1. Venture Capital Activity Cools in DC in Q1
2. New Traffic Signs Detect Distracted Driving
3. News Incubator: What Else to Know Today
4. Upcoming Events in DC: Mark Your Calendar!

DC VC cools in Q1: Venture Capital Activity Slows Down in Washington Region

After a record-breaking year-end total, the first quarter of the year saw a decrease in venture capital activity in the Washington region, with the lowest deal count in a decade.

In DC, $49 million was invested through 12 deals, while Virginia saw $603 million through 41 deals, and Maryland saw $304 million through 31 deals. The top regional deals of the quarter were in healthcare, energy, and information technology sectors.

This decline in venture capital activity is not unique to DC, as the rest of the country also experienced a quieter few months in terms of investment.

New Traffic Signs Detect Distracted Driving

A new traffic safety device called the SmartSign has been introduced in DC to enhance road safety. These signs are equipped to detect if a driver is using their phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving above the speed limit. The technology has been deployed on some of the city’s most dangerous roads to provide instant feedback to motorists.

The director of the DC Highway Safety Office stated, “The goal of these trailers is to provide instantaneous feedback to motorists so that they have the opportunity to make a better choice.”

Other News Highlights

• Delaware tech leaders met with the Biden administration to discuss federal funding for local projects.
• Reston software engineering firm Raft LLC secured over $60 million in new funding.
• Rep. Adam Schiff introduced a bill requiring companies to disclose copyrighted materials used in AI models.
• Pava LaPere, CEO of EcoMap Technologies, is being honored through a building-sized tribute and a national fellowship.
• GL Communications Inc. from Gaithersburg introduced a new tool for analyzing data in IP networks.

Upcoming Events

• Unstuck Labs hosts weekly pitch feedback sessions on “Unstuck Tuesday,” with the next session scheduled for April 16.
• The Women in Tech DC conference will take place from May 15 to 16, featuring expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and a career advice hub.

For more details on these stories and events, visit the provided links.

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Source: Technically Media