Tech billionaire-backed food hall Wonder opens … on 14th Street — and plans to blitz Washington with nearly 10 locations by year’s end.
Big money and big-name chefs like José Andrés are fueling the New York-born startup, which has lofty goals of disrupting food delivery and opening dozens of branches in the D.C. area.
Wonder Group has raised over $700 million to fuel expansion and acquire meal kit pioneer Blue Apron and delivery platform Grubhub.
Law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP has inked a nearly 55,000-square-foot lease at Skanska’s newest trophy office building, increasing its D.C. footprint …
Manatt will relocate from about 40,000 square feet at Washington Square, 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW, to the 334,000-square-foot tower branded 17xM at 1700 M St. NW.
Manatt will join law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, which in 2021 signed a long-term, 163,750-square-foot pre-lease at 17xM. UBS Financial Services Inc. in 2023 pre-leased another 23,644 square feet.
The theater company now owns the second, third and fourth floors of the building, which it plans to renovate with the help of OTJ Architects to accommodate space for administrative and artistic offices, learning programs, rehearsal halls and costume shop.
“This move has been a long time coming, as we have searched for just the right property to support the growth of our expanding and ambitious artistic mission, as well as to bring more of our staff together under one roof,” Anita Antenucci, the theater company’s board of trustees chair, said in a statement. “We are excited to continue our part in the revitalization of this thriving neighborhood, alongside such neighbors as Monumental Sports, and their ongoing efforts to bring new energy to Gallery Place.”
“Reopening our DC store feels like coming home. Peruvian Connection has always stood for beauty with meaning—timeless pieces rooted in history, culture, and artistry. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to rediscover the magic of what we do.” —Annie Hurlbut, Founder & CEO
The fresh funding brings Virtru’s total outside investment to $176.5 million since its founding in 2012 by brothers John and Will Ackerly, who serve as the CEO and chief architect, respectively. The company, which provides what it calls a “last mile” element of protection for data shared outside of its customers’ network, said the most recent funding round puts its valuation at $500 million.
The new capital will allow Virtru to hire additional roles tied to engineering, sales, customer service and marketing. Howard did not provide a specific number of hires Virtru is seeking, only noting the company will “strategically grow” its workforce. It has seven open roles on its website, all based in D.C. region or listed as remote, and almost half are affiliated with federal work.
Congratulations to our friends at Virtru! Check out our conversation with Co-Founder & CEO John Ackerly:
