From startups to large companies, DC is a full-fledged tech hub—fixing government headaches and disrupting how we shop, eat and bank.
JLL research director Scott Homa points out several trends: Younger startups are gravitating downtown, creating a larger tech community in DC; incubators like 1776 (where 200 tech startups are based) and shared office spaces are also creating micro hubs where startups can get short-term leases; and government contractors and larger commercial tech firms are still gravitating to ‘burbs like the Reston-Herndon corridor, where they get access to large-block space and access to a more experienced labor pool. This fancy heat map helps show clusters downtown in Farragut Square, Dupont Circle, throughout the CBD and East End to Chinatown. It shows pockets like Georgetown starting to bubble up. Here are the top clusters in our region:
1. Digital DC Tech Opportunity Corridor
Leading tech tenants: Tahzoo, Riide, Landmark, Aquicore, Azert, EventKloud, Vino Lovers, Flexspot and MyMuzik
Location: From Petworth to Mount Vernon Square
Neighborhood amenities: Companies located in the tech corridor or moving there within six months were eligible for Digital Tech Fund grants. The funds have since dried up, but the District may create a new pot for future grants.
What’s happening here: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she’s interested in promoting the corridor, but hasn’t given details yet. Stay tuned.
Photo: Aquicore cutting the ribbon on its new HQ in February.
2. Georgetown
Leading tech tenants: Everfi, Rally Health, Palantir Technologies and Eastbanc Technologies
Neighborhood amenities: On the water, loads of restaurants and retail, quick access to Northern Virginia, and surrounded by two universities—Georgetown and GW.
What’s happening here: Scott says Georgetown had been a forgotten market for most of the past decade, but tech companies are realizing its unique buildings and its water views create a vastly different experience than downtown. Tech companies are even forgoing Metro access for the vibe of Georgetown.
Photo: Inside Everfi’s HQ
Click here to see the rest of the DC region's tech hubs.
