Fairfax County and George Mason University announce a strategic partnership to establish the Accelerate Breakfast Series, regular events that will bring together entrepreneurs and investors for curated pitch opportunities, to support growth of the local entrepreneurial network.  The program will bolster Fairfax County and the region’s start-up ecosystem to drive investment to local companies.

The Accelerate Breakfast Series will build upon and complement the three-year success of the annual Accelerate Investor Conference, (Oct. 23-24, 2024) through continued connection among ecosystem partners and preparing local founders for the flagship Accelerate event.  In addition, the program will serve as a platform to showcase regional investors associated with prominent angel investment groups. The first breakfast event will be held April 12, 2024 and be hosted by MITRE in McLean, Virginia with company submissions due by March 22, 2024. 

As the anchor organization for this regional effort, Fairfax County will provide $450,000 in funding over a three-year period to start up the program.  “Fairfax County has always been a destination for business, and by strategically utilizing our economic opportunity funding to sponsor forums like Accelerate we can be a catalyst for startup formation, venture investment, and job creation,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

Arlington and Prince William Counties, as well as many regional business leaders and other local jurisdictions, have also enthusiastically pledged to provide support for this program.  

“We are thrilled to expand our services to entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia and are grateful to Fairfax County for their multi-faceted support and trust in Mason Enterprise to help grow the regional economy,” said Paula Sorrell, AVP of Innovation and Economic Development – Mason Enterprise. 

Approximately five carefully selected companies seeking seed funding will have the chance to present their business propositions to a diverse group of seasoned investors, fostering connections and paving the way for partnerships. The series will be marketed broadly to ensure availability to a diverse community of founders and investors.  Firms focused on high-growth innovation and technology industries from across Virginia, DC and Maryland will be invited to put forward submissions to participate.  Participating companies will span a wide range of industries, showcasing innovation and talent within the DMV region. Each company will be given a limited time to pitch their ideas, emphasizing crucial aspects of their business, growth potential, and unique value propositions.
The Accelerate Breakfast Series welcomes accredited investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the press who wish to observe the unveiling of this exciting new venture. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with presenting companies, ask questions and explore potential collaborations.

For more information and to register visit the Accelerate Breakfast Series website.  Registration is required for security clearance.

Date: April 12, 2024
7:30AM - Networking & Breakfast
8:00AM - Keynote/Welcome
Pitches to follow remarks
**Registration is required for security clearance**

Location:
MITRE - 7525 Colshire Dr, McLean, VA 22102
Robb Auditorium - Building 4
Parking is available in the garage underneath MITRE 4. 
After parking, please enter through the MITRE 4 Lobby so that you can go through security and are closest to Robb Auditorium.
Detailed directions to the MITRE 4 building can be found on page 4 here.