PS-Fertility, Inc., a life sciences start-up that will commercialize a novel male fertility diagnostic technology originally developed at UVA, will invest $1.4 million to establish an operation in Albemarle County.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has existed as a business venture since its inception in 1607. More than 400 years on, Virginia is still known as one of the best states in the country for business and is top-ranking for business climate, business friendliness, or their overall state rankings. Today, companies across industries call Virginia home. 

Virginia’s higher education system, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, is well established as an elite talent incubator. But the Commonwealth’s universities, both public and private, also serve as a launching pad for startup companies.

Paul's Fan Company in Buchanan County was founded in 1958 as a small machine shop servicing the coal mining industry. It evolved over the years to expand its focus and, thanks to strong growth in the early 2000s, eventually purchased the Jeffrey Fans line from construction equipment giant Caterpillar. 

Tom Walker, founder and CEO of DroneUp, a provider of drone delivery and flight services discusses DroneUp’s history and growth in Virginia, and the company’s work to grow the unmanned industry in Virginia through a unique educational partnership.

Apex Mills, a specialty supplier and manufacturer of warp knit fabrics, will invest $3.1 million to expand its East Coast presence by acquiring the former HanesBrands facility and its equipment in Patrick County.