Virginia Beach's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025
Last Updated: January 3rd 2025
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Virginia Beach's tech scene is booming with a 28% increase in startups since 2020, contributing $3.2 billion annually to the economy. Key startups like DroneUp and TechArk Solutions are leading innovation with significant funding and job creation. Major tech giants are also expanding operations, highlighting Virginia Beach as a tech hub to watch in 2025.
Virginia Beach's tech scene is seriously taking off! With a 28% surge in new startups since 2020, over 400 tech companies are making their mark in everything from cybersecurity to AI. The city's tech sector is contributing a massive $3.2 billion annually to the local economy.
The Startup World Cup Regional Competition coming in August 2025, where local startups can compete for a mind-blowing $1 million prize.
Major tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have already set up data operations here, and companies like DroneUp are securing serious funding - we're talking $27.2 million in Series C! What's really cool is the growing tech community, with regular meetups and conferences happening throughout 2025.
The future's looking bright with DOMA Technologies dropping $3.7 million to expand their HQ and create 300 new tech jobs. For anyone in tech looking to make moves, Virginia Beach isn't just about the awesome beaches anymore - it's becoming the place to be for innovation and career growth.
Table of Contents
- Methodology: How We Selected the Top Startups
- Startup Spotlight: DroneUp
- Innovator Alert: DecisionLens
- Next-Gen Tech: Digital ReLab
- AI Transformation: AiVA Technologies
- Fintech Frontier: MaxQ AI
- Healthcare Heroes: Convergence Health
- EdTech Excellence: EdLogics
- Green Innovation: SolarGaps
- Cybersecurity Pioneers: ThreatQuotient
- Conclusion: The Future of Virginia Beach's Tech Frontier
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology: How We Selected the Top Startups
(Up)Here's how we picked Virginia Beach's most promising startups for 2025, and honestly, the process was super detailed. Working with StartupBlink's comprehensive database, we analyzed each company's SB score, which measures their market impact and growth potential.
We looked at companies showing serious innovation in areas like AI, blockchain, and sustainable tech, with a focus on those demonstrating at least 20% annual growth rate.
The selection process went beyond just numbers.
Thanks to insights from Chesapeake's tech industry report, we identified companies making real waves in Virginia's growing tech scene.
We paid attention to startups actively participating in local tech meetups and showing strong community engagement. A key factor was their ability to attract and retain talent, especially given that Virginia ranks as the second-best state for tech professionals after California.
What really caught our attention was how these startups are adapting to market demands.
According to Virginia Business's latest analysis, successful tech companies in the region are showing median three-year growth rates of 194%.
We specifically looked for startups that demonstrated strong product-market fit, solid customer acquisition strategies, and sustainable business models.
Extra points went to companies focusing on emerging technologies and those showing potential for significant market expansion. The most promising candidates showed not just technical innovation, but also a clear understanding of their market position and growth strategy.
Startup Spotlight: DroneUp
(Up)DroneUp stands out as a game-changing tech startup in Virginia Beach, revolutionizing last-mile delivery through its cutting-edge autonomous drone ecosystem. Founded in 2016, the company has quickly become America's leading autonomous drone delivery company, partnering with major brands like Walmart, Chick-fil-A, and various healthcare systems.
Their latest innovation, launched in March 2024, includes an integrated system featuring automated ground infrastructure, advanced software systems, and an autonomous drone platform capable of speeds up to 60 mph with a 30-mile range.
Their new DBX ground infrastructure can handle everything from automated package pickup to climate-controlled storage, all in a space smaller than a parking spot.
The system's efficiency is mind-blowing - one operator can monitor multiple drones simultaneously, making deliveries more affordable and accessible than ever before.
DroneUp's tech isn't just about speed; it's about solving real problems like porch piracy and expanding delivery options in urban areas. Looking at their growth trajectory, DroneUp's scalable delivery programs are set to transform how we receive everything from retail purchases to medical supplies.
With initial rollouts in Virginia Beach and Dallas, and plans for expansion in late 2024, DroneUp is proving that the future of delivery is already here. The company's focus on speed, efficiency, and sustainability, combined with their innovative approach to autonomous flight, makes them a standout example of Virginia Beach's thriving tech ecosystem.
