It's been a slow start for this group, because we wanted to do it right from the beginning in DC, VA and Maryland.  We will finally have some exciting content and events starting in August with partmers, sponsors and veteran lean startup members such as Womble Carlyle and Ben Willman.  Sorry for the wait, but we are going to tak Lean Startup from the beginning and beyond with exciting events, workshops, courses and other opportunities.

But until then, if you are available at 6:00pm today, one of our members, Judy Schramm, has suggested that you head over to DC to participate in a great event with an organization that some of you may already know, Founder Institute.  It's free and is a great opportunity for you to acquire some knowledge and support for your latest startup.

Judy is involved with the Founder Institute - it's an incubator with locations around the world that gives people a great way to kickstart a business and get connected with investors and mentors. 

The event on Thursday is a 3-hour pitching session where people can present their idea to the group, get feedback, meet the organizers, and learn about the incubator program. 

A reporter from the New York Times is scheduled to be there, so there's the chance of some extra publicity. 

You can register for free at http://fi.co/e/1341 and get more info.

Other Upcoming Events of Interest:

Lean Startup Machine DC:  Friday August 3 - Sunday August 5 - An intensive 3-day workshop on Lean Startup methodologies.  Learn more about Lean Startup Machine.  Learn more about the upcoming event.

MoDev Tablet:  September 13-15 - a mobile Development, UX/Designand Marketing conference about  keeping pace in the Tablet Era.  Join our conference partner MoDev DC and participate in this very timely event in  September.  More information - http://modevtablet.com/

Announcements, Initiatives and Opportunities:

As you may know, you are a part of a larger meetup group network, Just Dev It.  Ever since JDI's inception last year our goal has been to provide you with a unique type of meetup experience, promoting self empowerment, collaboration and education.    We wanted to provide the best content, presenters and follow-up continuing the conversation through workshops, study groups and other topic related events.

Well, after a little reset and thanks to support from key members of the group, I think you are going to like what's in store for the next phase of JDI.

The new and improved JDI and it's network of meetup groups will focus on Technology, Business, Design, andCollaboration even more so with the following initiatives in tow, Academy Zone and Meetup Central.

Can't let the cat out of the bag too much yet, but here is quick summary.

Academy Zone

"Academy" level educational courses focusing on Technology, Business and Design.  An evolution of what we have been doing all along. This time leveraging technology, real instructors, unique curriculum, support and a few other surprises.  We have instructors already lined up for development, design and lean start-up, more to follow.  Want to volunteer, let us know.

"Zone" - a dedicated, permanent place for all members to congregate for events, classes, co-working and collaboration.  A place where other meetup groups can call home and host events.  That's right, our previously announced shared space initiative.  To get started with this initiative sooner than later, we have come up with an interim solution, Zones for events and courses.

How about for starters unlimited access in the evenings and weekends in DC for under $100 a month? Don't want to be in DC, what about VA - starting at $99 monthly for partime access and $250 for unlimited with shuttle service from metro and other unique amenities.  Folks, one of these opportunities is available now, the other within another month or so.  A formal announcement and more info on these and other Zones for courses, shared space and events will be announced soon.

Meetup Central

Tired of getting those annoying meetup messages about new groups and events that are totally not interesting?  Don't want to waste anymore time going to events that may not be what you expected?  Meetup Central is not a replacement, but a supplement for Meetup.com, Eventbrite and others don't do so well, facilitate discovery,recommendation and follow-up of events and groups. Imagine a much more personal and social platform that keeps you informed about the meetup groups and events that you are interested in including news, media, slides and other content.  By adding Eventbrite, Google+, LinkedIn and other social network events to the mix, makes it even more complete. The first iteration of Meetup Central will be available towards the end of this month.  This is just the beginning for a better meetup experience.  Think reviews!  Think Social!  Think Follow-up!   Think finding the resources that you need!  Think more!

Well, there you have it.  This is what we have been up to for 2 months or so, and there is much more to come.

Would like to thank the following people who have supported these initiatives and the group in the past, currently and future.  I I missed a few, you know I am internally greatful for your continued support.

All of our members. All of our dedicated organizers Sahal Alarabi Lee Newcomb Mathew Weir Kyle Kaynak Ruben Mojica Zane Matthew Judy Schramm Iryna Mologoko Derek Harmel Kwasi Frye Peter Oliver-Krueger Sherif R. Fahmy Samir Damle Theo Rushin Jr. James Sweet Omar Uddin Many others 

See you at our next event this month.

Regards,

Tony