This Week in 757 (Happenings) April 18, 2025

FOUNDERS

Hampton Roads Ignites Innovation: Lessons from the World’s Most Innovative Square Mile

From April 14-16, 2025, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, led a dynamic delegation to Kendall Square—widely hailed as “the most innovative square mile on Earth.” Kicking off at the Boston Marriott Cambridge, the delegation—featuring local trailblazers like Greg Garrett, Charles Corprew, and Brandi Quam—immersed itself in Boston’s innovation ecosystem. Read More ➜

LOCAL HEADLINES

Hampton Roads’ Own Rubin Crowns America’s Next Great Interns, Igniting National Innovation

Why does this matter to our community? Rubin’s mission to equip students with employability skills through tools like Aspire (400+ career exploration videos), Propel (email etiquette training), and Emerge (600+ activities and assessments) isn’t just transforming classrooms—it’s fueling the entrepreneurial spirit right here at home. Read More ➜

TowneBank’s Bold Acquisition of Old Point National Bank: What it Means for Hampton Roads’ Innovation Economy

TowneBank, born in 1999 from a garage in Hampton Roads, has grown into the region’s banking titan, boasting $14 billion in assets and a knack for community-driven growth. Old Point, a Phoebus icon since 1923, brings a legacy of resilience—think cashing checks during the Great Depression to keep Hampton afloat. Read More ➜

FERVENT FOUR
Himalaya Rao-Potlapally
https://youtu.be/048RQvbopCE

Major Takeaways

• Building the right relationships and holding out for the right investors is crucial for long-term success.

• Entrepreneurs need to understand the different types of funding and match them to the appropriate stage and goals of their business.

• Trust and network-building are essential for securing investment, particularly for underrepresented founders who may lack initial connections.

PARTNERS