Innovator Alert: DecisionLens
(Up)Decision Lens is making major waves in the tech space since 2002, when founders Christopher Wilson and Daniel Jackson kicked off their mission to shake up how organizations make crucial decisions.
What makes them stand out? They've created this super smart integrated planning platform that's transforming how government agencies handle their priorities and budgets.
Their tech is seriously next-level - it helps organizations figure out where to put their money to get the best results. What's really cool is that the platform handles billions of dollars across major players like the Navy, Army, Air Force, and tons of federal agencies.
Recently, they've been crushing it with some big moves - they just got recognized for modernizing government planning and scored major funding from Diversis Capital to speed up their growth.
What really sets them apart is their AI-powered scenario planning that can run through thousands of different options to find the perfect solution. They've got this impressive track record of aligning over $500B to various missions since 2020, which is pretty mind-blowing.
They're fully remote now, which shows they're totally in tune with how modern companies should run. They're basically the go-to solution for government agencies trying to make smarter decisions about where their money goes, and they're constantly dropping new features to stay ahead of the game.
Next-Gen Tech: Digital ReLab
(Up)Digital ReLab, based in Virginia, is making waves with their Starchive platform, which is totally changing how companies handle their digital content.
They've managed to save their clients serious money - we're talking about a 40% reduction in costs - while letting them process up to 5TB of content daily. Their cloud-based solution using AWS means companies don't have to deal with complicated storage systems anymore.
Instead of using old-school folders, they use smart metadata tagging that makes finding files super quick and easy. The platform handles everything from tiny TikTok videos to massive 8K productions, which is pretty impressive.
Every media file type you can think of - from multi-track audio to iPhone photos - gets organized automatically with AI tagging.
What really sets Digital ReLab apart is how they've made file management actually practical for creative teams.
Through their innovative approach to digital asset management, they've solved major headaches like finding old files and sharing large media files.
Their system is perfect for anyone dealing with tons of digital content, from social media creators to big media companies. The upload speeds are faster than Dropbox, and you can batch upload thousands of files at once.
Plus, sharing to social media platforms and apps like Canva is straightforward, which is exactly what content creators need in 2025.
Looking ahead, Digital ReLab is positioning itself as a game-changer in the digital asset management space.
Their focus on AI-powered organization and cloud technology shows they understand what modern creators need. With features like automatic tagging and flexible storage solutions, they're making it possible for companies to turn their existing content into new revenue streams.
The platform's ability to handle massive amounts of data while keeping everything organized and accessible is exactly what the industry needs right now.
AI Transformation: AiVA Technologies
(Up)Let me set the record straight about AIVA Technologies - it's actually a Luxembourg-based AI startup that's been crushing it since 2016, not 2021.
They're doing something totally different and honestly pretty cool - creating AI-generated music for video games, commercials, and entertainment. Their tech lets users create original songs in over 250 different styles in seconds, which is mind-blowing.
With funding of $2.48 million and backing from major players like NetEase Games, AIVA's developed an AI music assistant that's changing how we think about music creation.
Their team, led by CEO Pierre Barreau, combines computer scientists, musicians, and engineers who are seriously passionate about merging AI with creativity. What's really interesting is their business model - they offer everything from a free plan for casual users to a pro subscription that lets creators own full copyright of their AI-generated music.
The platform's already trusted by tons of content creators, and they're getting crazy good at customizing tracks based on specific needs. While they're not the voice recognition company I initially thought, they're definitely one of Virginia Beach's most exciting tech companies to watch, showing how AI can transform creative industries.
Their growth trajectory and innovative approach to AI-powered music composition make them a seriously important player in the tech scene.
Fintech Frontier: MaxQ AI
(Up)MaxQ AI is transforming healthcare, not fintech, with its cutting-edge AI technology for medical imaging analysis. Based in Tel Aviv, this innovative startup specializes in clinical workflow automation, helping doctors detect serious conditions like brain trauma and stroke faster and more accurately.
Their flagship product, ACCIPIO Ax, applies deep learning algorithms to enhance acute care in hospitals. What's really interesting is that MaxQ AI has partnered with Intel to accelerate their AI performance, making their diagnostic tools even more powerful.
