The Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, or DMV, area is a hub of thriving startup companies. This has become so apparent that there are many investors who have focused on that area in order to help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground sooner. There many well-known startups from the DMV area and here's a smidgen of information on 10 of them.
- LivingSocial, a D.C. based startup, is responsible for LivingSocial Deals. This service allows participants to enjoy up to 90% off at spas, restaurants, sporting events, concerts and various local businesses in major cities. During a time when everyone is looking for a deal, this business shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
- Politico is an Arlington, VA startup that specializes in political news. This web news site compiles national political headlines, videos and punditry from U.S. News providers each day. The site began covering the 2008 election season and is still going strong today.
- The Motley Fool is rooted in Alexandria, VA. These DMV area, media entrepreneurs focus on doling out investment pointers and information on finance.
- Wirefly.com decided to get in on the cell phone market. This Reston, VA company sells cell phones and cell phone plans online. These entrepreneurs make a cell phone upgrade less of a hassle by offering cell phones and plans from various providers on one site.
- SB Nation, like many DMV area startups, sprouted out of Washington, D.C. This sports network is comprised of over 300 separate sports websites that are managed largely by part-time writers. They compile posts, aid dialogue and respond to comments.
- Jobfox is a job search site that allows the job seekers to be scouted through their profiles. These Mclean, VA entrepreneurs offer text messaging when a profile is viewed by a potential employer, employer-employee matches and a no scam policy. This DMV area company ensures that only legitimate employers are perusing employee profiles.
- The well-watched Travel Channel began as a Chevy Chase, MD startup. This travel entertainment network was acquired by Scripps Networks in 2009 and is still on cable and digital television lineups today.
- Webs.com, based in the DMV area, is a service that allows users to create their own websites for business or pleasure. With over 300 templates to choose from, users are able to use the site building tools to make a site that suits their needs. This Silver Spring, MD company was acquired by VistaPrint in 2011.
- WeddingWire Inc is a leader among online marketplace startups. This Bethesda, MD service compiles information on over 150,00 wedding vendors in order to let engaged couples plan their own big day in a professional way. Best of all, this service is free.
- The DMV area's CustomInk provides custom T-shirt printing for groups of all sorts. This company is based in Mclean, VA and allows customers to have T-shirts printed for special events. Be it a family reunion, business retreat, or local sporting event, the entrepreneurs at CustomInk can help a group be easily marked.