WASHINGTON, DC, Advantage Capital Partners, a leading venture capital and small business finance firm, has invested $1.6 million in agencyQ, Inc., an interactive technology services firm based in Washington, D.C. The funds, raised in connection with the District's Certified Capital Company (CAPCO) Program, will enable the company to continue to grow and create additional high-tech jobs in the D.C. area.

agencyQ, founded in 1999, is a leading developer of websites and online marketing strategies for a wide range of clients, many of whom are nationally recognized blue-chip companies. The company also combines its design, marketing and technology expertise to help local small businesses and non-profits achieve their online goals and execute their business initiatives.

"We were seeking growth capital from conventional lenders when we were introduced to Advantage Capital," said Sean Breen, founder and CEO of agencyQ. "The flexible financing they were able to offer will enable agencyQ to continue to provide our clients with exceptional solutions."

"I am extremely pleased to see Advantage Capital fostering local tech entrepreneurs through the D.C. CAPCO program funding," said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "This administration has placed a priority on small business expansion and job creation, which are essential to the vitality of the District."

The Washington D.C. CAPCO program encourages the flow of investment capital to promising small businesses located in the District. The companies, in turn, develop innovative technologies and services, create jobs and increase economic activity. In Washington, D.C., the participating CAPCOs have invested more than $28 million, enabling the creation and retention of 657 jobs to date.

About Advantage Capital Partners

Advantage Capital Partners is a leading venture capital and small business finance firm focused on providing growth capital and other investments supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm's typical forms of investment include early stage, expansion equity, mezzanine financing, senior and subordinated loans and government-guaranteed lending. With offices and partners in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, St. Louis and other U.S. cities, Advantage has raised more than $1.6 billion in institutional capital since 1992 and invested in companies located in geographic areas underserved by traditional capital.

About agencyQ

agencyQ (Q) is a digital marketing agency that excels in four core services: Digital Marketing, Technology, Strategy and Design. Q helps businesses harness the web to transform ideas into effective websites, applications and digital marketing campaigns. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Q serves a global portfolio of commercial, government, healthcare and association and nonprofit organizations.

About the Certified Capital Company program

Advantage Capital Partners is a leading participant in Certified Capital Company (CAPCO) programs, state economic development tools designed to strengthen state economies by stimulating the flow of investment capital to local small businesses, creating high-paying jobs and increasing state tax revenues. For a firm to be eligible for DC CAPCO funding, among the requirements are that 25% of its employees live in the District and 75% work in the District.