Loudoun Economic Development’s Buddy Rizer was named to the Washingtonian “Tech Titans” list for the seventh-straight year. The 2023 Tech Titans list featured “the 225 most innovative and important people in DC’s tech scene right now,” which included a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, investors, lobbyists, early-stage CEOs, non-profit leaders, government officials, and big business movers and shakers.
“It is always humbling to be included on a list with some of the most prestigious technologists in our region,” said Rizer. “Thanks to the efforts of our talented and innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders, Loudoun has become a hub of innovation and growth. Their drive, vision, and commitment have helped create an exciting and dynamic business ecosystem that is second to none, providing numerous #LoudounPossible opportunities for everyone to succeed.”
Rizer played a key role in bringing the world’s largest concentration of data centers to Loudoun County, a feat that has been 16 years in the making and is still growing. Since 2007, there hasn’t been a single day without data center construction in the county, cementing its place as the capital of a dynamic industry.
Rizer oversees an award-winning Economic Development Department that continues to garner diverse domestic and international commercial wins, setting a record in Fiscal Year 2023 with over $10,000,000,000 in business investment. With a concentration of highly educated tech workers, Loudoun attracts risk-taking entrepreneurs and unique companies across several industries including agri-tech, clean energy, highly specialized manufacturing, information technology, health innovation, and unmanned systems.
While companies continue to invest in Loudoun as a great place to do business, Loudoun Economic Development looks for opportunities to invest in innovative tech ideas through programs like the Loudoun Innovation Challenge.
“The Loudoun Innovation Challenge was created to promote entrepreneurship by investing a total of $150,000 into six trend-setting companies who are looking to start, scale, or soar their innovative idea in Loudoun,” explained Rizer. “Every successful business starts with a good idea and the funding to make it happen. Fresh ideas are always worthy of investment, and we’re excited to support the next generation of homegrown entrepreneurs.”
Applications are now open for this year’s Innovation Challenge. Interested companies should visit LoudounInnovationChallenge.com to learn more and apply.
