Instead of voting for all of your friends’ SXSW panels, tell them to sign up for the Beat here.

The Big One

Last night Muriel Bowser discussed tech and entrepreneurship in D.C. She admittedly is not a tech expert and this early in the campaign (though it appears a foregone conclusion) did not have a firm outline on programs, investing the surplus or continuing Mayor Gray‘s recent initiatives. The conversation was more focused on overall economic development than tech, but she realized the latter can be a major catalyst for the city’s growth. She spoke passionately about competing with other markets, reallocating contracting dollars for job training and taking real action on STEM education.Here are big issues (some discussed last night, others not) that we want Bowser to address if in office:

  • Have a plan beyond “wait and see” pertaining to inherited Gray policies
  • Make this an attractive place for investors – address capital gains
  • Deliver on her promise to “infuse entrepreneurship into every part of our culture” – don’t limit engagement to new tech corridor
  • Open up the budget process for tech companies to attract the city as a client
  • Create an active, city-driven tech fund

Making Moves

Frederick-based cloud management company Luminal closed a $10 million Series B led by NEA with participation from previous investors Core Capital and Maryland Venture Fund. Pascal Luck from Core remains on the company’s board and is now joined by NEA’s Mike O’Dell. MVF (also an LP in Core’s fund) has been active this year, backing companies like Salsa Labs, OneVest, Synapsify and CoFoundersLab. Re: points above, we should have an investment arm in D.C. actively writing checks and working with VCs.

Commercial real estate is a stodgy industry in need of a remodel. I’ve talked about Vornado’s work in Crystal City, and it’s now local giant JGB that is turning to tech startups. Today JBG and TransitScreen announced a deal that will put the startup’s software (providing real-time transportation options) in buildings across the DMV. We also learned that last week NYC startup View The Space signed JBG’s entire portfolio onto their software aimed at changing the way brokers do business. CRE is big money and a big deal in D.C., and I like that the old school is starting to open their eyes.

Community

Cultivate Ventures, a new venture firm focused on impact-driven companies, is working with Impact Hub and Netcito to bring the Kick Incubator program to D.C. this September. There will be emphasis on food and agtech, female entrepreneurs and international development – all areas where the community lacks effective programming.

What I’m Reading

Unwanted Feedback

From Ryan: Alexis O’Hanian having a TV show is a bit of a joke. I saw him speak a few months ago and he is basically just a self-promotional d-bag.

Reid: Tell me how you really feel Ryan. I’d like to jump to the defense of my fellow Armenian here but I think you’re on point.

You can read more stories on DC startups, technology and innovation at https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno