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United States of America
Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Washington, DC

Join our exciting venture as a VC startup scout in Washington, DC! Unlock unique networking opportunities and gain industry insights while discovering the next big thing in the startup scene.

About

Washington, D.C. is an emerging hub for startups, with a growing community of entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, and governmental initiatives designed to support startup growth.

One of the success stories is that of LivingSocial, a local deals site founded in Washington D.C. in 2007. It grew to a billion-dollar valuation at its peak, showcasing the potential for high-tech growth in the D.C. region.

On the venture capital front, there are several VC firms located in the D.C. area that have made successful investments. For example, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) have been part of the D.C.'s venture capital scene for decades, acting as early backers of successful companies such as Salesforce and Workday.

D.C. also hosts several incubators and accelerators like 1776 and Techstars DC to support and mentor startups. In addition to these, governmental initiatives like the Inclusive Innovation Fund have also been established to support startups. This is a $2.5 million fund focused on supporting startups from underrepresented entrepreneurs.

In terms of particularities, the presence of federal government can be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for startups in the region. It can offer unique opportunities for companies with government-related solutions. For example, startups aiming to develop products for the healthcare, defense, and education sectors can have access to a unique pot of potential clients.

Finally, D.C.โ€™s vibrant ecosystem has not only bred success but also created a pool of successful founders and investors who are committed to nurturing the next generation of startups. A prime example is Ted Leonsis, a former AOL executive and current owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards. Leonsis is the founder of Revolution Growth, a venture capital firm based in D.C.

As a Scout, You Can...

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Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Are you interested in investment opportunities coming out of Washington, DC? Receive dealflow from a variety of individuals, startups, and innovations right in your inbox. Sign up now to start investing in City opportunities.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

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Podcaster

Do you interview founders &ย startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview โ†’

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Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next toโ†’

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Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event โ†’

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Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHDย student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university โ†’

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