E-Newsletter

Fairfax County E-Bird for June 11, 2019

Zooming in for intelligence: Logi Analytics, a Tysons-based developer of an analytics platform focused on embedding analytics in commercial and enterprise apps, acquired Zoomdata of Reston. Zoomdata created an analytics platform for big data and live streaming data that allows real-time visibility into data that is too big to move or changes frequently. Logi, which recently expanded to about 250 employees with the acquisition of Jinfonet Software, is seeking to create “smarter software.” Andy Medici reports for the Washington Business Journal.

Major merger: Raytheon and United Technologies agreed to merge in a deal that would create the second-largest aerospace firm (behind Boeing). Aaron Gregg of the Washington Post reports that with estimated revenues of $74 billion this year, the combined company would employ more than 60,000 engineers. Both Raytheon (known for its Patriot missile defense system) and United Tech (which includes jet-engine producers Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney) have operations in Fairfax County. Carten Cordell of the Washington Business Journal reports on how federal regulators might view the deal, and other ramifications for the aerospace and defense industry.

Charge it at Walmart: Electrify America, a Reston-based unit of Volkswagen Group of America, says it opened more than 120 electric vehicle charging stations at Walmart stores across the nation. The companies, which announced their relationship in 2018, have installed fast-charging stations in 34 states, with more planned for major areas including the Washington region. The collaboration is part of Electrify America’s plan to expand to more than 480 charging stations by the end of this year and invest $2 billion across the next 10 years in EV infrastructure and education. Jeff Clabaugh reports for WTOP.

Not skipping this: Cvent, the Tysons-based developer of meetings, events and hospitality technology, acquired San Francisco-based DoubleDutch, a developer of mobile apps that power events, conferences and trade shows. Cvent expects the acquisition to help bolster its mobile event app and onsite technology capabilities. A release carried by Potomac Tech Wire notes that DoubleDutch has more than 500 customers including Akamai, LinkedIn, ASAE and SAP.

Donors for dollars: EveryAction, a D.C-based software maker for nonprofits with backing from Insight Partners, bought DonorTrends, a Springfield-based fundraising-analysis firm. Kieran McQuilken of DC Inno cited a release, which explains that DonorTrends employs actionable data and analytics to help nonprofits raise money and retain more donors.

Looker, here: Google, which is expanding its presence in Reston, says it will acquire Looker, the California-based developer of a data analytics platform designed to help users improve business decisions. The deal, worth $2.6 billion, is expected to close later this year, with Looker joining Google Cloud. According to a release picked up by Potomac Tech Wire, the deal builds on an partnership between the two companies that already share more than 350 customers.

Research pays off: The Center for Innovative Technology announced that 41 Virginia-based research projects will receive awards from its Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund. Responsible Robotics Corporation of Tysons and Status Identity Inc. of Burke will be among recipients. George Mason University is among in-state universities to receive an award under the matching funds program. Michelai Graham of Technical.ly/D.C. reports that a total of $2.51 million will be committed to the 41 ventures. Click here to see the full list of recipients, their programs and award totals.

Adding to the herd: Reston-based Buffalo Groupe LLC, parent company to a spinoff of golf course management firm Billy Casper Golf LLC, acquired Charleston, S.C. communications firm Rawle Murdy Associates. The Washington Business Journal’s Katishi Maake reports that recently formed Buffalo Groupe will have nearly 80 employees with the addition of 27 from Rawle Murdy, which will continue to operate as an independent agency specializing in real estate, home services, travel and hospitality and retail.

The shows will go on: Tysons-based TEGNA, the broadcast and digital media company that was once part of Gannett, agreed to a multi-year deal with CBS to renew the affiliation agreements for 11 TV stations. The agreement includes renewal for WUSA9 in Washington, according to Katishi Maake’s story in the Washington Business Journal.

Educator on the move: Angel Cabrera, who has served nearly seven years as president of George Mason University, is the sole finalist to become the next president of Georgia Tech. The school’s board will make a final decision later. The first Spanish-born president of an American university, Cabrera has overseen Mason’s growth into Virginia’s largest public university with the addition of new facilities, expanded online programs and international recruitment. The Atlanta Business Chronicle‘s Eric Mandel reports that philanthropic contributions more than doubled during his tenure. Cabrera has ties to Georgia Tech, where he earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in cognitive psychology. Cabrera sits on the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, which he chaired in 2011.

Notable contract wins by firms in Fairfax County

  • Northrop Grumman secured a potential $958 million contract to manufacture and deliver 30 multi-mission radar systems, retrofit kits and spare components to the Marine Corps. GovConWire
  • Lockheed Martin won a potential seven-year, $1.8 billion Navy contract for the second phase of the F-35 Lightning II Block 4 pre-modernization program. Defence Blog
  • SAIC received a $90 million fixed-price contract to deliver items for repairs, operations and maintenance to the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. GovConWire

Upcoming Business Events

  • June 12: Security Tokens 101 — Blockchain-based Investing in Growing Businesses: Event will feature a panel discussion about security tokens as a blockchain-based way to invest in companies. Presented by the FCEDA and the Chamber of Digital Commerce. Click here.
  • June 12: Become a Better Boss to Engage and Retain Employees: Discussion will include practical steps for implementing influential leadership, key drivers of employee engagement and a self-assessment for attendees. Part of the Business Education Series presented by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Click here.
  • June 26: Access to Success Multicultural Business Conference — Roadmap to Resources. Free event designed to provide practical knowledge to small, women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Presented by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. Click here.
  • June 26: No Pressure Prospecting: Techniques to improve sales performance. Part of the Business Education Series presented by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Click here.

FAIRFACT: Fairfax County is investing in smart technologies including autonomous vehicles, drones, smart communities and blockchain. Check out our new Emerging Technologies Industry Profile.