2 days ago
DC weekly roundup: A largely local seed raise; feds overhaul AI safety group; DC's new neighborhood-level open data portal
Welcome to the weekly roundup of the latest from DC's tech and entrepreneurship scene. Want this in your inbox? Subscribe for free.
This week's newsletter features an exclusive on former DC RealLIST Startup Trustible's $4.6 million seed raise, largely backed by local funders (though you might recognize the ex-Google chief among its angel investors). In addition, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced some changes for a key AI safety group — including taking 'safety' out of its name.
What else should you know this week? Check out the roundup below.
• It's been a busy month in the DMV: Virginia Tech is launching an advanced computing institute at its recently opened in Alexandria and government contractor Tyto Athene acquired a fellow Northern Virginia tech company. [
• College Park's IonQ acquired fellow quantum firm Oxford Ionics in a transaction valued at $1.075 billion. [IonQ]
• DC launched a portal using its open data that ranks community safety, education, housing and more at a neighborhood level. [Open Data DC]
• Climate tech firm Hydrosat is set to launch its second satellite soon, following its first launch last summer. It'll be used to collect data about water supplies, droughts and vegetation health. [Hydrosat/
• Check out the key things you need to know if you are looking to sell your business. [
• Orange County, CA investment firm (hello to my hometown) Leonid Capital Partners is opening an office in DC, specifically in the new tech space known as Station DC. [Washington Biz Journal/
• The district is set to ban cellphones during school hours next school year. Speaking of kids using phones, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently signed a bill prohibiting cellphones in the state's public schools, and teens under 16 will be limited to one hour of social media use a day. Enforcement protocol remains unclear. [WTOP/Washingtonian]
• Montgomery County will grant Reston IT firm Powersolv $9,000 to relocate to Rockville. [MoCoShow]
• Cybersecurity issues, hacks and toxic leadership have plagued Prince George's County for years. [WTOP]
🗓️ On the Calendar
• On June 11, hear CEO Chris Wink and leaders in Pittsburgh discuss how elected officials and civil servants can improve local operations. [ Details here ]
• Learn about the space and defense industries at Seed2Table's next meetup on June 11. [ Details here ]
• Collaborate with civic technologists at Civic Tech DC 's next project night on June 11. [ Details here ]
• District Angels is hosting a graduation for its latest fellowship class and a round of lightning pitches on June 12. [ Details here ]
• Do you care about digital equity in DC? Attend the Digital Navigator Summit on June 13 at the MLK Library. [ Details here ]
• For introverts and ESL individuals: Learn how to ace your interview at a workshop on June 17 hosted by Women and Gender eXpansive Coders DC. [ Details here ]
• Curious about DOD SBIR/STTR program awards? Arlington Economic Development is hosting a workshop all about it on June 17. [ Details here ]
