How Arlington Innovation Fund Supports Founder-Led Events

February 27, 2025 | By Tally Wolff

When we first launched the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF)'s Ecosystem Support Fund, we conducted a listening tour to understand the gaps in the startup ecosystem and how we might address them. Through conversations with founders, one recurring theme stood out – a lack of peer-driven founder communities. Many founders expressed the need for a space where they could connect, share challenges, and support one another without the pressure of pitching or performing.

Crowdfuel, founded and led by Phalanx co-founder Ian Garrett, emerged to fill this exact gap. "Crowdfuel started out of necessity because as founders, we felt there was a lack of founder-led and founder-centric groups in the DC area," Ian shared. Originally an informal gathering of founders at happy hours, Crowdfuel evolved into a structured initiative focused on fostering deep, meaningful connections among entrepreneurs. "I wanted there to be a safe space to discuss the hard parts of building a startup while also providing a place to create relationships," he explained. With support from AIF, Crowdfuel gained resources to expand its reach, secure event space, and bring in local experts to enhance discussions.

AIF’s sponsorship goes beyond funding. "Applying for the resources was a painless process, and most importantly, the support didn't end with just a check," Ian noted. The Arlington Economic Development (AED) team remains actively engaged—attending events, making introductions, and ensuring founders are aware of new opportunities. This ongoing partnership not only strengthens Crowdfuel but also provides AED with firsthand insights into what founders need most.

Stories like Crowdfuel’s highlight why we created the Ecosystem Support Fund—to enable grassroots efforts that make a tangible difference in the startup community. The best part? We didn’t find Crowdfuel; they found us. And we know there are other founders out there with ideas that could strengthen the ecosystem. If you’re working on something that could bring founders together, we want to hear from you.