Newsletter 2: April 2025
This month, GenAI DC kept the momentum going with thought-provoking events, fresh faces, and big conversations about tech, policy, and AI. Here's a look at our recent past and exciting future.
Upcoming events
DMV Climate-Tech Funders Happy Hour | Wednesday, April 2
AI Power Hour GenAI Collective x Prefect | Thursday, April 3
She’s in Tech Social no.2 | Saturday, April 5
AI, LLMs, ML and Data Meetup | Thursday, April 10
Notion AI: template workshop | Saturday, April 12 (only a few spots remaining!)
AI Insiders Roundtable | Wednesday, April 16
Washington DC Tech + Startups Social | Wednesday, April 16
Defense Tech 002 | Tuesday, April 22
Forecasting AI Futures | Sunday, April 27
AI Safety Legislation Workshop | Sunday, April 27
AI Lightning Talks (link TBD) | Wednesday, April 23
AITalks 2025 | Thursday, April 24
Check out Nate Burola’s list for additional events this month.
Lastly, keep an eye out for additional details on a special event for DC’s Climate Week (April 20 - May 2).
In the news
Catherine McMillan, leader of DC’s GenAI Collective Chapter and DC Tech Parties was featured in Business Insider this week to discuss DC’s surging tech scene.
DC is on track to become a top tier tech hub. DC’s venture scene is heating up, with firms like Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst setting up shop and the city launching a $26M public-private fund. Now ranked 5th nationally, the ecosystem is gaining momentum thanks to local angels, accelerators, and fresh founder energy.
Defense is DC’s hottest startup sector. Startups in the DMV are on the rise, with defense tech at the forefront. Proximity to federal agencies, a flood of new VC attention, and a friendlier contracting environment are giving local founders a strategic edge.
March Events - Exploring AI’s Future and Global Governance
March was a whirlwind of AI exploration and dialogue. Here's a recap of the events that sparked conversations and connections.
Inside Global AI Diplomacy with The Simon Institute. We hosted a casual happy hour featuring Max and Konrad, co-founders of The Simon Institute, a Geneva-based think tank dedicated to international AI governance. Attendees gained behind-the-scenes insights into the development of global AI policies, including the formation of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and ongoing dialogues with international stakeholders.
Another soirée for the books. Our second AI Soirée of the year brought together a diverse group for an evening centered on AI futurism—exploring not just what’s possible, but what’s preferable in an AI-shaped world.
Recap 1: AI soirée — dystopia or utopia?
In our first-ever Substack live, GenAI DC chapter Operations lead Anna D’Aprile joins DC chapter Creative Director and host of DC Decoded, Sam Li to recap the chapter’s most recent event: AI soirée — dystopia or utopia?
Through curated roundtable conversations, guests explored the philosophical, ethical, and technical forces shaping AI’s trajectory.
No idea was off-limits as we unpacked dreams, disasters, and everything in between—and reflected on our own role in steering what’s next.
DC Decoded: Wolf Ruzicka and Erica Shoemate
We dropped two standout episodes this month exploring the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and AI policy in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Ep 4: AI trust and safety with Erica Shoemate
AI policy expert Erica Shoemate joins the show to discuss: (1) AI’s role in national security and responsible governance (2) her experience at major tech companies and lessons in AI governance (3) the unique aspects of AI policy work in DC, and much more!
AI policy expert Erica Shoemate joined DC Decoded to talk national security, responsible AI governance, and what sets DC’s policy landscape apart. Drawing on her experience from the FBI to Big Tech, she shares lessons from shaping industry standards now used by companies like Meta and Google.
Ep. 3: ‘AI Driven’ with Wolf Ruzicka
It’s a question that seasoned technologist and serial entrepreneur Wolf Ruzicka has been pondering for some time, over 25 years to be exact. In this episode of “DC Decoded” Sam talks with Wolf about the book he co-wrote: “AI Driven: Staying Alive in the Age of Digital Darwinism
Technologist and entrepreneur Wolf Ruzicka joins the show to discuss his book AI Driven, the evolution of AI over the past 25 years, and why it’s not a cure-all for business challenges. He also shares insights on DC’s growing tech scene and how it uniquely intersects with policy.
And that’s a wrap. See you next month!