VIPC’s Launch program provides competitive, non-dilutive grants and dilutive convertible notes to high-potential, pre-MVP (minimum viable product) startups that have raised minimal equity, generated limited revenue, and demonstrate strong potential for economic impact in Virginia. VIPC plans to issue quarterly solicitations for Launch Grants. Launch Note applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
VIPC’s Lab-to-Launch initiative provides grants up to $50,000 to early-stage, Virginia-based startups that are utilizing the Fast-Track License Agreement with one of Virginia’s six R1-designated universities: UVA, Virginia Tech, VCU, GMU, ODU, and W&M. Grants are to be used to reimburse the licensing university, and may additionally be used to carry out commercialization-focused activities that advance the company toward market readiness. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Virginia-based startups with a high potential for achieving rapid growth and generating significant economic return for entrepreneurs, co-investors, and Virginia may be eligible to seek $250,000 pre-seed and up to $1 million seed-stage investments through Virginia Venture Partners (VVP), VIPC’s venture capital investment platform. VVP targets companies in which current and future equity investment will serve as a critical enabler of company growth. VVP accepts applications on a rolling basis.
VIPC’s Federal Funding Assistance Program (FFAP) supports early-stage technology firms pursuing federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and/or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) funding. FFAP offers guidance, training, and other valuable resources to help companies navigate the application process and become competitive for SBIR and STTR grants. For select companies seeking their first SBIR or STTR Phase I or II award, funding assistance may be available to cover proposal consultation, including preparation and review, proposal software, legal fees for IP and patent consultation, accounting services, and more.
In addition to VIPC’s suite of funding opportunities for startups, Virginia offers numerous other funding options to support entrepreneurs and innovators. To learn more about grants, loans, investments, and other types of funding offered by organizations across the state, explore VIPC’s comprehensive Resources page.
Want to learn more about VIPC’s funding opportunities? Check out this presentation from our team’s January 2026 roadshow across Virginia!
Join the VVP investment team and other VIPC colleagues for a bi-weekly discussion with investors and exited founders about scaling your company and raising capital. Interactive breakout rooms will address questions about VVP, VIPC Launch, Lab-to-Launch, federal funding, and more. For the upcoming schedule and to register, visit VIPC Events. Want regular invitations to your inbox? Add yourself to our Coffee with VIPC’s Virginia Venture Partners’ listserv.