VC in DC’s Post

Big thanks to Carta and Peter Walker for pulling together this deep dive on the #DC #startup and #venture landscape. Grateful to have data partners helping surface what many of us here already know: DC is building real momentum. 📈 VC in DC just wrapped our inaugural State of the Market event with nearly 100 GPs and we appreciate Peter and team for putting this report together for our group. Carta’s numbers show DC ranked # 9 nationally for venture capital raised in 2024, with $1.3–1.5B invested—outpacing Chicago and holding its own among top tech hubs. DC stands out in #SaaS, #healthtech, and #fintech, with #seed-stage SaaS valuations rivaling the Bay Area and New York. Early-stage deal activity is holding strong, especially in sectors where DC has a structural advantage. We’re seeing: • A surge in dual-use and defense tech • A wave of operator-led startups • More focused capital, fewer party rounds, and rising national interest 💡 Why it matters: DC isn’t just catching up—it’s carving out its own edge. From national security to public health to infrastructure, founders here are solving problems that matter. And they’re doing it with discipline, urgency, and increasingly, top-tier backing. Thanks again to Carta for helping shine a light on our region—and to everyone pushing this ecosystem forward. The momentum is real.