Startup Grind Seattle hosts a monthly speaker series focusing on entrepreneurial experiences. This month’s speaker is Nick Soman, a Seattle native whose first startup, Reveal Chat, drew millions of users and was acquired by Rhapsody International last year.
After studying at Stanford and Harvard Business School, Soman faced a huge personal hurdle, contracting Guillain Barre Syndrome which left him completely paralyzed. Soman had to learn to walk, speak and perform basic functions before forging ahead as an entrepreneur. Following a year as a senior product manager at Amazon, Soman founded Reveal, an anonymous chat app that grew rapidly, eventually adding 50,000 new users per day and drew the attention of Rhapsody International.
Soman will speak on Feb. 25 during Startup Grind’s monthly meetup from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Galvanize in Pioneer Square. Tickets are available for $17 here.
That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.
Fundamentals for Startups Fridays: Contacting Customers and Capital Raising
What: “CoMotion Incubator is a collaborative hub for students, faculty, staff, and the local innovation community. We host many networking, educational, and social events providing the opportunity to mindshare with and inspire startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in the UW family…These workshops will give startups, teams and students a chance to learn practical knowledge, as well as provide hands-on training, and networking opportunities with professionals in various branches of business.”
Where: CoMotion Incubator, University of Washington.
When: Feb. 19, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Register: To RSVP, register here.
Keeping Small Businesses Healthy
What: “Running a small business can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to finances. If you’ve got questions about how to review your numbers, how to prepare your taxes on your own, or want to know how to best vet a consultant who can do the work for you, we’re here to help. Join the WTIA and a panel of finance experts for an interactive workshop designed to give tech startups and small businesses the practical tips and tricks you need to strengthen your business.”
Where: Galvanize Seattle- Pioneer Square
When: Feb. 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Register: Tickets are available here, Free for WTIA members and $25 for nonmembers.
Cloud Security Alliance Chapter Meeting
What: “Join us for a Panel discussion from industry experts on SaaS and Security and Compliance issues and resolutions…Attending the Meeting and enjoying the Pizza/Sandwiches is Free, but please register on our site below so we know how much food and drink to provide.”
Where: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
When: Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Register: To RSVP, register here.
In Their Own Words: Stories of Underrepresented Voices in Tech
What: “Join us for an evening with speakers from an array of diverse backgrounds answering the question “What does inclusivity mean to you?” We’ll explore themes such as unconscious bias and hear from speakers firsthand about defining moments in their careers, their day to day experiences, and what could make the workplace a more inclusive place. Ticket proceeds to benefit the Technology Access Foundation.”
Where: Organized by Women in Tech at WeWork Holyoke, Seattle.
When: Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Register: Tickets are available here for $10.
Mobile World Congress
What: Although not in the Pacific Northwest, the Mobile World Congress is “the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, organised by the GSMA, & held in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona” Follow the MWC news here.
Where: Barcelona, Spain.
When: Feb. 22 – 25
Items for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for geeky gatherings and technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest.
