GW calendar logoWhen Inrix CEO and founder Bryan Mistele left Microsoft in 2004, he thought his startup would be completely funded within a month. It took twelve months and 70 rejections from venture capitalists before his company finally took off.

“Venture capitalists all told us we would be crushed…now we are the leader,” he said.

Mistele will share insights from that rocky entrepreneurial journey on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at a special Startup Day Eastside warm-up event. GeekWire is partnering with 9Mile Labs and StepNW on this event, as we build up to GeekWire Startup Day, Jan. 30.

enteringstartuplSpeakers at the event will also include Bryan Trussel, Glympse CEO and former Director of Casual Games at Microsoft. GeekWire co-founder John Cook will be moderating the discussion, which will focus on transitioning from big companies to startups. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Nytec Product and Innovation Center, 416 6th St. S. in Kirkland.

A networking event will follow the panel discussion. All attendees will receive a 15% discount to Startup Day. RSVP for free 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.

SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft Exhibitspacex dragon

In 2012 the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft made headlines as the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and return it safely to Earth. Since its maiden voyage the Dragon has made the trip several times. Now, it will be on display at the Museum of Flight during a three-day exhibition of the past, present, and future of space travel.

Viewing the Dragon is free with museum admission. More information is available here.

When and where: Jan. 17, 10 a.m. – Jan. 19, Museum of Flight, Seattle.

Smart Gun Symposiumsmartgunsymposium

The events of the past few weeks (if not the past decade) highlight the importance of an active and engaged dialogue about gun control. Though the issue can become bogged down and complicated when addressed legislatively, there is room for innovation in the private sector.

That’s the premise of this symposium, aimed at brainstorming ways technology can make guns safer. “It wouldn’t be the first time that technology has solved an intractable societal issue,” write event organizers. “Automobile deaths over the past thirty years have been reduced by over 50 percent thanks in part to a variety of new technology from airbags, to rear end video cameras, to smart ignition switches that can detect alcohol. Technology may once again provide the answers in the quest to resolve one of our national’s most controversial societal issues.”

Guests can register for $25 – $45 here.

When and where: Jan. 28, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Washington Athletic Club, Seattle. 

wit logo

Women in Tech: Leap Stories

Despite great strides toward gender balance, jumping into the tech world can still seem daunting for some women. That’s why Seattle group Women in Tech has organized an event for women who’ve already made the plunge to share their stories. Guests will hear from CEOs entrepreneurs, developers and other members of the Seattle tech community.

Tickets are available for $10 here and all proceeds will benefit AAUW’s Tech Trek science and math camp for girls.

When and where: Jan. 29, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. TUNE, Seattle.

han_solo_fullStar Wars Exhibit at EMP

Join fellow Star Wars fans at the opening of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume. Princess Leia’s iconic gold bikini, Queen Amidala’s royal finery, Darth Vadar’s mask, and more costumes from the trilogy will be on display. Presale tickets are on sale for $24 – $30 here.

When and where: Jan. 30 – Oct. 4. EMP, Seattle.

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