It was great to see so many of you at DC Startup & Tech Week. I learned a ton, and excited to incorporate insights into upcoming articles. Stay tuned. 

DC saw a bonkers amount of venture capital flow through the region last quarter, but 40% of it came from one raise. I spoke to VC experts to help interpret what that portends for the ecosystem. Meanwhile, defense tech companies keep moving to the DMV. Keep scrolling to get the details on two HQ openings and other local power moves. 

Election Day is quickly approaching, and if you haven't yet voted in Virginia, check out my guide to where the candidates for governor stand on tech and business issues.

Speaking of voting, nominations are open for the 2025 Technical.ly Awards! We have some new categories, like Emerging Entrepreneur and Thought Leader of the Year. Who do you want to see recognized? Nominate now.

—  Kaela, Technical.ly lead reporter in DC and Virginia

Late-stage firms dominate $1.9B in Q3 deals

Companies in the DMV accrued $1.9 billion across 80 deals in the third quarter of 2025, a spike from the second quarter, according to the latest quarterly data.

Most of the top deals reported were large, late-stage investments — including a staggering $779 million for nuclear firm X-Energy — which signals that investors are still highly selective, per Jeff Reid, founding director of the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative. 

“It’s encouraging headline data, but founders shouldn’t read too much into it,” Reid told me. “Early-stage startups in DC will still need to work hard to differentiate themselves.” Continue reading ... 

Power in proximity

White House demolitions and persistent patrols of the National Guard aren’t stopping defense technology companies from moving their headquarters to the DC region. 

IT contractor Saalex unveiled its new offices in the city after moving from Southern California, and drone firm Heven AeroTech announced a new HQ in Sterling. Get the details on this and other C-suite and executive hires in my latest Power Moves. Continue reading ...