George Washington University entrepreneurship

George Washington University (GWU) is located in Washington, D.C., the political hub of the United States. GWU has been consistently successful in fostering a robust startup and venture capital ecosystem through its extensive support for entrepreneurial activities, networking and partnerships.

In relation to successful startups originating from GWU, Fortify is a notable example. Founded by alumni Karan Jain, Josh Choi, and Edrick D'Souza, Fortify provides tech companies with comprehensive tax services including reports and fillings. The venture has raised $2.5 million in seed funding and is part of the Y Combinator winter cohort for 2020.

On the venture capital front, CVP (CIT Gap Funds) is a prime instance. Managed by Tom Weithman, an alumnus of GWU, CVP has a prolific track record of investing in Virginia-based technology, life science, and clean energy companies.

In an effort to support and encourage its entrepreneurial culture, GWU has initiated several programs such as the New Venture Competition that offers students, staff, and alumni a platform to present their innovative business ideas. The highest ranked ventures are even allotted seed funds to help turn their visions into reality.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at GWU is another initiative that provides resources and organizes events for aspiring entrepreneurs. These include but are not limited to business plan competitions, innovation workshops, and mentorships.

Beyond these initiatives, George Washington University distinguishes itself with its location. In the heart of Washington D.C, it offers direct access to a vast network of government, private and non-profit organizations, offering a unique advantage for public policy-oriented startups.