DC Startup Week is bringing entrepreneurs together for a week of events on helping to build a company and celebrations.
The festivities kick off on Sunday, Sept. 10, with a launch party on the Graham Georgetown Rooftop. From there, it’s a full five days of events that offer insight for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and local businesses.
The week is a program of TechStars, and was spearheaded by local team of volunteer community leaders and startup enthusiasts. What started in 2016 as a smaller event organized by Chida Sadayappan and Steven A. Rodriguez has transformed into a 90-event calendar spanning locations in the District. Rachel Koretsky and Troy Friedlander also joined the organizing team.
The week is broken into tracks. Founder and Growth tracks are “ideal for startups to explore and exchange ideas,” the organizers said in emailed comments to Technical.ly. “This year we will also see events across several local and Federal government sessions. These sessions explores the opportunities that exist for startups and small businesses in government agencies. government has a role to play in helping to build the startup community as well.”
Full calendarHere’s a look at some of the events that might offer a good place to start, but it’s just a sampling. (Descriptions in quotes are from the organizers):
Monday, Sept. 11
F-Up Nights “It is a mix of highs and lows, and in some cases a downward spiral, but that’s okay because that’s how we learn best.”
The New Inclusion Movement: Creating Diversity in Tech The District is in the midst of a major push to be an inclusive tech community. a panel of experts will talk about what cultural awareness really means. Some of the panelists include Janice Omadeke, founder of The Mentor Method, Erin Horne McKinney of Black Female Founders (#BFF) and Technical.ly CEO Chris Wink.
Mission Collaborative’s How to Build a Career You Love “For those who are looking to deep dive into exploring an entrepreneurial career…a great first step.”
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Think Local DC’s Starting a #MadeInDC Business and its Economic Impact “Startups begin locally, so knowing why it’s important for your bottom line but also the community can help motivate folks to explore more.”
Launching a Startup Without a Tech Background “Many times, a startup seems daunting, like you need to know tech, but that’s not true. Many funders are not techy at all.”
The Gig: The Side Hustle, Going from Part Time to Full Time “Do you need to begin as a full-fledged startup to succeed? Not really, you can test the waters by freelancing.”
Fed Tech: Connecting Entrepreneurs with Inventions from Federal Labs See how you can use government IP to create new ventures, and it’s all legal!
Netwalking: Walking While Networking “Instead of sitting, why not walk and network at the same time?”
Wednesday, Sept. 13
The Public Good App House: Apps for Social Good and Public Good Technology “Entrepreneurship isn’t always about making the moolah, though it certainly helps. At times, making an impact can be just as rewarding.”
Let’s Tackle Tech Inclusion! “Entrepreneurship is stronger with minority involvement. Entrepreneurship is not restricted to any one group or segment.”
Thursday, Sept. 14
How Tech Startups are Changing Politics Crowdskout CEO Zack Christenson discusses data and tech tools, and how they’re putting voters back at the center of campaigns.
Friday, Sept. 15
Want to Get Your Startup in the Media? This panel featuring Technical.ly DC’s Stephen Babcock and FedScoop (and former Technical.ly DC) reporter Tajha Chappellet-Lanier will offer tips on pitching to the press.
Pitch Competition: Seven Minutes in Heaven! Close out the week by seeing some of the District’s newest companies to watch. On Friday, Sept. 15, five startups including Ahto, Fandemic, Crazy Ate, Vendoo and SmartBridge Health will be pitching for $1,000.
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