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

Richard Wintsch

Executive Director



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Noelle James, Director of Startup Growth

Noelle James

Managing Director



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laura shibut headshot

Laura Shibut

Program Director



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verity ahlin headshot

Verity Ahlin

Operations Manager



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portrait of Morgan Evans

Morgan Evans

Communications and Program Manager



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Board of Directors

Utibe Bassey, Board Member

Utibe Bassey

VP Customer Experience, Dominion Energy


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Larry Eiben, Board Member

Larry Eiben

Co-Founder, Thirdline Capital


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Jamie Christensen, Board Member

Jamie Christensen

Innovation Director, Gannett Fleming


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Maria Pahuja headshot

Maria Pahuja

Board Chair


Founder, Vayas

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Portrait of Karen Booth Adams

Karen Booth Adams

Founding Board Member


CEO, Hot Technology Holdings

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Chandra Briggman

Chandra Briggman

Board Member


President & CEO, Activation Capital

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matt briggs headshot

Matt Briggs

Board Member


VP, Product Management, Capital One

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Krissy Gathright headshot

Krissy Gathright

Board Member


Board Member, Apple Hospitality REIT, Venture Investor

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arnold kim headshot

Arnold Kim

Board Member


Founder & Editor, MacRumors.com

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tom krieger headshot

Tom Krieger

Board Member


Principal, CapTech

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anne wilson headshot

Anne Wilson

Board Member


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.