As lending from banks and venture capitalists shrinks, many entrepreneurs have turned to crowdfunding to launch their startups. Using Kickstarter and other sites can also offer a valuable way to test new ideas and get exposure for a new company. But getting money from strangers requires a lot of planning. 

You may have heard the name Wasabi Ventures a lot recently. The Silicon Valley venture capital firm has funded several Baltimore startups, thanks in no small part to its CEO's ties to Charm City. Learn more about Tom "TK" Kuegler. And yes, he's a fan of sushi.