Welcome to the weekly roundup of the latest from DC's tech and entrepreneurship scene. Want this in your inbox? Subscribe for free.
This week, a longtime ecosystem player discusses his path to DC Startup and Tech Week’s first full-time position, and a guest contributor references two recent Amazon headlines to explore the future of AI jobs.
Read those pieces, then scroll down to find more news from throughout the DMV.
📰 News Incubator: What else to know
• During these divided times, what do Americans agree about? Some look to entrepreneurship as a tool to promote unity. [Technical.ly]
• Microsoft’s layoffs are trickling down to its subsidiary ZeniMax Media in Rockville. The gaming company, a parent to studios behind “Fallout” and “Quake,” will let about 160 people go. [Baltimore Banner]
• DC generative AI risk assessment startup Aymara released an analysis that found most large language models do not fulfill fundamental safety requirements. In fact, it found that no model is fully safe for users. The risk categories include touting misinformation and providing medical advice. [Aymara]
• A platform for solo beauty entrepreneurs won $5,000 during the most recent Prince George’s County Small Business Accelerator Program hosted by M&T Bank. [M&T Bank]
• Are you looking for a job? A reminder that we have a jobs board featuring local opportunities. [Technical.ly]
• The DMV’s economy is staying strong despite federal cuts, per a new report from CBRE. [Washington Biz Journal]
• The DC Council likely won’t decide on the Commanders/RFK Stadium deal until this fall, much past the July 15 deadline Mayor Muriel Bowser set. The council is waiting on outside studies about the project and public hearings. [Axios]
• Ben’s Chili Bowl is temporarily closing its U Street location for four months for renovations. [NBC4]
• March of Dimes announced the finalists for its annual Heroines of Washington Awards. Recipients of the honor, for women who volunteer outside of their professional life, include leaders at Amazon and EY. [March of Dimes]
🗓️ On the Calendar
• Meet up with fellow AI practitioners on July 10 at the next AI Tinkerers event. [Details here]
• Watch local startups pitch their business at the next Accelerate Breakfast Series on July 10. [Details here]
• Learn how the DC government is using AI and provide feedback to local officials on July 15. [Details here]
• Autonomous tech meetup LaunchT is hosting its next event on July 16, and will focus on how to secure early-stage funding. [Details here]
• Partner event: On July 16, Baltimore Climate Tech Meetup (involving organizers of DC Climate Week) reconvenes to celebrate its second anniversary at Union Craft Brewing. [Details here]
• District Angels is hosting its monthly “deal room” session on July 18 to display how VC processes work. [Details here]
• Defense Tech DC is hosting its next meetup on July 22. [Details here]