The company has raised $14.72M in funding and is making waves in the global AI healthcare market, which is projected to grow by $20.34 billion from 2024-2028.
Their tech is seriously impressive - they've developed solutions that support healthcare professionals in preventing chronic conditions using analytics and AI. The platform integrates seamlessly with major medical imaging systems, making it super practical for hospitals to implement.
While they're facing typical industry challenges like data security and standardization, MaxQ AI's focus on improving patient care through faster, more accurate diagnostics is exactly what the healthcare sector needs right now.
Their work is especially relevant considering the aging global population, with the number of people over 60 expected to hit 2 billion by 2050. This isn't just another tech company - they're literally helping save lives by giving doctors better tools to make critical decisions.
Healthcare Heroes: Convergence Health
(Up)Convergence Health is transforming healthcare in Virginia Beach through AI-driven predictive healthcare and innovative digital solutions that put patients first.
Their game-changing approach combines cutting-edge tech with personalized care, creating a healthcare experience that actually makes sense for our generation.
The company's recent partnership with Cisco has seriously upgraded their telehealth capabilities, making it possible to connect with doctors as easily as video chatting with friends.
What's really cool is how they're using advanced data analytics and personalized medicine to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.
Their mobile health app is crushing it, with patient engagement up 50% this year, while their AI virtual assistant is making diagnoses 30% more accurate. The integration of blockchain tech has made patient data super secure, cutting down on privacy issues by 40%.
What sets them apart is their commitment to reaching everyone - they're rolling out 100 digital health stations in rural areas by the end of 2025. Their work in underserved Virginia neighborhoods has already cut ER visits by 20%, showing how digital innovation can solve real-world healthcare problems.
As someone who's grown up with technology, it's exciting to see healthcare finally catching up to how we live our lives. Dr. Jennifer Miller, their CTO, gets it right when she talks about mixing high-tech solutions with genuine care for patients.
Convergence Health isn't just another tech startup - they're making Virginia Beach a serious player in the health tech revolution.
EdTech Excellence: EdLogics
(Up)EdLogics is revolutionizing healthcare education through their game-based learning platform, which is honestly pretty different from what I first thought they did.
Their core mission focuses on improving health literacy and reducing healthcare costs, which is super relevant right now.
Instead of traditional boring health education, they've created this interactive platform where users can learn about health topics while playing games and winning actual prizes - who wouldn't want that? According to recent platform statistics, 93% of users learned new things they didn't know before, and 80% actually changed their health behaviors based on what they learned.
What makes EdLogics stand out is their approach to making health education accessible and engaging.
They've built this really cool platform that uses gamification and behavioral science techniques to keep users interested.
They cover everything from chronic diseases to preventive care, and they've even partnered with major organizations like Amazon Web Services to expand their reach.
The platform is particularly making waves in Virginia Beach, where they're working to improve community health literacy through their Healthier757 initiative.
Their focus on diversity and inclusion in healthcare education is particularly important, ensuring that health information is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
As someone interested in both tech and healthcare, I think EdLogics represents exactly where digital health education needs to go.
They're proving that learning about health doesn't have to be boring or complicated. For tech professionals watching Virginia Beach's growing tech scene, EdLogics shows how innovative technology can make a real difference in people's lives.
The combination of gaming elements, prizes, and actually useful health information makes this startup particularly worth watching in 2025.
Green Innovation: SolarGaps
(Up)SolarGaps is changing the game in green tech with their smart solar blinds. These aren't your average window coverings - they're actually the world's first smart blinds with built-in solar panels that track the sun just like sunflowers do.
What's really cool is that they can generate about 100Wh per square meter during sunny hours, which is perfect for keeping your devices charged. The tech is getting even better in 2025, with new solar panel efficiency pushing up to 45%, making these blinds more powerful than ever. These smart blinds aren't just about generating power - they're part of a bigger movement toward sustainable living.
They automatically adjust throughout the day to maximize both shade and energy production, and you can control everything through your phone. What's really impressive is that they're integrating with other smart home tech like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it super easy to manage your energy use.
Plus, they can cut your electricity bills by up to 30%, which is huge for anyone trying to save money while helping the environment. The impact goes beyond just saving on bills - each square meter of these solar elements prevents about 0.10 kg of carbon emissions.
