Dispatches from the Road: Q1 2023
2023 got off to a quick start with our investors hitting the road, tracks, and skies to catch up with portfolio companies, meet co-investors and ecosystem builders, and explore startup communities across the country. Check out some of the places we went, from the Mid-Atlantic to the Gulf to the Pacific Coast — and more than a few destinations in between.
Where we went: Richmond, VA 📍
What we did: Revolution Growth Partner, Todd Klein, and VP, Curtis Oberg, visited Virginia’s capital for a TemperPack board meeting and to check out the sustainable cold-chain packaging company’s facilities and new technologies, including machinery that allows for in-house production of its planet-friendly solutions.
Where to go: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to stroll the sculpture garden and peruse its nearly 50,000 works of global art, Garnett’s for an A+ sandwich (highly recommend The Point Guard), Sub Rosa for a wood-fired pastry, and the James River Park Pipeline Walkway for a unique waterfront stroll.
Where we went: New Orleans, LA 📍
What we did: Rise of the Rest VP, James Barlia, and Chairman and CEO, Steve Case, took the New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week mainstage for conversations on seed-stage bio and healthtech investing and the city’s startup momentum. Following Steve’s fireside chat with author Walter Isaacson, Governor John Bel Edwards joined both on stage to discuss the role startups play in America’s economic growth and how Louisiana can lean into next gen industries like climate tech. Read why the Big Easy could be among the next great startup cities, according to Steve, in The Times-Picayune.
Where to go: Magazine Street for six miles of vintage shopping, food, and fun, Frankie & Johnny’s for classic Creole dishes, and — of course — Cafe Du Monde for beignets.
Where we went: Baltimore, MD📍
What we did: Revolution Ventures Associate, Carl Leacock, touched down in Charm City, meeting up with Baltimore’s tech community at Equitech’s Tuesday happy hours and attending Techstars’ Baltimore Demo Day, where 10 founders pitched their ideas to an audience of community members, mentors, and potential investors.
Where to go: Graffiti Alley for a colorful backdrop, Motor House (at the end of Graffiti Alley) for happy hour, the George Peabody Library for an architecturally stunning and scholarly atmosphere, and M&T Bank Stadium to see where the Ravens play.
Where we went: Philadelphia, PA📍
What we did: The City of Brotherly love was the Rise of the Rest team’s latest offsite destination. On the itinerary: working sessions, hosting a startup community happy hour, touring portfolio company Carbon Reform’s new facility, and a National Treasure-inspired scavenger hunt.
Where to go: Philadelphia Distilling for a classic cocktail, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens for a stroll through a mosaic-covered sculpture garden that lives up to its name, Independence Hall to see where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and Cleavers for a “no-bull” cheesesteak.
Where we went: San Francisco, CA📍
What we did: Despite our between-the-coasts travel, we still have lots of love for the startup capital of the world. In Q3, Revolution Growth VP, Nancy Hilliker, flew west for a venture investor meetup and Associate, Fifi Young, and Partner, Todd Klein, touched down in SF for the 2023 Gamers Development Conference, where Revolution co-hosted a community happy hour with portfolio company, aXiomatic.
Where to go: Asha Tea House for a selection of globally-inspired beverages, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps for a short-but-steep urban hike with a rewarding view, and Haight-Ashbury for dive bar, consignment shop, and record store exploring.
Where we went: San Diego, CA📍
What we did: Digital Communications Manager, Hannah Clark, went west to connect with VC communications and marketing professionals from across the country at VC Comms Con. Highlights from the agenda included sessions on building narratives that stick, leveraging data for media opportunities, and an AMA panel with journalists from Bloomberg, Axios, and more.
Where to go: Harbor Breakfast for a hearty first meal of the day, the Mengei International Museum to explore an impressive collection of folk art, Tacos El Gordo for a Tijuana-style taco experience, and Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market for farm-fresh bites and artisan crafts.
Where we went: Charleston, SC📍
What we did: The Revolution Growth team headed down to Chucktown for a change of scenery in the charming historical (and burgeoning entrepreneurial) hub. On the agenda: working sessions, and exploring the city’s sites, bites, and startup ecosystem.
Where to go: Downtown Charleston’s Culinary Tour for a gastronomical adventure, Folly Island for a beach stroll and views of the Morris Island Lighthouse, and Benne’s for a slice of coconut cake.
Where we went: Cleveland, OH📍
What we did: The Rise of the Rest team headed to the Buckeye State for One America Works’ Connecting the Coasts to the Heartland event, where Steve Case took the stage with Comeback Capital Managing Director, Scott Shane, to discuss the third wave of innovation, the Midwest’s rising tech hubs, and how Cleveland can capitalize on its strengths. Catch insights from their conversation in the Cleveland Business Journal.
Where to go: West Side Market to shop and snack on a variety of local provisions, Edgewater Park for shoreline views of Lake Erie and a Cleveland skyline photo op, and Mahall’s 20 Lanes to bowl, dine, and catch a live act.
