From Startup to Global Leader: Why James Quigley Built His Company in Fairfax NOVA

For James Quigley, Fairfax NOVA isn’t just a place to start a business, it’s a place to build, scale, and make a global impact. In 2008, Quigley co-founded GoCanvas at his Reston dining room table. What began as a bold idea, grew into a global leader in field worker collaboration software, serving more than 300,000 users worldwide. In June 2024, Germany-based Nemetschek Group acquired GoCanvas for more than $780 million, a testament to what is possible when visionary entrepreneurship takes root in Northern Virginia.

Despite its global growth, GoCanvas is established in Fairfax County, maintaining its headquarters in Reston and a workforce of more than 300 employees across the U.S. and internationally.

GoCanvas’ path reflects the strength of Fairfax NOVA’s innovation ecosystem. After early growth in Reston, Quigley deliberately chose to keep the company local. For him, Fairfax County is a great location for launching a business for many key reasons, emphasizing talent as a major draw.

“First of all, we have more technology workers versus non-technology workers than anywhere else in the country,” Quigley said. “We’re now starting to see technology companies putting resources here for product development, marketing, and human resources. They are really starting to put down roots, and when you add AI, Quantum, and Space commercialization, companies absolutely intersect with the U.S. government in huge ways.”

On reflection, Quigley said he thought that companies would scale here if they had better access to mentors, capital, customers and a network of people supporting them. That realization led him to create Refraction, not only for co-working purposes, but for mentorship and collaboration. Tysons-based Refraction is a not-for-profit technology innovation hub focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by nurturing and mentoring startups and high-growth companies. Quigley serves as Chair for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

Quigley joined FCEDA President and CEO Victor Hoskins for a fireside chat, sharing advice on building and scaling a company in Fairfax NOVA. Drawing on his military background and experience navigating the roller coaster of entrepreneurship, Quigley offered a candid perspective on what it takes to grow a business here and what really matters on the journey.

“The biggest part of the story is that execution in the middle, and how you keep doing it day to day,” said Quigley. “Those early stressors and that continued execution in the middle, that’s where the real story is. You’ve got to have the grit to push through those moments, and continue to inspire your team to follow you up the hill for the next challenge.”

Looking ahead, Quigley sees continued momentum. “We have some of the best companies, talent and educational institutions in the nation and that puts us in a great spot.” 

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