SURF

Recently, I’ve become a member of SURF.  SURF (stands for Start Up Really Fast) describes itself as an incubator.  I tend to think of tech incubators as programs, such as Y Combinator, where startups are given advisers and ran through a program to prepare them to seek investors.  SURF is more of a community center for tech types in Seattle.  It offers drop in and rentable office space.  Further, representatives of local relevant professional services (venture, accounting, insurance, and legal) often offer educational sessions and discounted services.  But like I said, it really is working to be a community center for techies in Seattle.  Several times per week, various groups hold meetings on relevant technologies (e.g. Rails,  mobile, and Big Data).  And, just wondering around the space creates numerous opportunities to find help debugging an issue or brainstorming.

SURF is beginning to get a lot of attention around the city.  Recently, Mayor McGinn stopped by to talk to members.  Also, SURF founder, Seaton Gras was named one of Geekwire’s newsmakers of the year.  It is a great group to be involved with.

Links
Geekwire: http://www.geekwire.com/2012/newsmakers-2012-seaton-gras-surf-incubator/