Bringing Business School to DC Startup & Tech Week

At DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW), the Kogod School of Business’s Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship deepened its connection to the region’s innovation ecosystem—demonstrating how Washington, DC’s thriving startup landscape offers unmatched, hands-on learning for Kogod students. 

Kogod Experts Take the Stage at DC Startup & Tech Week

Throughout the week, Kogod faculty and thought leaders delivered sessions across the city, highlighting the school’s expertise in entrepreneurship, AI, and the future of work: 

• Tommy White, professor and Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship, led a session on how entrepreneurs can better understand the investment-portfolio mindset of angel and venture capital investors—an essential lens for founders navigating early funding. 
• Danielle Vogel, professor and Assistant Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship, offered practical frameworks for building and managing high-performing teams, helping founders cultivate talent and resilience from day one. 
• Dan Kopman, long time entrepreneur and member of Kogod's adjunct faculty, spoke at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on The Great Shift—how emerging global economies are reshaping business strategy and competitive advantage. 
• Angela Virtu, professor and Assistant Director of the Institute for Applied AI, contributed to the “Futurist Series” panel, The $1 Trillion Classroom, exploring how AI is rewiring education and fueling the next generation of startups. 

These sessions showcased Kogod's strengths at the intersections of entrepreneurship, applied AI, and global business—reinforcing the school’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing business landscape. 

Opportunities for Students to Gain Real-World Startup Exposure at DC Startup & Tech Week

One of the most popular events for American University student participants was the Startup Showcase & Resource Expo at International Square, where the Veloric Center hosted a table alongside local founders and venture leaders. Students said the experience brought classroom learning to life and expanded their understanding of DC’s startup ecosystem. 

• Earnest Davis, MBA alum and founder of CHORD Framework, described the week as "energizing," noting that connecting with founders and investors helped spark new collaborations. 
• MS in Analytics student Lillian Mkandla shared that conversations at the Expo led her to explore two potential internship opportunities, boosting her confidence to engage meaningfully with employers. 
• MBA student Surbhi Lnu said the event was “refreshing and inspiring,” noting that hearing from passionate founders motivated her to continue exploring entrepreneurship and eventually build something of her own. 

Students also highlighted favorite sessions, including topics like AI-driven education, cybersecurity in the AI era, startup legal and banking essentials, pitch competitions, and defense-sector innovation in DC. Many cited how valuable it was to watch real pitches, hear how investors judge early-stage ideas, and understand why DC attracts companies seeking proximity to decision makers and federal innovation hubs. 

Why Being Part of the DC Community Matters for Kogod Entrepreneurs

Kogod’s presence at DCSTW reflects a core advantage of studying entrepreneurship in Washington, DC: the city’s unique blend of innovation, policy, technology, and public-sector partnerships. For students at the Veloric Center, DC acts as a live learning lab—one where AI, sustainability, and tech-forward business models intersect with real-world impact. 

Through DCSTW, students practiced networking with founders, met potential employers, and explored pathways into AI-driven industries, sustainability-focused startups, and emerging digital markets. 

Building a Pipeline Between Kogod and the Region’s Startup Future 

The Veloric Center’s involvement in DC Startup & Tech Week underscores its mission to connect students directly with industry leaders, experiential learning opportunities, and the city’s growing entrepreneurial community. As DC becomes an increasingly powerful hub for AI, defense tech, climate innovation, and mission-driven startups, Kogod students are well-positioned to shape what comes next.