FOUNDERS

Startup World Cup 2025 Virginia Regional: Unleash Your Innovation for a Shot at $1M

Hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the Startup World Cup spans six continents, uniting the world’s most promising startups in a high-stakes showdown. Virginia’s qualifier is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the grit, creativity, and ambition driving Hampton Roads forward. From cutting-edge tech to transformative solutions, our region’s startups are redefining what’s possible, and the world is watching. Read More ➜

MUST WATCH

Building Better Communicators for Life After School

In this episode of Disrupting the Tide, we spotlight Rubin Education, a Virginia-based company revolutionizing how students learn to write, speak, and succeed in life after school. Founder Danny Rubin and Director of Instruction Alexis Kruemcke share their journey from journalism and teaching to building a national platform focused on employability skills, communication, and real-world readiness.

Through tools like Emerge, Aspire, and Propel, Rubin Education supports teachers with curriculum that prepares students for college, careers, and beyond. Danny and Alexis dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, bootstrapping a business, listening to customer feedback, and growing a remote team from Hampton Roads.

This micro-documentary is a powerful reminder that purpose-driven innovation can start from anywhere—even a kitchen table.

Learn more: https://rubineducation.com/

LOCAL HEADLINES

Bloom Market’s First Year Triumph: A Win for Portsmouth’s Entrepreneurs

In just one year, Bloom Market has generated over $37,000 in revenue, with 100% of profits going directly to its vendors. Backed by the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority and the Portsmouth Partnership, Bloom Market is more than a pop-up shop—it’s a catalyst for economic vitality. Read More ➜

Unleash Your Startup Spark at Start Peninsula’s Pitch Perfect and Micro Pitch #2

On April 30, kick things off with Pitch Perfect, a free workshop designed to transform founders into pitch masters. Then, on May 14, the stakes get higher with Micro Pitch #2, the second of four Micro Pitch competitions hosted by Start Peninsula this year. Read More ➜

FERVENT FOUR
Jarrett Beeler on Building an Agency That Actually Delivers
https://youtu.be/pV7dG106aKw

Major Takeaways

• Perseverance and adaptability in the early stages of business development are crucial for long-term success.

• Leveraging diverse skill sets and fostering collaboration can drive community and business growth.

• Utilizing AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and streamline creative processes in the advertising industry.

PARTNERS