Top Fast-Growing Washington D.C. Startups to Watch [2023]

Have you ever wondered who is on the list of companies with the highest growth rates in Washington D.C.?

You’re not alone.

There are hundreds of companies founded there, and it can be challenging to keep track of the hottest new startups.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 20 fast-growing startups in Washington D.C. that have top-tier venture capital funding.

Top 20 Fastest-Growing Startups In Washington D.C.

1) Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in salads and grain bowls that are simple, seasonal, and healthful.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Jonathan Neman, Nathaniel Ru, Nicolas Jammet
• Industries: Food and Beverage, Organic Food
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $478,595,000
• Number of funding rounds: 13
• Number of investors: 23

You can find their website here.

2) Prefect

Prefect is a workflow management solution that assists data teams in resolving data flow issues.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Jeremiah Lowin
• Industries: Big Data, Cloud Data Services, Data Integration, Open Source, Software
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $57,594,793
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 10

You can find their website here.

3) Morning Consult

Morning Consult is a multinational enterprise technology firm that provides smart data to help leaders make better decisions.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Alex Dulin, Kyle Dropp, Michael Ramlet
• Industries: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Consumer Research, Information Technology, Market Research
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $91,030,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

4) Mapbox

Mapbox is a platform for mobile and online applications that uses location data.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2010
• Founders: Bonnie Bogle, Eric Gundersen
• Industries: Automotive, Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Data Visualization, Enterprise Software, Location Based Services, Mapping Services, Open Source
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $334,175,000
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 10

You can find their website here.

5) FiscalNote

FiscalNote delivers predictive analytics on government data using artificial intelligence and big data to estimate its impact.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Chris Brummer, Gerald Yao, Jonathan Chen, Tim Hwang
• Industries: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Government, GovTech, Predictive Analytics
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $210,231,500
• Number of funding rounds: 14
• Number of investors: 54

You can find their website here.

6) Hydrosat

Hydrosat is a satellite data company that transforms satellite pictures into useful goods for agriculture and related industries.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Jakob Van Zyl, Pieter Fossel, Royce Dalby, Yunjin Kim
• Industries: Aerospace, AgTech, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Geospatial, Information Services, Machine Learning
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $10,623,002
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 11

You can find their website here.

7) Vox Media

Vox Media is an online media publishing organization that specializes in influencing editorial properties and premium advertising.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2003
• Founders: Jerome Armstrong, Markos Moulitsas, Tyler Bleszinski
• Industries: Advertising Platforms, Digital Media, Internet, Journalism, Lifestyle, Sports
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $307,632,220
• Number of funding rounds: 9
• Number of investors: 11

You can find their website here.

8) The Mentor Method

The Mentor Method reimagines the mentor/protégée relationship to address the critical shortage of authentic female mentorship.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Janice Omadeke
• Industries: Communities, Internet
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $1,025,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

9) Nexford University

A cutting-edge online institution that gives students access to high-quality, affordable, and dynamic education.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Fadl Al Tarzi
• Industries: Continuing Education, Corporate Training, Higher Education, STEM Education, Universities
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $18,100,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

10) Arcadia

Arcadia is a home energy platform that offers both clean energy and cost savings.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Kiran Bhatraju, Ryan Nesbitt
• Industries: Clean Energy, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $70,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 16

You can find their website here.

11) UrbanStems

UrbanStems is an on-demand flower delivery service provided by an online gifting firm.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Ajay Kori, Chetan Shenoy, Jeff Sheely, Jereme Holiman, Scott Simpson
• Industries: E-Commerce, Flowers, Gift Card, Local
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $47,200,000
• Number of funding rounds: 10
• Number of investors: 16

You can find their website here.

12) Full Measure Education

Full Measure Education assists students in enrolling, completing, and obtaining a family-sustaining job.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Greg Davies, Robert Abraham
• Industries: EdTech, Education, Higher Education, Knowledge Management, Mobile, PaaS
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $15,620,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 2

You can find their website here.

13) Optoro

Optoro is a technology firm that helps businesses liquidate returned, overstock, and damaged-box merchandise.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2010
• Founders: Adam Vitarello, Tobin Moore
• Industries: E-Commerce, Logistics, Retail, Retail Technology, Software, Supply Chain Management
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $244,400,000
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 14

You can find their website here.

14) Pie Insurance

Pie Insurance is an insurtech that provides small businesses with workers’ compensation insurance.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Dax Craig, John Swigart
• Industries: Insurance, InsurTech, Small and Medium Businesses
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $306,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

15) EVERFI

EVERFI is an education technology startup that gives real-world education to students of all ages.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2008
• Founders: Jon Chapman, Ray Martinez, Tom Davidson
• Industries: EdTech, Education, Internet, Software
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $251,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 16

You can find their website here.

16) NPR

NPR is a multiplatform news organization and producer of radio programs that transmits national and international news.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 1970
• Founders: Doug Mitchell, Fabian Pfortmüller
• Industries: Broadcasting, Digital Media, News
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $21,700,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 2

You can find their website here.

17) Securrency

Securrency is a financial technology company that specializes in tokenized securities issuance and trading.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Dan Doney, John Hensel, Ron Poe
• Industries: Blockchain, Financial Services, FinTech, Trading Platform
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $64,450,000
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 10

You can find their website here.

18) LearnZillion

LearnZillion offers curricular materials for the new digital and print standards to instructors.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Alix Guerrier, Eric Westendorf
• Industries: E-Learning, EdTech, Education
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $32,450,907
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 11

You can find their website here.

19) &pizza

&pizza is a pizza company that also sells craft beers.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2012
• Founders: Michael Lastoria, Steve Salis
• Industries: Food and Beverage, Food Delivery, Food Processing, Snack Food
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $79,200,000
• Number of funding rounds: 9
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

20) ChurnZero

Customer success platform for SaaS and subscription enterprises, ChurnZero.

Details of the startup:

• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Mark Heys, You Mon Tsang
• Industries: Enterprise Software, SaaS, Software
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $34,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

FAQs

What Is The Average Investment In Washington D.C.?

The average startup investment in Washington D.C. is $1.5 million.

Is Washington D.C. A Good State To Start A Business?

Washington, D.C. is not a state, but it is a good place to start a business. The District has a strong economy and is home to many businesses. There are many resources available to help businesses get started and grow.

How Many Startups Are There In Washington D.C.?

As of 2018, there are an estimated 3,000 startups in Washington D.C.