WELCOME TO STARTUP VIRGINIA

LET'S GET STARTED.

Startup Virginia supports startups and innovators with an engaged community, holistic programs, targeted resources, and dynamic workspace to help them reach their full potential and positively impact Virginia’s economic landscape.

CREDIT: Romeo Company

Our Story

Startup Virginia (SVA) is a nonprofit high-growth business incubator and entrepreneurial hub where innovators can learn, collaborate, and grow. Our incubator serves startup companies that are supported by an expansive network of mentors, investors, corporate partners, and donors. SVA provides holistic programming and dynamic workspace to our member community, as well as free entrepreneurial education that is open to all. By helping entrepreneurs reach their full potential, we are driving innovation and strengthening our region’s economy.

The organization was founded in 2016 by like-minded entrepreneurs deeply invested in Richmond’s innovation ecosystem. In a region of more than four million people between Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and the Tidewater area, they saw an opportunity to create an incubator focused on helping high-growth, scalable companies. This organization would centralize and better serve the needs of entrepreneurs, investors, and the community at large.

Our Team


Richard Wintsch

Executive Director



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Noelle James

Managing Director



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Laura Shibut

Program Director



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Kip Hart

Startup Engagement Manager



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Morgan Evans

Marketing and Program Manager



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Lindsay Wood

Operations Manager



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Board of Directors

Matt Briggs


VP, Product Management, Capital One

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Utibe Bassey


President, Customer Experience, Dominion Energy

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Chandra Briggman


President & CEO, Activation Capital

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Sydney Davis


Managing Director, Brand Management, Capital One

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Larry Eiben


Co-Founder and Managing Director, Thirdline Capital

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Krissy Gathright


Board Member, Apple Hospitality REIT, Venture Investor

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Arnold Kim


Founder & Editor, MacRumors.com

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Tom Krieger


Principal, CapTech

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Heidi Nel


Chief Operating Officer, New Theory Ventures

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Maria Pahuja


Head of Partnerships, Vimeo

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Anne Wilson


VP Marketing and Brand Strategy, Aeroflow Health

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Community Resources

We are proud to be part of an energetic community that provides access, exposure and opportunities to local entrepreneurs and startups at any stage.

Activation Capital logo

Activation Capital is an incubator for Richmond’s innovation ecosystem.

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Build RVA is a community makerspace and product incubator.

CAV Angels logo

CAV Angels is an angel group of UVA Alumni funding exciting startups.

Chamber RVA logo

ChamberRVA is a member-based nonprofit devoted to the region's success.

Dominion Resources Innovation Center logo

The Dominion Energy Innovation Center is a stem tech startup providing coworking space and resources.

Hatch Kitchen RVA logo

Hatch Kitchen RVA is a commercial kitchen and incubator, helping to grow businesses faster and smarter.​

Jackson Ward Collective logo

The Jackson Ward Collective is a hub that connects Black business owners to each other and to resources that can help our businesses thrive.

lighthouse labs logo

Lighthouse Labs is the premier and nationally recognized Seed-Stage Accelerator in Virginia.

Metropolitan Business League logo

The Metropolitan Business League is a nonprofit association that fosters business development and expansion for small, women- and minority-owned businesses.

NRV logo

New Richmond Ventures is a venture capitalist group advancing creativity and innovation in Richmond.

SCORE logo

SCORE is a premier volunteer, nonprofit providing free small business advice.

Trolley Ventures logo

Trolley Ventures is a venture capitalist group that supports early-stage companies in Central Virginia.

Virginia Council of CEOs logo

The Virginia Council of CEOs is a member-based network that connects CEOs for learning and growth.