1776 Challenge Cup semifinalists announced [Startup Roundup]

WHO’S MAKING MOVES?

Union Kitchen and Shaw-based Compass Coffee are teaming up behind Made in DC, a nonprofit that will back local food ventures. The new organization is raising $10,000 on Kiva Zip.
Impact Hub DC’s founding director Max Harper is being replaced by new managing director Beth Flores, who previously worked as special assistant to the chief of staff at the Pentagon. Also, check out the space’s upcoming Rebuilding Re-entry Demo Day.
Cvent has acquired Atlanta-based SignUp4, a direct competitor, the Washington Business Journal reports.
Herndon cybersecurity accelerator MACH37 has opened up applications for its fall 2015 cohort.
D.C.-based Danaher is planning to acquire Pall, a water filtration company based in New York state, and then split into two publicly-traded companies. The New York Times has the details.

WHO’S GETTING FUNDED?

1776 and its recent partnership with Montgomery County were profiled in the Washington City Paper. One of the takeaways is that the incubator, which has recently expanded with two acquisitions, is receiving money from Montgomery as part of the deal.
A mysterious new company based out of Fairfax called OB1 Co has raised $1 million, according to an SEC filing. We’re told a public announcement will follow soon.
D.C.’s Museum of Science Fiction is raising $7,500 on Kickstarter to open a “Future of Travel” exhibit at the Reagan National Airport.

WHO’S GETTING BUZZ?

Lanham, Md.-based Optoro ranked #38 on CNBC’s “Disruptor 50 companies” ranking.
Vienna-based Bricata and Silver Spring-based Mercaris both won $100,000 grants in the 2015 InvestMaryland Challenge, leading the Defense & Security and Sustainability & Exploration categories, respectively.
Following the news Tuesday of Verizon’s plans to buy AOL, the Washington Post wrote a sort of obituary about the company and its impact on the local economy. But hey, looking on the bright side, the acquisition seems like good news for Baltimore.
The 1776 Challenge Cup semifinalists have been announced: cheers to Unima and Reliefwatch in the health category; BaseTrace and Radiator Labs in the energy & sustainability category; and Cognotion and Handsfree Learning, in the education category. Finals are this Saturday, May 16.