Startup founders swarmed inauguration events across Washington, D.C., this week, hoping to connect with power brokers and secure opportunities in the evolving tech and government landscape. While tech luminaries like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg shared the spotlight at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, entrepreneurs mingled at parties and networking events, seizing the chance to pitch their visions to influential figures.
Isaiah Taylor, founder of Valar Atomics, epitomized the weekend’s spirit. His company aims to harness nuclear power for synthetic hydrocarbon fuel production, and he spent the days navigating high-profile gatherings, rubbing shoulders with personalities like Sean Spicer and Jordan Peterson. Taylor leveraged his connections to advocate for regulatory changes, securing multiple invitations to Mar-a-Lago with a well-timed two-page proposal. “People are asking, ‘How do we fix this? We need to build things again,’” Taylor remarked, describing the administration’s openness.
The capital was alive with industry celebrations, from Snoop Dogg’s performance at David Sacks’ Crypto Ball to a “Coronation Ball” hosted by a Curtis Yarvin-linked publishing company. These events reflected a dynamic blend of tech ambition and political access.
For Tyler Sweatt, CEO of defense tech startup Second Front Systems, the weekend represented potential progress. Frustrated by federal bureaucracy’s opacity, Sweatt expressed optimism about alignment between government, Big Tech, and startups. After attending key dinners, including Trump’s pre-inauguration candlelight event, he noted, “It feels like we’re entering a moment where the federal government’s inner workings might be more transparent.”
Jacob Martin, co-founder of gaming guild Ready Player DAO, spent the weekend anticipating major announcements, such as a potential pardon for Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, which did not materialize. At the Crypto Ball, Martin rued missing out on the Trump meme coin, a speculative cryptocurrency that surged after its launch. “I didn’t buy it because it seemed like a scam,” he laughed, “but some people made millions.”
The weekend buzz also centered on Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which many believe could streamline public sector operations and create new opportunities for startups. James Layfield, chief sales officer of Samplify.ai, launched “DogeProof.com” to offer government agencies free tools to eliminate redundant software subscriptions. After pitching his concept to Representative Byron Donalds, Layfield said the response was encouraging.
Others, like Rabi Alam of Counter Health, are eager to align with DOGE’s goals but admit they need clarity on its scope. At the Inauguration Ball, Alam planned to gather insights and build connections. “I need more details on what the approach entails,” he noted.
As the weekend’s whirlwind of events wrapped up, the balancing act between networking and execution loomed large. “Some people are focused on being in the right room,” Taylor observed. “Others are focused on getting the work done.”
Featured image courtesy of Time
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