02-07-2025
15 events for entrepreneurs and technologists in July
We've entered the Dog Days of Summer — named of course for the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star — and stretching through the muggy period from July to August. While this can be the hottest and most uncomfortable time of the year, that dog needs walking, so get out there and help your own star rise.
This month's roundup has plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking funding for their startups, plus gatherings for career advancement, sessions on AI and cybersecurity trends and more.
Check out the links below and browse the company directory for more info on the host orgs, and for more local tech community events (or to promote your own), visit Events board.
Monday, July 7
My NEXT Raise Investor Office Hours with Blu Venture Investors — 'Sign up to learn what investor ready means to Blu Venture Investors! Blu Ventures was founded in 2010 and has invested over $175M in 70+ companies. We are a partnership of 25 former C-level executives with experience in many industries. We focus on CyberSecurity, HealthTech, and B2B SaaS companies. We invest $100K – $1.25M in pre-seed to Series A rounds. We seek companies with significant traction that are post-production, post-revenue, and post-customer. There should be a path to $100K ARR with high growth projections.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
Tuesday, July 8
TEDCO's DefTech Monthly Office Hours — 'Come to the office hours to discuss how DefTech can support your business by leveraging cutting-edge technology, facilities, equipment, and expertise found in the Maryland Department of Defense Labs.' Hosted by TEDCO.
THE PIVOT. Series: Your Next Chapter Starts Now — 'The Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA) is launching The Pivot series, an 8-week virtual series designed to support federal employees, contractors and nonprofit professionals navigating career transitions. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops and entrepreneurial insights, The Pivot equips participants with the tools to explore new paths, build confidence and take control of what comes next.' Hosted by the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance with partnership from Arlington Economic Development. Sessions also on July 10, 15, 22 and 29.
Wednesday, July 9
MedTech Mixer: A Candid Talk on MedTech Fundraising — 'An inspiring evening of MedTech networking, featuring a fireside chat on fundraising—designed to connect innovators, investors, and changemakers.' Hosted by Amplify MedTech with support from TEDCO.
PCI Ventures Office Hours with Melisa Lopez-Anton (Virtual) — 'Meet virtually with a member of the PCI Ventures team to discuss your business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation.
My NEXT Raise Investor Office Hours with Ringbolt Capital — 'Sign up to learn what investor ready means to Ringbolt Capital! Ringbolt Capital is a B2B enterprise software focused firm investing in companies with $1M+ in ARR, with a focus on Data/Analytics, AI/ML, and future of work. We will lead rounds and follow on. If we lead, our check size is $1M-$2M, if we follow on it is $250K-$750K.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
Thursday, July 10
My NEXT Raise Office Hours with Skull Diamond Heart Capital — 'Sign up to learn what investor ready means to Skull Diamond Heart Capital! SDH Capital is more than just a venture capital firm; we are architects of the future. Founded in 2020 in Rochester, NY, our mission is to empower the brightest minds in the FoodTech and AgriTech sectors. We believe in the power of innovation to transform the world, and our goal is to nurture and scale the ideas that will lead this change. Our philosophy is rooted in partnership and growth.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
Wednesday, July 16
TEDCO's Venture Development Open Forum — 'Join TEDCO's Venture Development team for a monthly Open Forum — a recurring lunchtime discussion designed to keep Maryland's entrepreneurial ecosystem connected, informed, and empowered. Held every third Wednesday at 12 PM, we'll highlight the tools, services, and funding offered through Venture Development to help early-stage tech companies and founders thrive. Whether you're a first-time founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a support organization, this is your space to ask questions, gain insights, and connect with TEDCO's Venture Development experts. Topics include: Prelude Pitch, Concept Capital, Rural and Urban Business Innovation Initiatives mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and much more!' Hosted by TEDCO.
PCI Ventures Office Hours with Bhavana Mohanraj (Virtual) — 'Meet virtually with a member of the PCI Ventures team to discuss your business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation.
PitchMasters Workshop — 'Since PitchMasters creation, over 300 companies have presented their businesses to CEOs, advisors, business attorneys, and investors to gain valuable feedback. At this workshop-style event, companies seeking to become 'pitch-perfect' will present their investor decks to the group and receive feedback to help refine their pitch before they go in front of investors. This is a great opportunity for companies to get ready for that 'ask.' Founders receive 4 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of feedback.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
Thursday, July 24
AI in the Crosshairs: Regulation, Litigation, and the Road Ahead — 'Join us for a discussion on the uncertain landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation at the state and federal levels.' Hosted by Morgan Lewis.
Friday, July 25
How to Raise Capital: The Legal Perspective — 'An open session for founders to ask serial entrepreneur, venture capital partner, startup attorney, and Founder of NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers Anthony Millin questions about how to successfully raise a round of capital and what you need to know from a legal perspective.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
My NEXT Raise Investor Office Hours with Revolution — 'Sign up to learn what investor ready means to Revolution! Revolution invests in Pre-Series A through Series B with initial check sizes ranging from $3M – $12M in the following industries: Real Estate Tech; Consumer / Marketplace; Fintech / Insuretech; Software.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers and My NEXT Raise.
Tuesday, July 29
From Risk to Opportunity: How Cybersecurity Enhances Your Staffing Business — 'Join industry leaders from Withum and Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt's for a dynamic session that will arm you with practical tools to protect your agency, ensure legal compliance and strengthen client trust.' Hosted by Withum.
Wednesday, July 30