New Collaborative Office Space Opens in Reston for Tech Startups, Nonprofits and Artists

“The Greater Washington region already boasts sufficient co-working locations for early-stage tech startups and young entrepreneurs looking to hatch ideas and companies," said James Quiqley, CEO of Canvas, a venture-backed, Reston-based mobile startup that launched Refraction.

"As evidenced by our diverse group of initial tenants, Refraction is focused on startups and organizations from the vibrant tech, nonprofit and artist communities in Northern Virginia that are past the ideation stage and looking to scale," Quigley said.

Refraction was launched by Quigley and Rachael Stott, co-founder of Dandelion Support Network and a former Canvas Ante Up award winner honoring not for profits. Canvas has been operating a co-working space in its previous Reston location that served as the launchpad for several successful area startups, including Speek, AppTapp and Intellinote. Canvas has moved its headquarters offices into the new Refraction space as the anchor tenant.

“Co-working facilities make it easier for start-ups to have flexibility in spending their resource early on in their life cycle," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. "Refraction affords start-ups and small companies to have that flexibility. We applaud Canvas program and wish them continued success in growing businesses in Fairfax County.”

Refraction Reston spans nearly 17,000 square feet, and expects to house 20 to 30 organizations. Several startups in Canvas’ previous co-working space – as well as new organizations – have moved to the new Refraction space as flagship tenants, including: 

•     Intellinote – founded by former Clarabridge executives, this cloud workforce management provider recently secured $4.3 million from Grotech and Boulder Ventures.
•     Washington West Film Festival (WWFF) – Reflecting a commitment to spurring collaboration beyond technology startups, the Refraction space will be home to the film festival’s organizers, as well as host as needed a support staff of more than 50 volunteers that put on the annual Washington, DC film event.
•     AppTapp – app discovering engine landed $4m in its most recent funding round, led by Syncom Venture Partners and with participation from existing investor, New Atlantic Ventures.
•     TidWiT – an innovative leader in the social learning space that helps companies create, socialize, syndicate, and monetize their learning.
•     Right Source Marketing – a strategic marketing consulting firm that supports a broad range of clients at all stages of development.

To celebrate the opening of the new co-working space, Refraction Reston will host a launch party on Wednesday, April 30, from 5 – 9 p.m. at its new space 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 850. Come eat, drink, mingle, and check out the new space in Northern Virginia. RSVP to the launch party for free here – https://nvite.com/refractionlaunch/party.