Community looking forward to tech incubator coming to Union Market

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Union Market could soon be known for more than just restaurants and warehouses.

“Definitely did not have a clue that it would turn into what it’s turning into right now,” said neighbor Gerardo Cruz.

Capital Factory , which has its headquarters in Texas, is working on a tech incubator at Union Market. The goal is to open its doors in the first quarter of 2025.

The space will be called Station DC, and it’s being developed on top of the restaurant known as Pastis .

“Because it’s a place where different groups can mix, where the startups and the entrepreneurs can be, where investors can go, but also being really accessible to Capitol Hill and all of the legislators and policymakers and others who we want to be collaborating,” said Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of Capital Factory.

According to Baer, the incubator will focus on technology startups that work with the government.

“At the same time, there will be a membership you’ll be able to have. So, you get an access card so you can go in there at night and on the weekends or, you know, be able to reserve rooms to host your own events or things like that,” he said.

Station DC will receive several grants from the city, following a city council vote .

“In FY 2024 the grant is for $500,000 and in FY 2025 the grant is for $1.5 Million. The funding was approved in this year’s budget,” said a spokesperson for Chairman Phil Mendelson’s office.

“If the buzz is there, I can see it being successful,” said Cruz.

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