ARTICLE
Delaware is known as the state where everybody knows everybody. In reality, even in the Small Wonder, people need to network and meet new people, whether they’re new to the area or a lifelong Delawarean starting or growing a business. And, like anywhere, who you know can help you find the right collaborators, investors or the job you’re after. For the past four years, we at Technical.ly have been bringing you lists of promising startups in Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C. and Delaware. Now, we’re happy to introduce the next evolution in the RealLIST series: RealLIST Connectors, our roundup of folks working to build their local tech, entrepreneurship and innovation community by linking others with an eye toward future growth and inclusivity. In this list you’ll see many different initiatives that these leaders have started and organized, but there’s one thing that unites them: It’s not just about them. In the conversations we’ve had over the years, it’s become clear that they care about their city’s tech and business community, and about leaving it better for future generations. Many have had success at individual pursuits, but so often it’s the case that they realize they didn’t get there on their own. So now, they’re connecting others to help the cycle continue, whether that’s through organizing a meetup, heading an organization or going out of their way to make sure two people know each other. That’s how communities grow. This list was compiled with input from Technical.ly’s newsroom, including Delaware lead reporter Holly Quinn (hey!), editor Julie Zeglen and CEO Chris Wink. We solicited nominations from the community itself, but mainly, we referred back to our years of reporting on the local tech, entrepreneurship and innovation economies. What you see below is a peek into our source book. https://technical.ly/delaware/2020/05/28/reallist-connectors-meet-75-leaders-building-delaware-innovation-community/