AIF companies scale fast in security, safety and logistics

September 17, 2025 | By Business Investment Group

When Arlington Economic Development (AED) launched its $1 million Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF) in 2023, the goal was to accelerate high-growth startups in critical sectors. A year later, the results are coming into focus. As Technical.ly recently reported, AIF is part of Arlington’s broader strategy to cement its position as a hub for tech entrepreneurs. Now, grantees like Phalanx, KnoNap and GenLogs are showing how that strategy translates into traction.

Cybersecurity startup Phalanx has built momentum around SendTurtle, its secure file-tracking tool. “We recently passed 4,000 users on SendTurtle, which shows people when their documents are opened, what pages are viewed and what actions they should take next,” Ian Garrett, CEO and co-founder of Phalanx said. Phalanx also points to Arlington’s innovation ecosystem as a key driver: “Being part of the Arlington tech ecosystem has given Phalanx access to a community of mission-driven founders, early adopters and strategic partners who prioritize innovation and security.”

For KnoNap, a female-founded safety tech company combating drink spiking, the Arlington ecosystem offers both resources and influence. “The region’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation and entrepreneurship has provided us with the resources and community support needed to scale confidently,” Danya Sherman, founder and president of KnoNap shared. Additionally, proximity to Washington, D.C. keeps the team plugged into conversations on equity, innovation and regulation that directly impact its mission.

KnoNap’s milestones since receiving a Catalyst Grant include joining the Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship, expanding its operations, and advising Pernod Ricard’s CSR team on responsible marketing and sustainability. “We’re proud to represent Arlington as a female-founded company making waves in both the tech and nighttime industries,” Sherman said.

Meanwhile, GenLogs, which builds logistics intelligence software, is scaling rapidly. In just its first year on the market, the startup grew from zero to more than 70 customers and projects 12 times its previously reported revenue growth in 2025. Additionally, the company’s total headcount has surged from three co-founders to 60 employees in under two years, with expansion into law enforcement use cases.

“Being headquartered in Arlington means having access to some of the best talent in the world,” said Ryan Joyce, CEO of GenLogs. “It also affords immediate access to the nation’s capital — which is critical for any company touching the public sector.” One high-impact example: GenLogs’ platform recently provided the tools police needed to rescue a minor from a truck involved in sex trafficking.

The Arlington Innovation Fund was built to fuel exactly these outcomes — startups scaling with purpose to drive economic resilience. AED is now extending this impact through the AIF Ecosystem Support Fund, which invests in local programming to strengthen the regional startup community and elevate Arlington’s profile as a nationally recognized tech hub. If you’re developing an event or resource that supports the innovation ecosystem — or want to learn more about AIF — we’d love to connect.