Startup Virginia Named a Top 10 Incubator in the U.S. by TIME

Startup Virginia (SVA) has been ranked #8 in the nation and #1 in Virginia on TIME’s inaugural list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators.

The national recognition comes as Startup Virginia approaches a decade of supporting high-growth entrepreneurship in Central Virginia. Since its founding, SVA has supported over 18,000 entrepreneurs and incubated more than 300 startups, helping founders turn ideas into high-growth companies, access capital and navigate the challenges of scaling.

“To be ranked among the top 10 incubators and accelerators in the country is an incredible honor,” said Richard Wintsch, Executive Director of Startup Virginia. “This recognition validates what we’ve believed from the beginning: founders can build nationally competitive companies right here in Virginia when they have the right resources, connections and community around them. And behind every founder we support is a network of mentors, investors, donors and partners who help make that possible.”

The inaugural ranking, developed by TIME in collaboration with Statista, recognizes 80 leading incubators and accelerators across the United States. The rankings were based on founder feedback, measurable startup outcomes, and recommendations from investors and experienced entrepreneurs.

The recognition also puts Central Virginia’s startup ecosystem on a national stage, highlighting the region’s growing ability to launch, support and retain high-growth companies.

TIME and Statista evaluated incubators and accelerators across three key dimensions:

  • Alumni Evaluations: Feedback from over 2,000 founders who participated in incubator and accelerator programs between 2020 and 2025, including their experience with mentoring, funding access, networking, infrastructure and business support.
  • Track Record: Measurable outcomes of startups supported by each incubator and accelerator, based on information provided by the organizations and supplemented by Statista’s research.
  • Expert Recommendations: Input from startup investors and experienced entrepreneurs on the incubators and accelerators they know and regard most highly.
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