Is Virginia Beach a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Virginia Beach has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Virginia Beach gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Virginia Beach

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Virginia Beach offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding landscape for startups in Virginia Beach involves a mix of local and state-level support. Notable entities include 757 Angels, an angel group connecting accredited investors with Virginia-based startups, and New Ventures Funds, a VC firm located directly in Virginia Beach that invests across various sectors. The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) offers statewide programs like Virginia Venture Partners, providing grants and seed-stage investments to technology companies. Additionally, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development provides grants such as the Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP) and the Small Business Grant Program aimed at supporting local businesses, including those in early stages. Despite these resources, challenges exist. While Virginia as a state ranked 8th nationally for VC investment in 2023, indicating a strong overall trend, specific data on a seed-stage funding gap solely within Virginia Beach is less clear. However, a regional assessment noted insufficient levels of proof-of-concept funding and a need to broaden the network of investors across advanced industry clusters in the Hampton Roads area, which includes Virginia Beach. Competition for funding is also a factor, as is the broader national trend of recalibrated venture capital investment compared to peak years like 2021.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Virginia Beach has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Virginia Beach has a developing startup and innovation culture with a growing tech scene. The city actively supports entrepreneurs through initiatives like The HIVE, a business resource center offering resources, mentorship, networking, and workspace, particularly for early-stage and disadvantaged businesses. Thrive @ The HIVE specifically provides eligible early-stage startups and home-based businesses with no-cost workspace and resources. Coworking spaces are available, with several options listed across the city. The city also hosts tech events and meetups covering various areas like cybersecurity, DevOps, and general tech networking. Entrepreneurial activity is present, with a notable increase in tech startups since 2020. While there are accelerators and programs available, some resources like The HIVE and 757 Startup Studios' Incubation program emphasize providing tailored support and resources for early-stage founders, suggesting a focus on personalized assistance alongside more structured programs. The ecosystem appears to support both early-stage ventures and contribute to the growth of more mature startups.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Virginia Beach can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Virginia Beach, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Virginia Beach is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Virginia Beach has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by local educational institutions like Tidewater Community College, Virginia Wesleyan University, and nearby Old Dominion University. These schools contribute graduates in fields such as business, computer and information sciences, and health professions. The region possesses industry-specific skills, particularly in technology sectors like cybersecurity, data science, software development, and skilled trades. The significant military presence also provides a pool of skilled and disciplined workers. Local initiatives like The HIVE, a business resource center, offer mentorship, networking, and resources to support entrepreneurial growth and connect talent with startups. Partnerships between educational institutions and economic development further strengthen the talent pipeline.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Virginia Beach can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Virginia Beach boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Virginia Beach offers a strong ecosystem for startups, supported by various infrastructure and resources. Key components include incubators and accelerators like The HIVE, which serves as a business resource center providing consulting, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The HIVE also runs the Thrive @ The HIVE program, offering free workspace and resources to eligible startups, home-based businesses, and military spouse entrepreneurs. The city's Department of Economic Development plays a significant role, offering assistance and connecting businesses with capital opportunities, including grants and loans. Government initiatives such as the Virginia Beach Small Business Grant Program provide funding to help businesses grow. The city also focuses on improving digital infrastructure with high-capacity fiber optic cables and undersea cables for global connectivity. Organizations like Startup Virginia Beach and programs like 757 Accelerate further contribute by providing mentorship, funding, and networking. This comprehensive support system, including access to experienced entrepreneurs and investors, helps businesses thrive and fosters innovation in the local community.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Virginia Beach. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Virginia Beach Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Virginia Beach provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Launching a startup in Virginia Beach presents unique challenges. While the city promotes a pro-business environment with incentives and resources like The HIVE, entrepreneurs face navigating local business license requirements and potential additional permits based on industry and location. Although Virginia's overall cost of living is considered relatively reasonable compared to some mid-Atlantic and Northeastern areas, specific costs like utilities can be higher than the national average. Competition exists, with established international firms and a growing number of startups in sectors like technology and biotech. Regulatory complexity, while not unique to Virginia Beach, can be a hurdle for new businesses lacking in-house compliance expertise.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Virginia Beach or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Virginia Beach offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash