Video game vet launches new studio

Newsletter for May 15, 2024

Hey Charm City, it looks like those primary election results are in. Did your candidates win?

In our newsletter today, you'll learn about a new tool for public affairs officials and a Baltimore-area game developer who has raised millions for his next game studio. Also, check out Technical.ly's new events board, where you can share free events for free!

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

Sure, there are plenty of places to post an event — but how many can say it’ll be seen by the largest engaged audience of technologists, entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and ecosystem builders in the mid-Atlantic? That’s the value prop of Technical.ly’s new Events Board. Fill out a simple form, and your post will go live, with zero cost for free events. (Paid ticketed events cost $150.) We’ll be sharing listings from that board in this newsletter and on our social channels and Slack. Catch you there.

➡️ Check out the Events Board and maybe even post your own.

By next month, DC-based news outlet Axios and Quorum plan to launch a new way for public affairs professionals to track legislative developments and associated journalism. This all-in-one platform will consolidate bills, documents and statements from elected officials alongside analysis and reporting from Axios. The integration will be available to paid subscribers of Axios Pro and Quorum.

➡️ Learn about this new platform from my DC colleague Kaela Roeder.

• Veteran video game developer Jake Solomon, known for his work on Firaxis Games' "XCOM" and "Marvel’s Midnight Suns," has raised $6 million to launch his new studio, Midsummer Studios. Solomon aims to create a life simulation game similar to "The Sims," focusing on the subtleties of daily life instead of combat and strategy. [Maryland Inno/Variety]

• The DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant is part of a $30 million initiative to enhance vocational skills training and reskilling programs in the construction industry. Grant applications, intended to support the development of tradespeople's skills through 2027, are open until June 30. [DEWALT/DEWALT]

• Many people watch "Shark Tank" to see entrepreneurs pitch to celebrity investors. However, the deal terms on the show are often much harsher than standard venture capital investments. [Forbes]

• 501(c)(3) organizations, while restricted in lobbying and political activities due to their tax-exempt status, play a crucial role in community engagement across the US. Despite these limitations, they can still support movement work by finding appropriate avenues to influence policy within the legal constraints. [Nonprofit Quarterly]

• A team of Baltimore-area mechanical engineering students designed a quiet leaf blower. Stanley Black & Decker expects to bring the patent-pending product to market in two years. [Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering/YouTube]