From Awkward Intros to Meaningful Connections: My Journey Through DC Startup & Tech Week
Attending DC Startup & Tech Week was an intense, eye-opening journey. Each day, I set off from Baltimore to arrive by 9 AM, determined to network and meet as many people as I could. Initially, introducing myself felt painfully awkward, with every conversation feeling like a tightrope walk. But as the week went on, I honed a quick 3–4 minute pitch — “Hi, I’m Brady Starr, co-founder of Brady UX, a Baltimore-based design studio. We design apps and web apps with a small, dedicated team,” or sometimes I’d go with, “Hi, I’m Brady. What exciting project are you working on right now?”
At first, every interaction was a challenge, and a lot of the time, I found myself smiling and nodding without catching half of what was said. Sometimes it was the background noise, but other times it felt like people were speaking in riddles, never quite getting to the point. That said, I came across people like Stefani Kostadinova, who, despite her Bulgarian accent, spoke with such clarity that I could understand every word perfectly. It taught me that it wasn’t accents so much as clear communication that made the difference.
Each venue offered a unique atmosphere. Starting at Capital Turnaround, I connected with tech enthusiasts and early-stage entrepreneurs, discussing everything from growth challenges to the future of Web3. At National Landing, the focus on sustainability and emerging tech sparked deep conversations with developers passionate about their work in new areas like blockchain and green tech. Midweek, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library hosted workshops on AI and UX, where I met a front-end developer intrigued by user experience design, and we talked about bridging the gap between design and development.
At International Square, networking during the business expo introduced me to female founders and industry leaders. By the end of the week at the Eaton Hotel’s rooftop sessions, I had connected with entrepreneurs from all fields, including AI, cannabis tech, and government sectors, and celebrated the close of an incredible week.
Reflecting on just a small sample of people I met was an adventure in itself:
- Ujjwala Kashkari — Her passion for robotics and AI at Artiligent left an impression. We discussed how Brady UX’s user-centered design could potentially enhance her platforms, exploring ways to integrate design with AI solutions.
- Howard R. Jean — His talk on ethical AI and the ChatBlackGPT project struck a chord, and he made a powerful case for ethical resources. I didn’t fully capture my thoughts at the moment, but a later reflection helped me see potential areas for collaboration in digital experience and ethical AI.
- Pramod Vadrevu — Leading Dynos, an EdTech platform, Pramod showed me the importance of user-centered learning tools. We discussed a UX audit that could help his platform scale while enhancing educator-student engagement.
- Eden Ryan — A fellow Baltimore-based tech enthusiast, Eden and I bonded over our shared commitment to the local tech scene. We’re planning a coffee chat to discuss ways we can support each other’s work.
- Calvin Arterberry — Running Flowbot Forge, an AI solution for business automation, Calvin’s focus resonated with Brady UX’s dedication to scalable design. We talked about how user-centered design might complement his AI-driven processes.
- Ji Ho — At MOJO, Ji focuses on brand storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. We saw clear alignment between her storytelling and Brady UX’s design philosophy, and I’m looking forward to exploring ideas with her.
- Curt Gammer — Curt expressed interest in a website for his business, Sugarloaf Coin. Brady UX’s focus on user-centered platforms seems like a great fit to bring his vision to life.
- Andre Byers — Our brief chat opened the door to potential synergy between New Era Ventures and Brady UX’s design-focused digital experiences, which could create more significant impacts together.
- Angela Wyan — A memorable “lunch vibe” connection, Angela’s work scaling social impact is inspiring. We discussed potential collaborative areas where design could amplify her initiatives.
- Levern Currie — With her startup, Drivingo Inc., Levern is pioneering gesture-based ordering systems in fast food. We’re both eager to explore how Brady UX’s design expertise could elevate her product.
Despite some language barriers and moments of confusion, DCSTW was an invaluable experience. I made a conscious effort to introduce myself, engage thoughtfully, and forge connections. Now, I’m looking forward to following up and exploring how these connections might evolve, from simple partnerships to collaborative projects that blend design and technology in fresh ways. The journey from awkward introductions to meaningful connections was well worth every early start from Baltimore and every moment of uncertainty.
