[mtran]

If you applied to YC and weren't accepted this round, this may be a good option; there are similarities in the app process.

I grew up in Baltimore County and own a home in the city. My husband and I are moving back this summer, largely because of the emerging tech and startup environment and are SO excited about this project. There was a post about it here last month that I missed where people expressed concern re: the crime rate, The Wire etc

The reality is that most of the crime (violent and other) happens in specific areas of the city. I work with at-risk kids and have spent a lot of time in those neighborhoods during a period spanning nearly 20 years and will be happy to answer questions if anyone has concerns/questions about what's "real" about the Baltimore experience.But I want to reassure you here that you'd be unlikely to ever even see one of those areas unless you wanted to.

I own a home in Federal Hill http://bit.ly/hh93w2 , have also lived in Canton http://bit.ly/fa9y2C and Locust Point http://bit.ly/fCmbUZ , worked in Mt. Vernon http://bit.ly/dO1K2u and played (a lot!) in all of those places... and Fells Point http://bit.ly/eMEHDj ... and Hamden http://bit.ly/hjElbI ... and Little Italy http://bit.ly/eNQvzV ... Each of these neighborhoods is a great reason to consider Baltimore. If you are interested in learning more, shoot me a note.

I'm not affiliated w/ Startup City in anyway, but will be applying. I'm just sharing this because I think it's an awesome opp for those of us that were hoping for YC...