DC Startup Week
Join the DMV’s Largest Startup & Tech Conference and Community
Yellow AI Summary
DC Startup Week, held annually in Washington D.C. across multiple venues, is a five-day event designed to cultivate the region's startup ecosystem by connecting over 10,000 early and growth-stage founders, investors, and industry leaders. The program features practical workshops, focused discussions on topics like AI and Government Tech, and high-quality networking opportunities with key figures from organizations such as Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures and Ingeborg Investments. Now in its tenth year, DC Startup Week offers a distinctive, roll-up-your-sleeves environment for navigating the evolving DC innovation landscape.
Yellow Score Breakdown
Yellow's Take
With over 10,000 attendees and a speaker lineup boasting industry leaders like TED LEONSIS and Myra Norton, this event is a prime hub for B2B marketers targeting the dynamic startup and VC ecosystem in D.C. The strong audience quality and industry focus create significant networking potential, though a lack of readily available exhibitor pricing information is a notable gap for potential sponsors. This event is a high-value proposition for those looking to connect with early and growth-stage founders, emerging tech professionals, and investors.
Attendee/Press Sentiment
Attendee Feedback Sentiment
Press Reviews Sentiment
“DC Startup Week is truly a unique opportunity to make yourself exposed to new adventures experience unlike no other in the DC ecosystem.”
Press Reviews
“DC Startup Week wasn't overly hype-y; it wasn't empty 'rah-rah' — it was a practical, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere with high-quality networking.”
“This 10-year milestone represents a decade of connecting startups with capital allocators across AI and Emerging Tech.”
“DC has evolved into a vibrant hub for technology, entrepreneurship and creativity — from breakthroughs in AI to the intersection of innovation and government.”
“Every day was full of high-quality speakers, smaller meetings, and hallway conversations that were just as valuable as the main sessions.”
“Leaders in technology and startups shared their advice on entrepreneurship, AI, and building a resilient innovation ecosystem during DCSTW.”
“I went a couple of times, my opinion is that it is for people looking for funding, if you are not trying to fund a startup it may be less valuable.”
“In 2026, health and biotech still dominate the list, with companies building both hardware and software — defense and national security remain key.”
“Startup and Tech Week surpassed 9,000 registrants in 2025. Over 20% of attendees came from outside the region.”
“And it worked. The ripple effects are everywhere. The magic is in that moment when a first-time founder realizes they're not alone.”
Topics
Speakers
Myra Norton
Head of Innovation, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Anna Mason
Managing Partner, Ingeborg Investments
Paul Allen
Founder, Soar
Ximena Gates
CEO, BuildWithin
Melissa Bradley
Founder & CEO, New Majority Ventures
Michelle Urben
Managing and General Partner, Synergos Fund
TED LEONSIS
Founder & CEO, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Laura Modi
Founder & CEO, Bobbie
Past Speakers (2024)
Maha Abouelenein
Author, The 7 Rules of Self Reliance
Seth Goldman
Co-Founder, Honest Tea and Eat the Change
Kiran Bhatraju
CEO, Arcadia
Aisha Bowe
Founder and CEO, STEMBoard
Paul Allen
Founder, Ancestry.com and CEO, Soar AI
Steve Salis
Co-Founder, &pizza
Exhibitor & Booth Pricing
No exhibitor pricing found for this event.
Coupons
Sources: Arlington Economic Development
Coupons may have expired or changed. Verify with official sources.
Sponsors
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