Business Brief: Delivery robots launch, cybersecurity startup raises $30M
UpCycle prepares December return; $53M Witter Place reaches construction milestone
Autonomous delivery robots are now operating on Alexandria sidewalks, while a local cybersecurity startup has raised $30 million in new funding.
Here’s the latest in Alexandria business news.
Cybersecurity startup raises $30M
Alexandria-based cybersecurity startup SpecterOps has raised $30 million in new funding, bringing its total raised since March to more than $100 million, the Washington Business Journal reported.
The company’s flagship product, BloodHound Enterprise, helps organizations defend against cyberattacks by mapping routes hackers could take to break into their systems, allowing cybersecurity professionals to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
SpecterOps relocated its headquarters from Seattle to North Pitt Street in Alexandria in 2024. The company employs about 260 people — up 61% over the past year — with about 9% of its workforce based in Alexandria.
The new funding follows a $75 million Series B investment round led by Insight Partners. Other investors include M12, Microsoft’s venture arm, as well as Ansa Capital and Cisco Investments.
Delivery robots hit Alexandria sidewalks
Autonomous delivery robots are now rolling through Alexandria, making the city Serve Robotics’ first stop in its expansion into the D.C. region.
The company, which partners with Uber Eats, launched this week in Northeast Alexandria, Del Ray, Potomac West, Old Town North and surrounding neighborhoods. It plans to expand to additional areas in the coming months.
“We chose Alexandria because the city and the state’s business-friendly environment, as well as the already existing legislation that allows for our delivery robots to operate,” said Yariel Diaz, director of government affairs at Serve Robotics.
Because state law already permits sidewalk delivery robots, Serve did not need city approval to launch. But the company said it proactively reached out to Alexandria’s transportation division before deploying.
The robots operate seven days a week, year-round. Customers order through Uber Eats and meet the robot outside to unlock its compartment using their phone or a code. If a robot completes the delivery, any prepaid tip is automatically refunded.
Affordable housing project tops out
Witter Place, a 94-unit affordable housing development at Duke Street and Telegraph Road, has topped out, meaning the building’s structure is now complete.
The $53 million project, led by Community Housing Partners, will feature an even mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments overlooking the Witter soccer fields. The community will include more than 5,600 square feet of amenity space and an outdoor courtyard with a playground.
General contractor Harkins Builders is now shifting focus to interior work. The project is expected to be completed in December 2026.
UpCycle to reopen Dec. 19
UpCycle Creative Reuse Center will reopen to the public on Dec. 19 at noon at its new location at 2397 S. Dove St.
The nonprofit, which diverts reusable materials from the waste stream and makes them available for creative projects, has been closed while relocating to its new space. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Alyia Gaskins is scheduled for Jan. 10 at noon.
UpCycle’s Tinker Time program — a free, self-paced creative experience for all ages — returns Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m.
The organization’s Giving Tuesday fundraiser brought it within $3,480 of its $20,000 goal. Donations can be made at upcyclecrc.org.
Home Alone pop-up at Hotel Heron
Francis Hall, the cocktail bar at Hotel Heron in Old Town, has transformed into a Home Alone-inspired holiday pop-up through the end of December.
The bar features five festive cocktails, twinkling lights and decor inspired by the 1990 holiday film.
Hotel Heron opened its doors in Old Town last year and debuted Francis Hall in October.
Businesses on the market
Several Alexandria businesses are currently listed for sale on BizBuySell and LoopNet, including a turnkey burger restaurant for $325,000, an Italian and pizza restaurant established in 2009 for $195,000 and an American restaurant and bar in Old Town for $175,000. A Row House fitness studio franchise in Old Town is listed at $170,000, a bubble tea franchise is asking $90,000 and a used car dealership with 30 years in business is listed at $420,000.
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