Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

PROVEN Success Stories: Top 10 Startups to Watch in VIRGINIA BEACH in 2025

Virginia Beach has transformed into a burgeoning hub for startup innovation, attracting entrepreneurs and investors with its robust ecosystem, talented workforce, and strategic location. In 2025, the city is home to groundbreaking startups reshaping industries such as cybersecurity, AI, IT solutions, healthcare, and creative marketing. From established leaders to emerging disruptors, this guide explores the top 10 startups in Virginia Beach, along with actionable insights, entrepreneurial lessons, and tools to help you build or invest in a thriving venture.

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Virginia Beach: A Rising Tech Hub

Virginia Beach's tech scene has experienced explosive growth, with a 28% surge in startups since 2020. With over 400 startups contributing $3.2 billion annually to the local economy, the city is poised to lead innovation on the East Coast. This dynamic environment has fostered notable success stories, supported by collaborative coworking spaces, startup incubators, and events like the Startup World Cup Regional Competition, an August 2025 event offering a whopping $1 million prize for top innovators.

Top 10 Startups in Virginia Beach to Watch

1. DroneUp

DroneUp is revolutionizing logistics with solutions ranging from drone delivery services to aerial data capture. As one of Virginia Beach's flagship startups, the company operates an extensive fleet of UAVs and collaborates with major retailers like Walmart. Their drones optimize last-mile delivery and enable accurate surveys and inspections. Discover more about their services at DroneUp.

2. TechArk Solutions

TechArk Solutions is a powerhouse in web development, app design, and digital marketing. Known for crafting tailored tech solutions for organizations worldwide, their innovative strategies help businesses thrive in the digital age. Fun fact: TechArk has spearheaded campaigns driving 90% ROI improvement for their clients. Learn more at TechArk Solutions.

3. Emergent, LLC

An award-winning IT solutions provider, Emergent specializes in complex systems integration. Their technology portfolio supports educational institutions, government organizations, and private companies with cutting-edge IT frameworks. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, they are trusted by global enterprises for cost-effective procurement solutions. Explore their offerings via Emergent.

4. ShiftMed

A healthcare disruptor, ShiftMed connects medical facilities with nursing professionals through its platform for flexible staffing. In 2025, their predictive analytics ensure optimized resources for hospitals, solving pressing issues in healthcare staffing shortages. Check their proven solutions on ShiftMed.

5. Convergence Health

Transforming healthcare delivery through AI-enabled predictive systems, Convergence Health merges innovation with patient-centric care strategies. As healthcare technology skyrockets, their solutions are redefining how people access care. Read about their incredible advancements here.

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6. Jpixx

Jpixx is making waves with creative storytelling through award-winning cinematography, video production, and advertising. Founded by internationally renowned cinematographer Jon Abrahams, the startup partners with brands to deliver bold and impactful digital campaigns. Discover the magic behind their approach at Jpixx.

7. Aquaspark

Sustainability meets innovation at Aquaspark, a Virginia Beach startup working on advanced water conservation technologies. Their IoT-enabled systems empower cities to better assess water usage while preventing wastage. Impact stat: They’ve saved municipalities thousands of gallons monthly since rollout.

8. DockMaster

An essential partner for maritime professionals, DockMaster streamlines marina management with cutting-edge software solutions. Their tools include billing automation, asset tracking, and online reservations tailored for marina owners. Explore their transformative solutions at DockMaster.

9. EcomNow

A disruptor in e-commerce, EcomNow offers AI-powered SaaS solutions to optimize inventory workflows and automate product sourcing. As Virginia Beach attracts savvy tech entrepreneurs, EcomNow powers growth for DTC brands.

10. VentureHub VA

VentureHub VA fuels startups with mentorship, funding connections, and coworking spaces designed for collaboration. They’ve catalyzed the launch of 30+ successful businesses since their inception, branding themselves as Virginia Beach’s local innovation driver.

