DMV’s Cyber Community Steadily Attracting More Interest from Venture Capitalists

D.C. has long struggled to attract investors to its technology firms – but this is changing. Venture capitalists cut 28 cybersecurity deals with companies based in D.C., Maryland and Virginia last year compared to 14 in 2011, according to an analysis of Pitchbook data by the National Venture Capital Association. Spurred by the multitude of hacks that has hit large companies such as Anthem, Sony and JPMorgan, cybersecurity firms have quickly jumped into action and investors have been quick to follow. Venture capitalists are largely targeting companies that contract with the government, and D.C.’s proximity to classified information, as well as military and intelligence centers, differentiates it from competing hubs like Boston and New York.