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What does the early-stage investment landscape look like in Virginia today—and where is it headed next?

Facilitated and sponsored by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, this session brings together investors, ecosystem builders, and founders to explore current trends shaping capital formation across the Commonwealth. From funding gaps and emerging opportunities to regional strengths and challenges, the conversation will offer a clear, grounded view of how early-stage companies are being funded today.

Attendees will gain insight into where capital is flowing, what investors are prioritizing, and how Virginia can continue to strengthen its position as a place where startups can start and scale.

The session is structured in two parts:
1. An overview of investment activity, presented by Tom
2. A panel discussion with three panelists covering the data and what's happening on a regional basis

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Note: This Summit session is ticketed.
Please purchase your tickets on Humanitix. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, R.L. Beyer Custom Homes, Ludwig Kuttner, and The City of Charlottesville
Speakers
avatar for Debbie Irwin

Debbie Irwin

Executive Director, Lighthouse Network
Debbie Irwin is the Executive Director of the Lighthouse Network and Managing Director of Lighthouse Network Ventures, an organization dedicated to investing in the lives of founders by supporting their growth as leaders and entrepreneurs. She works closely with early-stage founders... Read More →
avatar for Noelle James

Noelle James

Managing Director, Startup Virginia
Noelle James, an Ohio native, initially moved to Richmond to serve as a law clerk for Chief Justice Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and quickly became attached to the city and its business community. After her clerkship, Noelle spent 10 years as a corporate... Read More →
avatar for Tim Ryan

Tim Ryan

Executive Director, Innovate Hampton Roads
Tim has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, early-stage startups, and angel investing. Tim has placed himself at the center of Hampton Roads’ entrepreneurial and innovation community. He is the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization that celebrates regional... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for UVA Innovates

UVA Innovates

The Entrepreneurship Initiative will coordinate and amplify entrepreneurship activities across UVA. 
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
The Common House Space - North Room

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