Top 5 Things Every 757 Startup Should Know

Where founders, innovators, and dreamers turn ideas into impact.

Welcome to the 757 — a region where innovation meets ocean breeze. Whether you’re building your first MVP, scaling your tech company, or simply exploring what makes Hampton Roads a hidden gem for startups, this series is for you.

Each edition of “Top 5 Things Every 757 Startup Should Know” spotlights the people, programs, and places shaping our entrepreneurial ecosystem — plus a few local favorites you won’t find in any tourist brochure.

1. Programs and Incubators That Power Progress

From idea to investment, the 757 offers a full pipeline of resources to help founders grow:

  • 757 Collab – The region’s central hub for entrepreneurial support, encompassing 757 Accelerate, 757 Angels, 757 Defend, and 757 Startup Studios. Together, these programs provide mentorship, workspace, capital access, and a powerful network that helps founders validate ideas, build companies, and scale successfully
  • Black BRAND – The regional Black Chamber of Commerce, offering programs, capital access, and community initiatives to empower minority-owned startups and small businesses. Its flagship B-Force Accelerator is a 12-week intensive that helps Black and Latinx businesses become more fundable by strengthening financials, teams, and growth strategy. Participants take part in dynamic in-person workshops and 1:1 consultations; receive 12 hours of technical assistance from accountants, lawyers, marketers, and designers; make strategic connections; compete for grants; and join B-Force’s powerful community and partner network.
  • Norfolk State Innovation Center, ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship – University-led hubs offering coworking, mentorship, and student-founder collaboration.
  • REaKTOR – Hampton’s Technology Innovation Center, managed by Innovate Hampton Roads, provides entrepreneurs, researchers, and scientists with the resources to validate, commercialize, and grow revolutionary technologies. REaKTOR propels high-tech, space, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing innovations that shape the future of our industries and communities
  • Start Peninsula – The region’s longest-running pitch and validation platform, helping founders test, refine, and fund ideas through micro-pitches and community support.
  • The HIVE (Virginia Beach) – Your one-stop resource hub designed to support startups and growing businesses in Virginia Beach, especially those in historically underserved communities. Through free services, strategic partnerships, and expert guidance, The HIVE helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.
  • William & Mary Entrepreneurship Hub / Launchpad – The Greater Williamsburg region’s entrepreneurial home base — a vibrant coworking and community hub designed to support founders, creatives, and innovators at every stage. Whether you’re building from scratch or scaling your venture, Launchpad connects you to the space, networks, resources, events, and programs you need to grow.

2. People You Need to Know

The 757 startup scene thrives on collaboration — and it’s powered by some of the most connected builders around:

  • Drew Ungvarsky – CEO of Grow and founder of Assembly, leading the charge for creative tech and design in downtown Norfolk.
  • Gary Warren – Longtime tech executive, investor, and mentor whose experience continues to guide emerging founders.
  • Nancy Grden – CEO of Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable and founding leader of 757 Collab, shaping the region’s innovation strategy.
  • Pharrell Williams – Musician, entrepreneur, and visionary behind ventures like Mighty Dream and the development of the new Wave Park, bridging culture and innovation.
  • Tim Ryan – Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads; driving force behind REaKTOR, Start Peninsula, and 757 TechNite.

Pro Tip: Follow these leaders on LinkedIn — their projects and partnerships are shaping what’s next for the 757.

3. Access to Capital (and Who’s Writing Checks)

Money doesn’t just flow north — the 757 is home to real capital momentum.

  • 757 Angels – Over $90 million invested in Virginia startups since inception.
  • City Economic Development Departments – Don’t just call asking for money — that’s not how it works. Instead, look to see what grant programs and small-business resources your city currently offers, then build relationships with staff who can guide you through applications and incentives.
  • SBDC Hampton Roads – Providing capital readiness support, grant guidance, and mentorship for founders. Some times you need to slow down before you can speed up. Financials need to be in order, a data room needs to be established (if you don’t know what we’re talking about, that means you need to get this in order.VIPC (Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation) – Grant and commercialization programs, including CRCF, supporting high-tech innovation.

Pro Tip: Build relationships at events like Start Peninsula, 757 TechNite, and through your city’s economic development team — funding often starts with a conversation.

4. Best Places to Work, Build & Network

Sometimes the best ideas happen over coffee — or on the water.

  • Assembly Norfolk – A creative coworking campus where design, tech, and community collide.
  • Gather – Downtown Norfolk, Newport News & Virginia Beach locations with flexible workspace and a steady flow of founder events.
  • Cafe Stella – A modern café in Ghent, Norfolk, perfect for casual meetings or a creative recharge between work sessions.
  • Any of the many beaches we call home. 

Pro Tip: Rotate your workdays between coworking spaces and coffee shops — each offers a unique network and atmosphere that sparks collaboration.

5. Hidden Gems & “Think Spots” Around the 757

Because founders need fresh air — and perspective.

  • Armed Forces Memorial at Town Point Park – A serene and reflective spot honoring history in the heart of downtown Norfolk.
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Because even entrepreneurs deserve a thrill ride.
  • Eastern Shore – A short drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, offering scenic escapes, local seafood, and creative inspiration.
  • First Landing State Park – Shaded trails and coastal views perfect for a brainstorm walk.
  • Shore Drive / Chesapeake Bay Beaches – Great for unwinding after a pitch meeting.
  • The Noland Trail (Newport News) – A five-mile loop for walking meetings or re-centering.
  • The Wave Park (Virginia Beach) – The upcoming surf and entertainment destination redefining the region’s future.

Pro Tip: Bring visiting investors or partners to one of these spots — they’ll fall in love with the region’s balance of nature, history, and innovation.

The 757 startup ecosystem is growing stronger every day because of founders who believe in building here, not elsewhere. So whether you’re coding at Assembly, meeting at Stella, or taking a call along Shore Drive — remember: you’re part of something bigger.

 

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