Three regions. The DMV's most promising startups. One champion.
Where the DMV's
Best Compete.
The Battle of the Regions brings together the brightest startups from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in a high-stakes, single-elimination pitch competition designed to crown the DMV's top entrepreneurial talent. Competing for capital, visibility, and the title of regional champion, founders will go head-to-head until 10 founders compete on the DCSTW stage where only one startup emerges victorious.
More than a competition
The champion walks away with new investors, new customers, new champions, and a far larger platform.
Judge the rounds and get curated access to founders before fundraising accelerates.
Why sponsors back the championship
- Brand visibility across event materials and social media
- Logo on registration pages and programming slides
- 3 reserved seats at your designated regional event
- Named association with a Regional Capital Prize
- Access to deal flow and co-investment opportunities
- 5 reserved seats + speaking opportunity at a regional event
- Featured placement in post-event investor communications
- Named title sponsor of the Tournament Championship prize
- Logo in event title and all tournament branding
- Priority deal flow access + co-investment rights
- 8 seats + keynote at the Championship final
Additional à la carte opportunities available — including Regional Capital Prize Contributor, Venue Host, and Recognition Award sponsorships.
Sponsors who have Supported Us
Road to the Championship
Help build the DMV's flagship championship
Built & Co-Produced By
Learn more about the organizations powering Battle of the Regions.
District Angels is a DMV-affiliated angel investing collective dedicated to making DC, MD, and VA a powerhouse of innovation through Education, Shared Infrastructure, and Community. Through our Fellowship Academy, Monthly Deal Rooms, and Investor Activation Series, we connect emerging and experienced angels to curated deal flow and live investment opportunities — keeping participation accessible and inclusive across the region.
Now in its eleventh year, DC Startup & Tech Week is the DMV's premier entrepreneurship platform, surfacing world-class founders and connecting them with the capital and community they need to scale. DCSTW unites over 17,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders annually — and through Battle of the Regions, provides a stage for 36 of the region's most promising Seed and Series A companies to compete for the championship title.
Inspire Access mobilizes philanthropic capital toward high-performing companies and investment funds led by underrepresented founders, or those that support underrepresented communities. Their vehicle enables donors to activate idle charitable capital and generate returns that fuel additional giving and greater impact — handled swiftly and seamlessly, with minimal fees.
The Abell Foundation is a Baltimore-based philanthropic organization dedicated to improving health, economic, and educational outcomes so that all people can thrive. Through grants, research, and catalytic investments, Abell supports innovative solutions across education, workforce development, community development, and more — with a focus on addressing structural inequity across the region.