Washington DC Startup Community
Founders Network wants to help write more success stories in the Washington DC startup ecosystem. Based in Silicon Valley, Founders Network is a globally connected community of passionate Founders looking to help each other. As DC’s Founders find their fit next to the traditional nature of D.C., they can always find a helping hand as a member of Founders Network.
Nominee Preview Q&A
A live Zoom for nominated founders: how Founders Network works, what happens next, and open Q&A.
Upcoming Washington DC events
No Washington DC events open to guests are on the calendar right now. The Nominee Preview Q&A above is the best way to meet us, or browse every upcoming Founders Network event.
Our Local Leadership Team
I'm a startup founder and Amazon veteran with 13+ years of international experience in supply chain, operations, and climate. I previously co-founded Linnai, a bootstrapped e-commerce company that I ran for 8+ years. Currently, I'm a co-founder of Carbon3, a climate tech startup focused on supply chain decarbonization. I also have a PhD in History of Science.
Recovering management consultant turned social entrepreneur using my superpowers to develop healthcare products to improve health equity.
The Washington DC startup scene
DC-area startups raised $5.4 billion in 2025, close to the region's decade-high venture total, according to Technical.ly's 2025 funding review.
The money came from 323 deals, about 25% fewer than four years earlier, and energy and defense led. Nuclear power company X-Energy alone accounted for 26% of annual funding. In the 2025 Startup Genome report, the region ranked No. 17 globally and No. 8 in North America.
Founders Network in Washington DC
Founders Network is a peer mentorship community for tech startup founders. Membership is selective and by invitation, and founders request an invitation to join.
Members get mentorship from other founders, chapter events, and introductions to investors and to founders across a global network. The Washington DC chapter is run by volunteer member leaders, shown on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Washington DC a good place to start a startup?
DC-area startups raised $5.4 billion in 2025, and the region ranked No. 17 in Startup Genome's 2025 global report. Funding is concentrated in fewer, larger deals, with energy and defense leading.
What industries are strongest in Washington DC?
In 2025, energy and defense companies dominated DC-area deal activity, including nuclear power and geospatial analytics.
How do I meet other founders in Washington DC?
Founders Network members meet at chapter events and through peer mentorship with other founders. Upcoming Washington DC chapter events are listed on this page.
What startup events are in Washington DC?
Founders Network hosts chapter events for founders in Washington DC, and the upcoming ones are listed on this page.
How do I join Founders Network in Washington DC?
Membership is selective and by invitation. You can request an invitation and our team will review it.
Get an invitation to the community.
Founders Network is an invite-only peer mentorship community for tech startup founders. Drop your email — we'll take it from there.
No spam. We review every request individually.