2016 is almost over, and it’s been an incredibly busy one for the D.C. area and its startup community. Now, as everyone breathes a sigh of relief at the end of the year and starts bracing themselves for the year to come, we thought we’d gather together 17 of the local startups to watch out for in the new year. Some have made headlines aplenty already, others are just now starting to gather attention. Whether or not they get their names splashed across front pages in 2017, they’ll be important to keep an eye on as we dive into 2017.
New Frontier Data
New Frontier data offers unique ways to apply data analytics to the legal marijuana industry. The company is gearing up for a busy year after recently closing a $5 million funding round. There are plans for multiple satellite offices, necessary in the wake of new states following D.C.’s lead in legalizing marijuana.
United Income
Founded this year by HelloWallet founder Matt Fellowes, United Income is creating digital financial planning tools for those getting close to, or who have already reached retirement. The company has already raised $5 million, $2 million directly from Morningstar, the investment research firm that paid $52.5 million to buy HelloWallet in 2014. Now, the startup is positioned to rapidly raise its profile and help people manage their finances as they get older.
Caboose Brewing
Matt Greer and Tim McLaughlin have been quietly building an impressive reputation at Caboose Brewing in Virginia for the past two years. Now, they have a license to operate as a brewery and winery on-site and are working on scaling up beer production and adding cider to their offerings, potentially even other features like distilling, roasting coffee or some wholesale food.
Event Farm
Event marketing and management platform took things to the next level in 2016, handling events for a top athletic brand during the Rio Olympics and closing a $6.1 million funding round. It’s partnerships that bring high-tech experiences like hologram selfies, virtual golfing and drinks paired with individual music selections to events have brought no small list of clients. Thanks to the investment this year, the company has now pushed ahead with a reporting dashboard to integrate various relevant data sets and leap even more into the high-end international event space.
Axios
Axios is the new media company from former Politico execs Roy Schwartz, Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen. After working under the name Next Great Media Company, the company only recently unveiled the final decision. Whatever the final shape of Axios, there’s no doubt that everyone else in the media will watch closely to see how they get the public to “consume media more efficiently,” as Schwartz put it.
PhishMe
Cybersecurity startup PhishMe offers phishing threat management solutions against malware and other attacks, making it a hot commodity in the days of endless cybersecurity attacks. After the company raised $42.5 million this summer, it’s…