You know the saying: It’s not what you know, but who you know that matters.
Well, it’s a saying for a reason.
If you want to have an edge in today's economy, having friends in high places can only help. Baltimore is a growing hotbed of startups with a burgeoning technology community. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, or just want to mingle with a few like minds, here are five organizations, sites, or projects that you should check out to help you connect with Baltimore's technology community.
Co-founders Tina Tyndal (brand strategist and marketing guru) and Benjamin Walsh (Producer, Bethesda Softworks) started Innovate Baltimore as a social community for creative technology leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and enthusiasts in Baltimore. “Our mission includes providing individuals with networking and educational opportunities which will allow them to generate new ideas, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the technology community in the region,” explains the website.
Get involved: Innovate Baltimore has regular meet-ups. Check out Innovate Baltimore’s September Networking Social: September 21st at The Get Down.
Since 2009, Baltimore Node has been a member-run hackerspace that offers a collaborative environment where people can hack, craft, and make interesting things. Members have 24/7 access to the space and free use of the shared equipment and tools. Plus, the space brings together like-minded tech enthusiasts for potential collaborations. Anyone can join, as long as they can contribute $50 in monthly dues.
Get Involved: Baltimore Node meetings happen every other Thursday. They also sponsor workshops and events.
Curious about the faces behind Baltimore’s start-ups? Take a look at Baltimoretech.net, which is basically a social networking tool for local entrepreneurs, developers, designers, Social Media “Ninjas”, and investors. Here you can check out the profiles and projects of over 200 people who’ve made a name for themselves in the community. The site also lists notable Baltimore startups, local events, and job opportunities. For students interested in getting involved, but who don’t know what’s out there, this is a great database of information.
Get Involved: Go ahead, browse a little. Then reach out to a company or person that catches your eye. While you’re at it, why not make your own profile.
Get your local tech news here. A collaborative project between Technical.ly and local entrepreneur extraordinaire Mike Brenner, this news site just stepped into the tech scene. The site is dedicated to the three following areas:
- Entrepreneurship and business innovation for job growth/retention
- Smarter workforce and opportunities for digital access/education
- Civic hacking and workflow management for govt policy/reform
Get Involved: Sign up for their weekly newsletter, follow them on Twitter, and Facebook.
Voted “Best Nerd’s Night Out” by the City Paper, Ignite Baltimore brings together 16 thinkers from a range of disciplines to share one idea in five minutes on stage. These mini-lectures span from technology to science to art to anything you can imagine. The purpose is to encourage conversation and collaboration across cultures and disciplines. It’s also an opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals.
Get Involved: Ignite Baltimore #11 is schedule for October 18, 2012 in MICA’s Brown Center. Or, if you’ve got something to say, why not submit a proposal?