Plus, an ecosystem builder's life's work.
Newsletter for October 23, 2024 |
| Baltimore Tracks, an organization and coalition of local tech employers, is exploring ways to make sure the region lives up to its boosters' equity-driven promises. The group recently convened virtually, and reporter Anand Macherla has the details on that meeting below. Plus, UM BioPark Executive Director Jane Shaab told us about her career journey, and how her love for her hometown fuels her work. Keep scrolling to learn more. P.S.: There's still time to submit noms for our Technical.ly Awards through tonight! Tell us who deserves to be in the spotlight. — Kaela, Technical.ly lead reporter in Baltimore and DC |
Image of the Day: Founders hold checks at the latest Maryland Student Startup networking dinner. (Josh Ambrose/Pava Center)
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| This year, Technical.ly celebrates 15 years of independent journalism. Doing it without a paywall or subscription fee is only possible because of you — our community. If you want to support our work, make a tax-deductible gift and help keep innovation ecosystems accessible to all. |
Baltimore Tracks talks tech equity |
At the recent meeting, local leaders discussed the difficulty of gathering stats related to diversity and inclusion because there's inconsistent participation from companies in the region. There's also survey fatigue in general: A lot of times, the last thing a person wants to do is fill out a robust questionnaire. But someone offered a possible solution to further the goal of a more equitable tech ecosystem. Siobhán Hayes, director of the Tech Lab at Digital Harbor Foundation, suggested Baltimore Tracks could work more directly with local companies. ➡️ Learn more about Baltimore Tracks' work to diversify local tech here |
Betting on Baltimore’s success |
UM BioPark's Shaab wants to see the region she grew up in rise to its fullest potential. She's the leader behind the launch of 4MLK, a new space for innovators complete with lab facilities, flex offices and conference amenities. The first phase of the West Baltimore project is set to publicly open in January. “We are doing this project to create a first-rate scientific environment and to bring companies, quality companies, into Baltimore City .. that really will work and grow here in the city, and help the university grow and learn,” Shaab told Technical.ly editor Sameer Rao. It's all part of a legacy Shaab built over several decades, going back to formative experiences with The Rouse Company. ➡️ Learn about her career journey and what her day-to-day looks like here |
📰 News Incubator: What else to know |
• Maryland launched its first "bug bounty" program, an initiative to identify and contain cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the state's IT systems. [State of Maryland] • After the Fearless Fund settlement, lawyers specializing in DEI warn this type of anti-DEI litigation is ongoing. But there are ways for programs to more subtly target diverse founders. [Technical.ly] • DataTribe, the Fulton-based startup foundry for cyber companies, announced five finalists for its seventh annual challenge. That group includes Zectonal, a DC-based startup using AI to identify data quality issues in large data sets. [DataTribe] • Maryland is offering support to military and veteran communities through new funding and programs. Earlier this month, Gov. Wes Moore announced $2.2 million in financial assistance for small businesses, including loans of up to $100,000 for businesses owned by or employing military reservists or veterans. Plus, the Maryland Department of Commerce announced a $1 million federal grant to help military bases in the state stay viable. [State of Maryland] • Maryland-based Sandy Spring Bancorp is being acquired by the Virginia banking company Atlantic Union Bankshares in a deal valued at $1.6 billion. [Baltimore Sun] • Meat the Mushroom, a Baltimore startup that developed vegan bacon praised by "Shark Tank" judges, opened a carry-out restaurant in Govans. [Baltimore Biz Journal] |
Help others skip the paywall |
Unlike many other business publications, Technical.ly focuses not only on up-to-the-minute news stories, but also journalism that expands access to capital and tools for economic growth to people in marginalized communities or from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. That’s why we don’t have a paywall. It all sounds lofty and good, but to make it work, we need you. If you’re a client or preferred partner — you’re already helping. Thank you. For everyone, consider making a donation to the Technical.ly Journalism Fund. It’s tax deductible, and any amount makes a difference, whether $5 or $50 or $500 or $5,000. You have our gratitude. ➡️ Donate to the Journalism Fund today! |
Sponsored news: Point of interest |
| The drop in funding for startups founded by women hasn’t been good for the FemTech sector. But there’s a bright side. |
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🗓️ On the Calendar • Oct. 24: Network with fellow technologists at a happy hour hosted by Baltimore Tech Meetup at Crossbar Der Biergarten. [Details here]
• Oct. 25: Astronomer Julia Roman-Duval will be giving a talk about her work at the Space Telescope Science Institute. [Details here]
• Oct. 29: Watch the women-founder focused documentary "Show Her the Money" at the next Equitech Tuesday (I saw it in DC, it's a great watch). [Details here]
• Through Nov. 17: The Maryland STEM Festival kicked off a few days ago. It's a month-long series of events for kids and families focused on introducing science and technology at a young age. [Details here]
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