Startups

Zombies, ticking bombs and art thieves — these are the stories a local magician and hypnotist is using to build his puzzle-filled escape room business that opened last month.

This year saw several local companies champion the startup competition circuit, while brick-and-mortar newcomers set up shop and Hopewell laid the groundwork for its own small business hub.

Linda Nash isn’t stopping with a Markel deal and her own consulting firm. Next month she plans to debut a healthcare recruiting spin-off and roll out another concierge medicine startup.

With help from Capital One and Bon Secours, a dozen East End entrepreneurs received an extra funding boost from an annual program, including restaurants, retailers, a dry cleaner, and wedding planner.

A company that helped people manage their charitable donations has been sold to another firm, which will weave its services into the employee benefits business.

Aiming for young companies without any previous competition wins, a longtime business mentorship program is accepting applications for its first pitch contest that will give out cash and free office space.

After two years of growth for their Glen Allen lawn care company, two entrepreneurs are hoping business will bloom with them both on the job full-time.

The six companies participating in the annual Lighthouse Labs mentorship program made their pitches last night, and two investors also revealed plans to make finding funding easier for startups.

Two former VCU basketball players — who were on the court during the 2011 championship game — are making a new play, warming up for the launch of an online platform that will allow shoppers to donate to charities.

With a new director and a new co-working space in downtown Ashland, a business mentorship program is hoping to attract a new round of startups.