Summary
CapitalCapital 2026 brought together founders, investors, technology leaders, and ecosystem builders in Washington, D.C. to explore the future of innovation. As founder Doug Anderson shared, the goal is to create environments where leaders can "exchange ideas and build relationships," a philosophy that was evident throughout the event. Circle Optics COO Ian Gauger and VP of Marketing & Partnerships Jennifer Sertl joined conversations spanning artificial intelligence, defense technology, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the growing innovation ecosystem.
Circle Optics COO Ian Gauger and VP of Marketing & Partnerships Jennifer Sertl recently attended the third annual CapitalCapital in Washington, D.C., joining founders, investors, technology leaders, venture firms, and ecosystem builders for a day focused on entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and the future of innovation.
Held at The Turnaround at RT54, a restored 1891 landmark located at the intersection of Capitol Hill, Navy Yard, and the Capitol Riverfront, the event highlighted the growing momentum of the region’s startup and venture ecosystem. The venue itself served as a fitting backdrop, blending Washington’s history with conversations focused on the future of innovation.The gathering reflected the vision of DCA Live Founder Doug Anderson, who has spent much of his career creating environments where leaders can exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen innovation communities.As Anderson shared in a previous conversation with Circle Optics: “I spent most of my career in media and trying to find creative and innovative ways to get people together to exchange ideas and to build relationships.”
That philosophy was evident throughout the event. Beyond the keynote presentations and panel discussions, Capital to Capital created opportunities for founders, investors, and business leaders to connect around shared interests, emerging opportunities, and common challenges.
One session that resonated particularly strongly with the Circle Optics team explored the rapidly expanding Defense Tech ecosystem. Leaders from Booz Allen, Silicon Valley Defense Group, Lavrock Ventures, Ridgeline Ventures, R Squared Ventures, and Lowenstein Sandler discussed the evolving landscape for dual use innovation, venture investment, government adoption, and the opportunities facing founders building technologies that serve both commercial and national security markets.
For Circle Optics, the conversation reflected many of the same trends shaping the future of autonomy, situational intelligence, and advanced imaging technologies.
The event also highlighted emerging companies attracting attention from investors and industry leaders. During the Growth Stage Lightning Pitch session, organizations including GenLogs, Vannadium, Banjo Health, TraXyL, and Base Operations shared their vision for growth and innovation, demonstrating the diversity and strength of today’s startup ecosystem.
The breadth of companies and conversations reinforced a central theme: innovation thrives when founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem builders come together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore new opportunities for growth.
Reflecting on the event and the broader innovation community, Circle Optics COO Ian Gauger shared, “Washington is a great innovation ecosystem, and we are happy to be a part of it.”
To learn more about Doug Anderson’s vision listen to circle Optics 360 Pulse Podcast Episode “Inside the DC Innovation Ecosytem”
