The National Venture Capital Association recently ranked Charlottesville as the fastest-growing venture capital ecosystem in the United States.According to the organization, venture funding in Charlottesville increased from $250,000 in 2010 to $27.7 million in 2015.
The main reason for this astonishing growth is the cornerstone of the Charlottesville community, the University of Virginia.
There are 9 leading companies that were recipients of the $27.7 million, and 6 of the 9 worked with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group to launch and grow their businesses using research from the University.
Another tool UVA has is the i.Lab, a competitive business incubator that offers coaching, workshops and a flourishing community of innovators. The i.Lab’s accelerator program is open to students and faculty, as well as anyone in the Charlottesville community. This program includes a workspace, grant funding, intensive guidance and support for budding entrepreneurs.
The UVA Health System is another key supporter of Charlottesville’s start-up culture.
It is exciting to see the incredible ideas, products, and companies that have been born from these initiatives and programs, and to see these dreams come to life to help the community of Charlottesville and beyond!
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