Mach 37
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Startup accelerator, Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Rick Gordon, Dan Woolley, Robert Stratton, Tom Weithman, David Ihrie, Pete Jobse |
| Headquarters | Tysons Corner , United States |
Area served | United States (Virginia, Maryland, D.C.) |
Key people | Jason Chen (CEO), Jennifer Quarrie (COO), Tom Weithman (President) |
| Products | Accelerator programs for cybersecurity startups |
| Owner | VentureScope |
| Website | mach37 |
MACH37 is a U.S.-based startup accelerator established in 2013 as part of Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), with funding provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2017, CIT collaborated with VentureScope, a consultancy specializing in strategic innovation and venture development, to overhaul MACH37’s operational framework and educational offerings. By 2020, VentureScope assumed full ownership and management of MACH37.
The accelerator focuses on refining startups’ alignment with market needs through comprehensive customer discovery, detailed market analysis, expanding professional connections, supporting founder wellness, and facilitating access to capital and early customers specifically within the cybersecurity sector. In October 2020, Forbes dubbed MACH37 the "Granddaddy" among leading cyber accelerators, acknowledging its pioneering influence and sustained presence in cybersecurity innovation.
The name 'MACH37' is inspired by Earth's atmospheric escape velocity. VentureScope applies the Lean Startup methodology at MACH37 to assist startups in rapidly adjusting their business models while validating customer requirements and market viability.
Program
MACH37 delivers three distinct accelerator tracks: a pre-accelerator designed for nascent startups requiring further development before entering the main program; a cybersecurity-focused accelerator running two 90-day cohorts each year, enrolling 5-8 startups per session; and a growth-stage accelerator offering customized support for established startups aiming to scale operations. The curriculum is provided through a combination of in-person sessions at their Tyson’s Corner office and partner venues, live virtual classes, and self-paced online content. In return for equity stakes, MACH37 collaborates with investors and regional economic development entities such as CIT to supply seed capital, particularly targeting businesses that establish or relocate within Virginia.
Each 90-day cybersecurity cohort centers on evaluating startups’ progress, conducting customer discovery, refining product design and development, executing outreach strategies, and driving growth to secure product-market fit and attract subsequent funding rounds. The program culminates in a Launch Day event where companies present to prospective investors. Former CIT leader Pete Jobse highlighted the initiative’s mission to validate market potential for emerging technologies. Throughout the cohorts, MACH37 organizes events that connect cybersecurity professionals locally across Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and internationally, encouraging collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Although primarily focused on commercial cybersecurity enterprises, MACH37 has also been regarded as a gateway to government contracting opportunities. Initially supported by Governor Terry McAuliffe via an agreement with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, the program began transitioning toward private sector ownership in 2017 under VentureScope’s leadership. This evolution aligned with McAuliffe’s 2016 initiative encouraging private-sector sponsorships from companies including Amazon Web Services. Today, MACH37 is overseen by VentureScope CEO Jason Chen and COO Jennifer Quarrie, both bringing significant expertise in strategy, innovation management, venture growth, and regional economic development.
History
Since its inception in 2013 as a segment of the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), backed by state government efforts to promote cybersecurity innovation for U.S. intelligence agencies and position Virginia as a cybersecurity hub, MACH37 has supported 78 startups. The initial management team known as MACH37 Partners included founders Rick Gordon, Dan Woolley, Robert Stratton, Tom Weithman, David Ihrie, and Pete Jobse—all experienced software industry professionals—with leadership later transitioning from Jobse to Ed Albrigo.
Originally relying solely on public funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia, MACH37 began receiving partial financial support from defense contractor General Dynamics in 2015 without reducing state contributions—signaling increased private sector engagement.
The program targets founders possessing strong technical skills but limited entrepreneurial experience by allowing them to concentrate on product innovation while providing access to capital and strategic guidance. This model resulted in 70% of participants securing private investment in 2015 and 63% in 2016.
By 2016, MACH37 had formed partnerships with Microsoft BizSpark, Rackspace, Virtru, and Square 1 Bank while garnering sponsorships from Amazon Web Services, General Dynamics, and SAP SE. The nonprofit research organization MITRE also became part of its network.
Leadership changes in July 2017 saw Tom Weithman appointed President; Jason Chen taking on the role of managing director of operations; and Mary Beth Borgwing named managing director of cyber following the departures of Gordon, Woolley, and Stratton.