Geospatial Industry Success Story in Fairfax

Geospatial Company Puts Eyes on the Invisible from its Fairfax County HQ

Accelerating missions is HawkEye 360’s mission. The Fairfax County-based firm is the first commercial company to use formation-flying satellites equipped with radio frequency technology to detect objects, assign identities, and track behavior and long-term intent.

“Raw data is converted into actionable data analytics to answer actual customer questions,” said HawkEye 360 CEO John Serafini. “While questions are typically around U.S. and U.S. ally defense missions, we also examine the global commons for abuse by bad actors and overuse, such as poaching of environments.”

In 2020, HawkEye 360 increased its team of defense, intelligence, engineering and technology authorities. Access to high-quality, highly-engaged talent in Fairfax County simplified the process.

“We find the region convenient for sourcing talent,” Serafini said. “There are fantastic educational institutions in this area that help us with new, younger talent. We’re able to onboard a diversified workforce.”

Fairfax County’s well-stocked talent pipeline totals 3.4 million workers, with millennials comprising the largest portion. Many are graduates from the region’s range of universities and colleges, including the University of Virginia, U.S. News & World Report’s #4 public college.

HawkEye 360 is among good company in Fairfax County, which is home to 7 of the top 10 global defense companies in the world and more than 8,800 technology firms. Being located in the Greater Washington area is another significant benefit for companies with federal ties. Agency offices and Washington Dulles International Airport are a short 20 to 30-minute drive from Fairfax County.

“Being near our customers and responding to their requirements is important,” Serafini noted. “There’s excellent infrastructure here that makes building a company easy.”