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Marketing is Critical for Startup Success

While building an innovative product is exciting, marketing is often the hardest part of running a startup. Before dedicating years to perfecting a product, founders should validate their idea to ensure market fit. To achieve this, try tools like the F/MS AI SEO Blog, which simplifies ranking on Google, Bing, and AI platforms like ChatGPT or Perplexity.

The AI tool helps startups:

Generate SEO-optimized blog content to attract leads.
Establish authority in niche fields using high-quality articles.
Seamlessly convert content into LinkedIn posts and social media.

Pro-tip: Marketing early ensures your brand gets seen, trust builds quickly, and audience feedback informs product pivots before launch.

DEEP INSIGHTS: How to Scale Like Virginia Beach Startups

Steps to Success:

Involvement in Local Ecosystems: Engage with incubators like VentureHub or pitch at events like Startup World Cup.
Leverage SEO and Market Validation Tools: Start small but ensure visibility. The F/MS Marketing Services accelerates this with exclusive listicles and backlinks. Learn more.
Collaborate: Small businesses thrive on partnerships, the startups above frequently team up within Virginia Beach hubs.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Marketing Ninja Tricks: Virginia Beach startups know that visibility is king. Use resources like F/MS Marketing Directories to boost SEO + DA effortlessly.
Underestimating Team Dynamics: Strong collaboration amplifies creativity.
Skipping Local Opportunities: Participating in city tech summits and competitions is crucial for building connections!

Conclusion

Virginia Beach is home to innovative startups revolutionizing industries worldwide. By leveraging local resources, networking opportunities, and disruptive technology, businesses can follow in the footsteps of game-changing ventures like DroneUp and TechArk Solutions. Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or investor, you have the tools to thrive in this dynamic city.

Finally, ensure visibility and scalability from day one with tools like the F/MS AI Article Writer, which sets up SEO on autopilot so entrepreneurs can focus on growth.

Virginia Beach is not just a destination but a launchpad for tech brilliance in 2025. Are you ready to take your idea global?

FAQ on Virginia Beach's Top 10 Startups in 2025

1. What are some of the standout startups in Virginia Beach?

Some noteworthy startups in Virginia Beach include DroneUp, TechArk Solutions, and ShiftMed. DroneUp excels in drone delivery, TechArk Solutions leads in digital marketing and app development, and ShiftMed disrupts healthcare staffing. Explore Virginia Beach Startups

2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?

If your startup needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink

3. Which startup is leading in AI-powered healthcare?

Convergence Health harnesses AI to revolutionize healthcare delivery, offering predictive systems that enhance patient care. Learn more about Convergence Health

4. What competitive opportunities exist for startups in Virginia Beach?

The Startup World Cup Regional Competition in August 2025 is a highlight, offering startups a chance to win a $1 million prize. Many local incubators, like VentureHub VA, also provide support and funding.

5. Which company is advancing drone technology in logistics?

DroneUp is pushing boundaries in drone technology by providing innovative delivery solutions and aerial data capture for retailers like Walmart. Discover DroneUp

6. How can I stay updated on Virginia Beach's tech ecosystem?

Virginia Beach offers tech events like summits and startup showcases throughout the year. Engaging with coworking spaces like VentureHub VA keeps entrepreneurs informed about opportunities and trends.

7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?

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8. What are some innovative digital marketing startups in the city?

TechArk Solutions is a leader in digital marketing, web development, and app design, helping businesses achieve up to 90% ROI improvement in campaigns. Learn about TechArk Solutions

9. Which startups focus on sustainability in Virginia Beach?

Aquaspark is a trailblazer in sustainability, using IoT-enabled water conservation systems that help cities avoid wastage. Their solutions have saved thousands of gallons monthly.

10. How do startups in Virginia Beach collaborate locally for success?

Successful startups leverage the city's strong ecosystem by partnering through coworking spaces like VentureHub VA and participating in events like the Startup World Cup. Collaboration is a key driver of innovation and scalability.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-09-11 08:00 Best Startups