July 31, 2026

E-Newsletter

Fairfax Welcomes New Quantum Cyber HQ, Startup Spotlights & Accelerate Opportunities

Symmatrics Sets Up HQ in Tysons to Lead Cybersecurity Into the Quantum Age

From Left to Right: Drew Davis, SVP, Strategy & Public Relations at Symmatrics; Walter Raquet, Chairman & CEO of Symmatrics; Alex Thalacker, Assistant Director, National Business Investment at FCEDA.

 

Cybersecurity innovator Symmatrics has opened its new headquarters in Tysons, strengthening Fairfax NOVA’s position as a global hub for cybersecurity, quantum computing and enterprise technology. The company selected Tysons for its proximity to leading technology companies, federal agencies and policymakers, placing it at the center of the nation’s innovation and national security ecosystem.

“Opening our headquarters in Tysons marks an important step in Symmatrics’ next phase of growth,” said Walter Raquet, Chair and CEO of Symmatrics. “This region sits at the intersection of enterprise technology, national security, and public policy. It is the right place for us to deepen strategic relationships, support customers and partners, and help organizations prepare for the post-quantum era of encryption.”

Symmatrics develops quantum-secure encryption technology designed to protect sensitive data against both current and future cyber threats. Its patented platform delivers one-time-use symmetric encryption keys at internet scale, helping organizations secure cloud infrastructure, financial transactions, healthcare data and critical government systems in preparation for the post-quantum era. The new headquarters will support the company’s continued growth, collaboration with enterprise and public-sector partners, and the commercialization of next-generation cybersecurity solutions.

Symmatrics celebrates its new Tysons headquarters at 8230 Leesburg Pike.

Learn more about Symmatrics.

Reston-Based Seekr Lands Newsweek’s List for America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces

Photo courtesy of Seekr.

Reston-based Seekr has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces 2026 list, recognizing the nation’s top 250 startups for workplace culture and sustainable growth. Selected from more than 26,000 U.S. startups, the ranking evaluates organizations based on employee satisfaction, operational growth, financial strength and client engagement. The recognition highlights Seekr’s commitment to building trusted, enterprise-grade AI solutions while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.

Founded in Fairfax NOVA, Seekr has grown into a leading AI company with 133 employees, 36 patents, a $1.2 billion valuation, and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with two additional offices in Austin, Texas, and Palm Beach, Florida. The company develops explainable, governable and secure AI technologies that help enterprises and government organizations deploy artificial intelligence in high-stakes environments, further reinforcing Fairfax’s position as a hub for next-generation AI innovation.

Alongside Seekr, two Northern Virginia companies also made the list: Arlington-based Cape, a wireless provider prioritizing in privacy and cybersecurity; and Loudoun-based Providencia, which supports government agencies with technology and operational services. Collectively, these companies demonstrate the depth and diversity of Northern Virginia’s startup ecosystem, where innovative businesses are scaling and earning national recognition.

Your Next Investor Is in This Room. Apply for Accelerate 2026.

Are you raising a Seed or Series A round? Join the Accelerate Investor Conference 2026and present your company to a room full of national venture capital and angel investors looking for their next breakthrough opportunities. Your next investor could be in the room.

📍 Fuse at George Mason University | Arlington, Virginia
📅 November 4–5, 2026

Deadline: Tuesday August 11, 2026

Application Eligibility & FAQs

Top Innovators Wanted! APPLY NOW!

Invest in Tomorrow: Meet the Graduates Who’ll Build Your Company’s Future

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is looking for companies to participate in the Virginia Universities Career Fair at the UVA | Northern Virginia Fairfax campus on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4-7 pm.

This event is designed to help employers connect with students, alumni, faculty, and university partners from leading Virginia colleges and universities. Participating institutions include the University of Virginia, George Mason University, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, the University of Richmond, and James Madison University.

Additional Highlights and Opportunities

  • Join early to engage with university professors and staff during an industry luncheon (early afternoon) focused on curriculum, instruction, industry needs, and the skills students need for career success.
  • Connect with students before the career fair, who will have access to industry and academic advisory workshops focused on career planning, career readiness, and industry-specific insights.
  • Build meaningful relationships with higher education partners around talent needs, skills alignment, and long-term recruiting strategies.
  • Promote internships, early-career roles, recent graduate opportunities, and future workforce pipeline connections.

This event is a strong opportunity for employers seeking early-career talent, interns, recent graduates, and future workforce pipeline connections.

To register for free as a Fairfax County business, please contact Casey Curran, Higher Education Talent Coordinator, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, at ccurran@fceda.org or (571) 474-6163.

Breaking news

Upcoming Events

  • September 1, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop – Register Now!
  • September 22, 2026 – Fairfax State of the Market – Register Now!
  • September 23-25, 2026 – Quantum World Congress – Register Now!

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