
Over the past 10 years, DCSTW has been the catalyst for real, tangible impact. Pre-seed to Series A rounds closed. Co-founders who met at a happy hour and built something beautiful together. Teams assembled from chance conversations during a workshop. Strategic partnerships forged over coffee between sessions. Exits were celebrated. Second acts launched. Lives fundamentally changed.
This isn’t just about what happened at DCSTW, it’s about what happened because of DCSTW.
The magic of this week isn’t just in the pitch competitions or the keynotes, though those are incredible. The magic is in that moment when a first-time founder realizes they’re not alone. When an investor discovers a founder solving a problem they didn’t even know existed. When someone walks in on Monday thinking one thing about their future and walks out Friday knowing they’re capable of so much more.
That’s why we do this. That’s why this week matters. The 10th anniversary isn’t just a celebration — it’s a declaration. The DMV has arrived, and we’re building the next decade together.
Keynotes who’ve built, scaled and transformed industries
This year’s speaker lineup brings wisdom from founders who’ve done it all, from startup to exit, mission-oriented to market-dominating, local passion project to global brand.
Seth Goldman
The founder and CEO of JUST ICE TEA, co-founder of Honest Tea and executive chair of Beyond Meat will share the playbook for building companies that make more than money — they make a difference. His journey from bottling tea in his kitchen to selling to Coca-Cola while keeping the soul of the brand intact? It’s a blueprint for every mission-driven founder.
Ted Leonsis
The founder and chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment brings decades of perspective from the intersection of technology, media and sports. A pioneer in the commercial internet era and the visionary behind some of the region’s most beloved franchises, Leonsis understands how to build brands and communities that become institutions.
Steve Salis
The founder of &pizza proved you could disrupt fast-casual dining by putting culture and community first. He’ll unpack how &pizza scaled nationally without selling out on the values that made them different from day one.
What’s new for 2025
This 10-year milestone year brings fresh energy and expanded opportunities.
- Iconic venues: DCSTW is taking over some of the DMV’s most inspiring spaces: Amazon HQ2, Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, Johns Hopkins’ brand-new Bloomberg Center, MLK Library, and International Square.
- Three new content tracks: In addition to the other 14 in-depth industry tracks, DCSTW is launching dedicated programming for investors, hospitality entrepreneurs and workforce development. Growth means meeting our community where they are and where they’re going.
- Career Corner at the Startup Showcase: For the first time, the DCSTW Startup Showcase & Resource Expo includes a Career Corner offering resume reviews, interview prep and hiring meetings. Whether you’re looking to transfer industries, roles or just exploring your next move, you’ll find the resources and connections you need here.
What to expect across the week
- 150+ events spanning five days of learning, pitching, and connecting
- DMV Startup Showcase & Resource Expo (Wednesday, Oct 22) — the ultimate marketplace connecting founders with capital, services and talent
- CPG Showcase (Monday, Oct 20) featuring 30 local consumer product entrepreneurs
- Pitch opportunities galore, culminating in our signature Early Stage & Growth Stage Pitch Competition
- Daily keynotes that’ll make you rethink what’s possible
- Nightly happy hours (some nights you’ll have multiple to choose from — decisions, decisions)
- Endless networking with the founders, investors and ecosystem builders shaping the future of the DMV
This is your invitation
Ten years ago, we started something special. But here’s the truth: DC Startup & Tech Week doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to every founder who’s taken a risk, every investor who’s believed in someone, every team member who’s joined a startup when they could’ve played it safe, every mentor who’s paid it forward.
This week is for YOU. Built by this community, for this community.
Let’s make this 10th anniversary absolutely legendary — together.