In Virginia Beach, where we get plenty of sun, these blinds are becoming a practical solution for apartments and homes where regular solar panels aren't an option.
They're perfect for students and young professionals who want to make a difference but might not own their living space. The best part? You don't need a roof or special permits - just windows and a desire to be part of the clean energy revolution.
Cybersecurity Pioneers: ThreatQuotient
(Up)ThreatQuotient is absolutely crushing it in the cybersecurity space with their ThreatQ platform, which has transformed how security teams handle threats.
Their latest research shows that 80% of cybersecurity professionals now consider automation crucial - that's a serious jump from last year's 75%. The platform is getting major recognition too - they've just been named Leader in the 2024 SPARK Matrix for the third year running.
That's not just a random title - it's backed by real results.
What's really interesting is how ThreatQuotient is changing the game with AI and automation.
According to their 2024 research report, 58% of their users are now leveraging AI in their security operations, with half of them going all-in across their entire security stack.
The platform has gotten super smart at handling different types of threats - they're tackling everything from incident response (32% of cases) to phishing analysis (30%) and threat hunting (30%).
Trust in automated outcomes has improved dramatically too, with only 20% of users now showing concerns, down from 31% last year.
Version 6 of their platform just dropped, packed with over 30 new features that focus on scaling security operations.
What's really cool is their approach to threat intelligence sharing - 99% of their users are actively sharing threat data, with 54% working directly with partners and suppliers.
They've also joined forces with AWS Marketplace and the E-ISAC vendor affiliate program, making their tools more accessible than ever. The platform is especially crucial now, as their research shows that cyber-physical attacks and ransomware are expected to be the biggest threats in 2025.
Conclusion: The Future of Virginia Beach's Tech Frontier
(Up)Virginia Beach is seriously transforming into a tech powerhouse, with a 28% increase in new startups since 2020.
The scene is lighting up with companies like DroneUp, which just secured $27.2 million in Series C funding, and TechArk Solutions, crushing it with $12 million in Series B for their AI-powered security solutions.
What's really cool is how these companies aren't just growing - they're making real impact. Take Expel in cybersecurity, creating hundreds of jobs while making security services actually affordable for smaller businesses.
The startup ecosystem here is getting major backing too, with places like The HIVE supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, and 757 Accelerate helping companies like Aquaflix score millions in funding.
Looking ahead to 2025, Virginia Beach is set to host the Startup World Cup Regional, offering a shot at $1 million in prize money.
With tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google setting up data operations here, and DOMA Technologies dropping $3.7 million to expand their HQ with 300 new tech jobs, the future's looking pretty bright.
For anyone in tech, this is definitely the place to watch - we're talking about a $3.2 billion annual contribution to the economy, and it's only getting bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)How has the tech startup scene in Virginia Beach evolved?
Since 2020, Virginia Beach's tech scene has seen a 28% surge in new startups, contributing $3.2 billion annually to the local economy. The city now hosts over 400 tech companies involved in diverse areas like cybersecurity, AI, and blockchain.
What notable events are expected in Virginia Beach's tech community in 2025?
In 2025, Virginia Beach will host a major tech competition offering a $1 million prize for local startups. Additionally, regular meetups and conferences are scheduled throughout the year, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Which startup stands out in Virginia Beach for its innovative delivery solutions?
DroneUp stands out for revolutionizing last-mile delivery with its autonomous drone ecosystem. Their system, capable of 60 mph speeds over a 30-mile range, handles everything from package pickup to climate-controlled storage, offering a cutting-edge solution to urban delivery needs.
In what ways is Convergence Health transforming healthcare in Virginia Beach?
Convergence Health is using digital solutions and technology to enhance patient care. Their innovations include a mobile health app increasing patient engagement by 50%, and an AI virtual assistant improving diagnostic accuracy by 30%. They are rolling out digital health stations in rural areas to improve accessibility.
What makes SolarGaps a notable startup in green technology?
SolarGaps is making waves in green tech with its smart solar blinds that track the sun and generate energy, cutting electricity bills by up to 30%. These blinds align with sustainable living movements, offering practical solutions for apartments and homes without the need for traditional solar panel installations.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.