How to start a startup in DC: 81+ local resources for founders on the move

Here at Technical.ly, we do our best to keep you connected, prioritizing the resources, programs and news that you need for your success in the DMV.

But look, we get it. Even you, the avid, loyal reader of Technical.ly that you are, can’t keep track of everything we publish. You might miss the news about the incubator that’s absolutely perfect for you, or the coworking space opening around the corner. So we’ve put it all in one place. Consider this the first stop on your entrepreneurial journey.

To coincide with our guide to creating a startup in DC, we’ve rounded up 81 resources for whatever stage of founding you’re in. Scroll down for links to accelerators, college programs, coworking spots, pitch competitions and more.

Colleges and universities

Hop on over here for 101 courses, mentorship and advice for getting started.

Howard University students. (Courtesy photo)

• American University Kogod School of Business
• Gallaudet Innovation and Entreprenuership Institute
• George Mason University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• George Washington University (GW) Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Georgetown Entrepreneurship
• Howard University Entrepreneurship Center
• Marymount University College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology
• University of Maryland (UMD), Mtech and the Academy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • UMD at College Park can also hook you up with a WeWork space and access to the Discovery District
• Virginia Tech’s Apex Center for Entrepreneurs

Meetups and connections

Here’s where you can make some friends, find mentors and get to know the scene.

Find DC technologists on Slack. (Photo by Flicker user Mark Knol)

• Code and Coffee program
• DC FemTech
• DC Startup Week
• DC Tech Meetup
• DC Tech Slack
• EdTech DMV
• Northern Virginia Tech Council
• Professions On Purpose
• Our annual RealLIST Connectors lists some of the most influential (and friendly) people around.
• And the Technical.ly Slack is full of folks ready to help.

Coaching and pre-accelerator programs

Check out these resources if you’re not quite ready for an accelerator … but you’re ready to make the next move up.

Cyndi and Ron Gula speak at Startup Grind in Baltimore in 2017. (Technical.ly photo)

• I-Corps at GW
• ICAP
• IN3DC
• Maryland Women’s Business Center
• PenFed Foundation
• Reaktor Technology Innovation Center
• Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council
• Startup Boost
• Startup Grind Maryland, DC
• Street Entrepreneurs
• Ureeka

Coworking

Check out these locations for workspaces that double as meetups with other local founders. (This is just a snapshot of area spaces, but you can see a more detailed guide here.)

The indoor/outdoor office and event space at The Mark. (Courtesy photo)

• AdvantEdge: Downtown DC and Chevy Chase, DC
• Carr Workspaces: Multiple locations
• DC Workeries: K Street, NW
• District Offices: Multiple locations
• Eastern Foundry: Crystal City, Virginia 
• Hera Hub: Friendship Heights, DC
• I/O Spaces: Silver Spring, Maryland
• The Gathering Spot: Downtown DC
• The Mark: Shaw, DC
• Metro Offices: Multiple locations
• MakeOffices: Multiple locations
• Mindspace: Downtown DC
• O2: Rosslyn, Virginia
• Two Birds: Tenleytown, DC and Alexandria, VA
• WeWork: Multiple locations

Accelerators

Make yourself known to these orgs when you’re ready to find some seed funding, mentors and coaching for growth.

SEED SPOT’s 2020 Impact Accelerator cohort. (Courtesy photo)

• 2Gether International
• AWIS Accelerator
• Bethesda Green
• C5 Accelerate
• CivicStart
• Dcode
• Halcyon
• HERImpact DC
• Lease Accelerator
• MACH37
• Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator
• Maryland Internation Incubator
• Pax Momentum
• SEED SPOT
• Union Kitchen
• Workplacetech Accelerator

Pitch competitions

Get your face out there (and maybe even your big break) at these local events.

Winners of 2019’s Georgetown Entrepreneurship Bark Tank pitch event. (Photo via Georgetown)

• Bark Tank at Georgetown
• Black Girl Ventures DC
• Black Men Ventures
• Dolphin Tank
• Halcyon Angels
• Pivot Pitch at Georgetown
• Rocket Pitch at the College of William and Mary

Funding

Finally, find the financial boost you’ve been seeking. (Check out our full guide to DMV venture capital firms here.)

1863 Ventures graduated its 5th cohort of its Emerge program Fall 2018.

• 1863 Ventures
• Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (formerly CIT)
• Dingman Center Angels
• EverGlade: The DC consulting firm has a new program to help pandemic response startups find funding.
• Georgetown Angel Investor Network
• Maryland Momentum Fund
• MassLight
• Revolution
• Springboard Enterprises
• TEDCO
• UM Ventures from the University of Maryland Fund
• Plus, follow our Money Moves columns to see the latest on where other startups are finding their funds.

Know of more resources we’re missing here? Drop us a line at dc@technical.ly.