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Partner Spotlight: InfoPathways – Allies and Advocates for Human IT

Exploring InfoPathways and their remarkable support

of FITCI and the entrepreneurs we serve!

This partnership, sparked by a referral, has blossomed into a powerful alliance, showcasing InfoPathways’ unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging businesses and fostering a vibrant, economically healthy community.

Theresa Bethune, founder of InfoPathways, connected with FITCI through one of our startup clients who sought InfoPathways’ expertise in setting up a secure network to protect their groundbreaking research. The introduction to FITCI CEO Kathie Callahan Brady marked the beginning of a dynamic partnership rooted in a shared vision: empowering entrepreneurs to build successful ventures.

As Callahan Brady puts it, “Being a startup entrepreneur, Theresa is driven to clear the path for those who follow. Her unique perspective—never forgetting where she came from—keeps her passion alive, no matter how established or successful her company becomes. She truly understands and appreciates what we’re trying to accomplish here.” Bethune’s dedication led her to volunteer with FITCI, eventually serving on our Board of Directors as treasurer.

InfoPathways played a pivotal role in bringing FITCI’s new entrepreneurial innovation center to life. This state-of-the-art facility, officially launched on July 18th, 2024, is a testament to incredible collaborative planning and construction efforts over the years. Bethune’s commitment was so profound that she joked about spending more time at FITCI than managing her own company!

As a key partner, InfoPathways generously donated most of the IT infrastructure for our new offices at 321 Ballenger Center Drive. Their contribution ensures that this Mid-Atlantic economic development leader is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Callahan Brady expresses deep gratitude for Bethune and InfoPathways’ steadfast dedication to building secure and scalable systems for our entrepreneurs.

Expertise & Commitment

Alec Schapiro, Account Manager, and Ravenna Roso, Marketing Manager, visited FITCI’s new center, Maryland’s EDGE at 321, for equipment review and staff training. Their expertise and commitment to customized IT solutions have been invaluable. “We are a collective of technology professionals who care about putting users first,” says Schapiro. “Our approach to IT goes beyond network setup—we handle everything from running cables to C-Suite consulting.”

As a Dell partner, InfoPathways ensures each user receives equipment tailored to their specific needs, avoiding the pitfalls of generic, quickly outdated technology. Their partnership with Microsoft also enhances security and integration, which is particularly vital for the life sciences sector. Roso emphasizes that InfoPathways’ extensive industry relationships uniquely position them to provide comprehensive support.

Schapiro highlights the importance of cybersecurity, noting, “When data is on a shared network, it introduces risks. For science and technology startups, this data is crucial to their success.” Many early-stage founders overlook cybersecurity, but InfoPathways’ holistic approach covers everything from consulting and system setups to SOP creation and disaster recovery planning. This ensures that as startups expand, their IT infrastructure evolves seamlessly with them.

Pathways to Future Growth

A standout feature of InfoPathways’ involvement is their ability to create segmented networks and secure Wi-Fi options for clients. This flexibility means startups can have their own protected network within FITCI’s broader infrastructure. “The way we’ve set up the labs, if a client needs their own network or system, we can just plug in a few components and activate it,” Schapiro explains.

Success stories from this partnership are plentiful. InfoPathways has guided numerous FITCI clients through the complexities of IT and cybersecurity, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth. Their support extends beyond technical expertise to include training employees on cybersecurity risks, fostering a culture of vigilance.

“InfoPathways embodies the spirit of innovation,” says Callahan Brady. “They are a true FITCI champion. Their dedication to creating enduring IT systems ensures our entrepreneurs are not only prepared for today’s challenges but also ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

For startups aiming to build a secure and scalable foundation, InfoPathways is an invaluable partner. To learn more about InfoPathways and their services, visit infopathways.com or tune into their podcast, IP Café by InfoPathways, on Spotify.

Empower a Brighter Future

Discover the benefits of joining FITCI’s pioneering entrepreneurial community as a Power Partner. Call 301-694-2999.