Meet ETC and EcoMap's new leaders

Newsletter for January 23, 2024

Hey Baltimore! Maybe I'll see you at Guilford Hall Brewery for Equitech Tuesdays this evening? According to an email from Kory Bailey, the plan is to "keep the energy high" following the Ravens win last weekend. You'll see some information about a special edition of that event later on in today's newsletter. In today's coverage, you'll also see a leadership shift for one of Baltimore Development Corporation's ventures.

Oh, and not tech- but Baltimore-related: A pop star might be in Baltimore for this weekend's AFC Championship game? Can any Baltimore Swifties confirm?

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

Arti Santhanam has been appointed the new executive director of the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC Baltimore). Santhanam, who previously served as the executive director of TEDCO's Maryland Innovation Initiative, aims to develop concrete plans for ETC's collaboration with TEDCO (which is, full disclosure, a Technical.ly client) and ETC's parent Baltimore Development Corporation. She plans to leverage her expertise in startups, venture capital and life sciences to understand and address the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage. In the initial 30 to 60 days, Santhanam intends to engage with ecosystem partners, seeking to identify gaps and opportunities to support entrepreneurs' success.

➡️ Find out more about this story in my full report here.

PwC's 27th Annual Global CEO Survey, titled "Thriving in an age of continuous reinvention," revealed that 45% of CEOs believe their companies would last fewer than ten years without adapting to changes in their business model. The survey, conducted with 4,702 CEOs, highlights the importance of embracing change in the face of evolving technology, climate change and geopolitical challenges. Key priorities for company leaders include addressing climate change, adapting to artificial intelligence and navigating a dynamic business landscape.

➡️ Find out more about this story in our coverage.

• According to an email from Jay Nwachu, President and CEO of Innovation Works Baltimore, a set of Innovation Works alumni will appear on "Shark Tank" this Friday. Check our coverage later this week to find out who. [Innovation Work Baltimore]

• California-based public company PowerSchool has acquired Baltimore-area education finance firm Allovue. BBJ reports that the acquisition may strengthen PowerSchool's financial management tools for school districts. [Baltimore Business Journal]

• Check out this episode of Charm City Dreamers, in which Kevin Carter of EcoMap Technologies discussed the inspiration behind the company and its role as a platform for entrepreneurs, small businesses and students to access curated information and foster community connections. [Charm City Dreamers]

• Womble Bond Dickinson has appointed Newt Fowler, a former chairman of the Maryland Technology Development Corp., to lead its Baltimore office. The BBJ reported that Fowler believes that Baltimore's federal tech hub designation will benefit Womble, especially as more biotech companies choose to remain in the city. [Baltimore Business Journal]

• Innovation Works Baltimore announced the appointment of Eric Johnson as its new director of programs. His background lies in program development, community outreach, crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. [Innovation Works]