The Washington, DC Economic Partnership Announces Quorum as Winner of “Live Free in DC” Startup Competition
Boston, Mass.-based tech startup will move to Washington, D.C. to grow its business
May 27, 2015 (Washington, D.C.) – The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is proud to announce Quorum, an online legislative strategy platform currently based in Boston, Mass. as winner of the “Live Free in DC” competition during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive conference in Austin, Texas in March.
Founded by recent Harvard graduates Jonathan Marks and Alex Wirth, Boston, Mass.-based Quorum provides quantitative insights into the U.S. Congress and features interactive visualizations and up-to-date statistics for every member, bill, vote, committee, issue area, and congressional district. Applicants to “Live Free in DC” were reviewed by a panel of select board members of Accelerate DC, a mentor-venture program created and managed by the WDCEP. The judges considered the benefits a company would receive from a Washington, D.C.-based location including potential customers, partnerships, and resources.
“It was our goal to host a startup in Washington, D.C. with long term potential of growth because of its location in the District of Columbia. Factors included age of company, existing revenue, media exposure, product and market fit, and sense of commitment,” says Tiffany Thacker, Director of Business Attraction, Technology & Innovation. “Quorum was the perfect fit. Though they are currently a Boston-based startup, their primary market is located in Washington, D.C. This competition provided them with a channel to shift their base from Boston to Washington, D.C., gain access to D.C.-area investors and mentors, and help grow their team.”
“We applied for the ‘Live Free in DC’ competition because it provides us with the space and resources we need in order to continue growing as a company,” says Quorum co-founder Alex Wirth. “The housing and work space as well as the support from WDCEP will help our team to hit the ground running this summer.”
Quorum will officially move to the District of Columbia on June 1, where they will live, work, and play through the end of August. Living accommodations are provided by Meridian at Mount Vernon Triangle (425 L Street, NW) and furnishings provided by Turnkey Housing Solutions, a leading provider of serviced apartments, corporate, executive, student and temporary furnished housing. Quorum’s D.C.-based office will be located in the co-working space Canvas (1203 19th Street, NW). Support and promotion of the tech startup will be provided by the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. WDCEP will help the tech startup foster relationships with community and business leaders, promote the startup through its various channels, and provide access to its Accelerate DC mentor program. Additional details about the full package are available at DesignBook.com, an online platform designed for entrepreneurs to plan and strengthen their business, source talent, and raise money, which hosted and sponsored the Live Free in DC competition.
“The ‘Live Free in DC’ competition has been a fantastic example of how to foster the growth of emerging business,” says Design Book co-founder, Aaron Pollack. “All of the companies that applied were first class. We are excited to watch Quorum take their business to the next level in D.C.!”
“Washington, D.C. is filled with small and large companies, entrepreneurs, and startups which all make incredible contributions to the way people and businesses interact with technology every day,” says Mr. Wirth. “The mix of people and ideas here drives this innovation. This summer, we look forward to fully becoming a part of the vibrant DC tech community.”
Quorum will be tweeting and blogging about their experience in Washington, D.C. Follow them on Twitter at @QuorumAnalytics and the WDCEP at @WDCEP for updates throughout the summer.
Website: www.WDCEP.com Social Media: @WDCEP #WeDC
About Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP)
The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a 501(c)(3) organization aimed to promote economic development and business opportunities for Washington, D.C. and enhance the city’s economy through jobs creation, increased tax revenues, retaining existing businesses, and attracting new businesses. The WDCEP facilitates economic development through business attraction and business retention programs and activities including site location assistance, educational seminars and workshops, networking and relationship building events, and serves as a key resource for DC economic development information. The WDCEP publishes several reports throughout the year including the DC Development Report, DC Doing Business Guide, and Neighborhood Profiles. For additional information, please visit www.wdcep.com.
About Quorum
Quorum is an online legislative strategy platform that provides unique quantitative insights into the U.S. Congress. Featuring interactive visualizations and up-to-date statistics for every Member, bill, vote, committee, issue area, and Congressional district, Quorum is changing the way people see, explain, and influence the legislative process. To learn more about Quorum, please visit www.quorum.us.